FRANKIE MORALES - radio vinilemania web-radio Latin - Jazz

FRANKIE MORALES (SALSA SINGER)

Efraín “Frankie” Morales is an artist who has perfected his craft with every stop along the way of his career. This recording is proof!
This talented vocalist has sharpened and shaped his sound for most of his life, starting on the streets of “El Barrio”, New York City’s Spanish Quartet, and climaxing now on the stages of the world.
His Mom sent him to Boys Harbor Conservatory in East Harlem to study voice and percussion after she realized the raw power and talent that her son displayed singing his “Sala Concerts”, those first performances for the family at home that give birth to, and nurture the entertainers of the future. At the age of fourteen, he sang backup for Latin legend, Joe Bataan. By fifteen he was singing with Hector Lavoe, and this opened other doors. Over the next few years, he would sing backup and coros for artist such as Ismael Rivera, Ismael Miranda, Celia Cruz, Pellin Rodriguez and Cheo Feliciano, Conjunto Clasico, Luis “ Perico “ Ortiz, Henry Fiol, Ralphy Santi, Jose Mangual, Joe Cuba.. “I learned a lot during this time…inspirations, how to always sound your best, even when your voice may not be at its’ best”.
Meeting José Pintor, who also played with Joe Bataan, gave Frankie the opportunity to record his first album, “Sabor Del Barrio”. Soon after, he started recording hits with the group Bad Street Boys. This was an association that would continue for almost five years.
There was still room to grow for Mr. Morales. Growth comes to a Salsero through “work, work and more work”. So when the Lebron Brothers needed someone to record in place of a sick vocalist, it was Franki who did the recording. Caiman Record then produced two albums featuring him as a solo artist, entitled “Frankie Morales: En Su Punto” and “Standing Out”. These two albums exposed Frank to greater audiences and enhanced both his experience and reputation. This would lead him to being an invited independent vocalist with “The Fania All-Stars”and Louie Ramirez..
Frankie spent a year singing back-up for Tito Nieves. The notoriety he gained singing for Tito Nieves also brought opportunity as well. With a recommendation from Ralph Mercado, Frankie was offered a job of Lead Singer for the orchestra of “El Rey Del Timbal, Ernest “Tito” Puente. This “gig” would not only be the ultimate training, but also the ultimate feature for Frankie Morales, as he traveled around the world with Maestro Puente, singing for people of all cultures. Even now after “El Rey’s” passing, Frankie Morales still continues to play Tito Puentes music.
1988 was a real “indicator” as to how much Frankie Morales had grown as an artist. That same year, he was a featured vocalist on Caiman Records’ ACE Awards winning recording “Son Boricua®” and with Jimmy Bosch “ Salsa Dura “.. This production gave Frankie a platform to show his versatility, as he tore into the world of Latin Jazz. Frankie was a featured Lead Vocalist on “The Caiman All-Stars”. Frankie next recorded “Dancemania 99” live from Club Birdland with Puente’s Orchestra. “Dancemania 99” was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Some of Frankie’s “finest hours” had to be the recording of “Tito Puente Mambo Birdland” and “Masterpiece”, Puente’s final album and collaboration with “The Great” Eddie Palmieri, which both won Grammy Awards. Frankie has now recorded with Muziq Inc. Records under the Producer Ernie Acevedo. So now that you know about Frankie Morales’ hard work and history, it is time to learn a bit about what is within this vocalist’s heart. And as you listen to his recent recording “Frankie Morales and Mambo of Times” you will wonder why you feel like dancing, you’ll know exactly what Frankie brings “to the people”: rhythm for the dancers, and through his voice, the passion of a true Cantante.

FRANKIE MORALES AND MAMBO OF THE TIMES ORCHESTRA - A TODA VELOCIDAD (2007)

MANY THANKS TO NELSON RODRIGUEZ

Eddie Montalvo Congas
Vinnie Montalvo Bongo and bell
Sergio "Chino" Ramos Timbales
Joaquin Diaz Piano
Danny Rosado Bass
Orlando Peña Trombone
Al Acosta Tenor sax
Carmen Laboy Baritone sax
Guido Gonzales Trumpet
Ray Vega Trumpet
Frankie Morales Voz
Invited Guests: Dave Valentin Yamaha flute
Alfredo De La Fe 5 string violin
Richie Bastar Bongo and bell
Pablo "Chino" Nuñez Timbales
Kevin Rodriguez Piano
Victor Santos Piano
Maximo Rodriguez Bass
Jr. Rivera Tres
Willie Ruiz, Gilbert Velasquez, Eddie Rosado, Jenny Colon, Ernie Acevedo Coros