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Draft:La Evolución Salsa Band

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La Evolución (pronounced [la ‘eh-boh-loo-syohn], Spanish for "the Evolution") is an Latin American salsa band from Bridgeport, Connecticut. The band members were only interested in creating original Latin Salsa music; which were a fusion of the following influences from Latin Salsa, Jazz, R&B, and Disco music. Established in 1969 by Ozzie Muniz, band will go on to have many players over the years.

La Evolución’s ultimate goal was to bring their musical productions on vinyl. In the band’s later years, they had collaborated with Fania All-Star member and Cautro legend Yomo Toro to record their first LP album, titled “Musica Para El Mundo Entero” in 1982; (album will be re-released in 2011 in CD format).[1] Playing with Yomo Toro helped La Evolución bring their dream into a reality.

The band have played at numerous musical venues around Bridgeport Metro area (local Radio Station WCUM Radio Cumbre, Seaside bandshell, ABCD hosted music festival, etc.) and throughout the state of Connecticut (Hartford, UConn, Radio Stations, etc.). Some performances included the 1982 Arts Alive Festival in downtown Bridgeport.[2] In 1984, the band would give their last performance and was honored to perform next to one of the best Salsa bands of Puerto Rico, El Gran Combo.

In 2013, La Evolución would hold a reunion performance, celebrating 30 year anniversary of their album release and it was also a tribute to their dear friend the legendary Yomo Toro, who passed away the year prior (June 30, 2012)[3].

History

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1969–71: Formation

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Name Role Notes
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Freddy Cuzman Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Johnny Castro Bongos
Milton Martinez Timbales
Frankie Castro Trumpet
Willie Castro Trombone
Tito Camacho Trombone
Fredrico Coro/Vocals
Ozzie Muniz Coro/Vocals Founder & Manager
Willie Ortega Lead Vocals
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Jamie Congas

1972–74: Changes

[edit]
Name Role Notes
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Edwin Hernandez Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Eddie Menendez Congas
Johnny Castro Bongos
Nelson Alicea Trumpet
Hector Mendoza Trumpet
Tito Camacho Trumpet
Willie Castro Trombone
Victor “Bird” Sanchez Trombone
Ozzie Muniz Coro/Vocals Founder & Manager
Efrain Irizarry Lead Vocals
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Jose Rivera Lead Vocals
Ishmael Pomales Sax

1975–77: Changes

[edit]
Name Role Notes
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Edwin Hernandez Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Johnny Rios Congas
Peter Baez Bongos
Nelson Alicea Trumpet
Hector Mendoza Trumpet
Tito Camacho Trumpet
Willie Castro Trombone
Peter Perez Trombone
Ozzie Muniz Coro/Vocals Founder & Manager
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Tony Napoli Flute
Mike Roach Sax
Bill Cox Trombone

1978–80: Changes

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Name Role Notes
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Rafael “Red” Rosado Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Louis Carrasquillio Congas
Peter Baez Bongos
George Brown Trumpet
Mike Roach Sax/Flute
Bill Cox Trombone
Jimmy “Brizo” Garcia Trombone
Peter Perez Trombone
Edwin Olivieri Coro/Guitarra
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Adrian Perez Manager *Coro
Mike Alyala Agent

1981–84: Changes & Recording

[edit]
Name Role Notes
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Rafael “Red” Rosado Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Louis Carrasquillio Congas
Peter Baez Bongos
Mark Richardson Trumpet
Jimmy “Brizo” Garcia Trombone
Peter Perez Trombone
Adrian Perez Manager *Coro
Edwin Olivieri Coro/Guitarra
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Edgar Velazquez Coro Joined after album recording
Pedro Reyes Trombone Joined after album recording
Ray Trumpet Joined after album recording
Victor Piano Joined after album recording

Band Members during album recording

[edit]
Name Role
Walberto “Robert” Malines Timbales
Rafael “Red” Rosado Piano
Nelson Rivera Bass
Louis Carrasquillio Congas
Peter Baez         Bongos
Mark Richardson   Trumpet
Jimmy “Brizo” Garcia Trombone
Peter Perez Trombone
Edwin Olivieri Coro/Vocals
Edwin Rivera Lead Vocals
Adrian Perez Manager
Featuring Yomo Toro Legendary Cuatro player

          Discography

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Album[4]

Yomo Toro con La Evolución: Musica Para El Mundo Entero

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·       Track 1 >  Música Para El Mundo Entero

·       Track 2 >  Yomo Y La Evolución

·       Track 3 >  La Vi Por Primera Vez

·       Track 4 >  Just The Way You Are

·       Track 5 >  La Cuesta De Josefina

·       Track 6 >  Popurri Sentimental

·       Track 7 >  Sangre Latina

·       Track 8 >  Alma Llanera

·       Track 9 >  Virgencita

·       Track10 > A Nuestro Señor

La Evolución
Also known as La Orquesta Evolución (1969–1970)
Origin Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1969-1984, 2013
Past members
  • Edwin Rivera
  • Nelson Rivera
  • Edwin Olivieri
  • Peter Perez
  • Adrian Perez
  • Peter Baez
  • Louis Carrasquillo
  • Walberto “Robert” Malines
  • Rafael “Red” Rosado
  • Mark Richardson
  • Jimmy "Brizo" Garcia
  • Peter Reyes
  • Bill Cox
  • George Brown
  • Mike Roach
  • Mike Alyala
  • Edwin Hernandez
  • Johnny Castro
  • Eddie Melendez
  • Johnny Rios
  • Willie Castro
  • Hector Medoza
  • Nelson Alicea
  • Tito Camacho
  • Victor Sanchez
  • Efrain Irizarry
  • Freddy Cuzman
  • Milton Martinez
  • Frankie Castro
  • Willie Ortega
  • Ozzie Muńiz
  • Pedro Reyes
  • Edgar Velazquez
  • Victor
  • Fredrico
  • Jamie
  1. ^ Música Para El Mundo Entero, 4 June 2020, retrieved 2023-12-09
  2. ^ "Orquesta Evolucion: Bpt Ct Arts Festival 1982". Bridgeport Connecticut Arts Festival 1982. May 14, 2012.
  3. ^ "Yomo Toro, King of the Cuatro, Dead at 78". July 2, 2012. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Música Para El Mundo Entero, 4 June 2020, retrieved 2023-12-09