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SONSUBLIME (CUBAN CHARANGA ORCHESTRA)

SonSublime is a Cuban Charanga orchestra based in the New York City area, playing the classic styles of Danzón, Cha-Cha-Cha and Son. SonSublime embraces these classic styles and enhances them with a fresh, energetic sound adored by young and mature dancers alike.

Jesse Herrero, born in Santiago de Cuba, has led the band to new heights while maintaining the classical traditions of his native land. Herrero's singing career began with Mike Perez, one of the key members of SonSublime. In 1972 Jesse joined forces with Mike and his band, Tipica New York. In 1973, legendary, virtuoso Felix (Pupi) Legarretta, violinist, flautist, composer, arranger and a member of the Fania All Stars recruited Jesse into his band, Pupi y Su Charanga.

With the support of his friends, club owners and promoters, in 1975, Jesse Herrero launched his exciting young swinging Charanga band in New York City, under the name Sublime. The “Big Apple” falls in love with Sublime’s sound. In 1977 Jesse received a recording contract from TR Records, whose owner was the late Tito Rodriguez, a legendary singer and orchestra leader. Their first hit "Coqueta" put Sublime on top of the New York City Latin music scene. In 1979 Sublime recorded with TTH Recording Inc. (Ten Top Hits) bringing another radio hit by Herrero’s composition “El Mujeriego”.

Sublime became well established in the music industry. Cuban singer and businessman, Roberto Torres decided to record Jesse Herrero’s Sublime with his label SAR - Guajiro Records. Under SAR - Guajiro Records, Roberto Torres produced “Simplemente” Sublime and “Masitas de Pollo”, another song written by Jesse Herrero, was born. After ten glorious years of bringing great Charanga music to the scene, Jesse officially dissolved the band in 1985 to pursue other interests in the world of finance.

Fifteen years later in the year 2000, after much encouragement from musicians and friends, the group reformed as SonSublime. In March 2001, Jesse Herrero’s own recording label, LASEMCo., released its first recording "Irresistible” under the new name, SonSublime. This was followed by their second recording, the classic "Gran Reserva”, which was released in October 2002.

On May 6, 2006 LASEMCo. released SonSublime's third CD entitled "Bailando con SonSublime”.

Numerous clubs in New York City, including Webster Hall, Bongo, West Gate Lounge, Winners Circle, S.O.B’s, Club Tribecca and The Wild Palm, host and continue to host SonSublime. Former venues include La Maganette, La Belle Epoque, Nells, Le Bar Bat, The Village Underground and Noche. Albert Torres, promoter and founder of the International Salsa Congress on the West Coast hosts SonSublime in California. The orchestra performed at numerous festivals including The Hudson River Festival, El Festival Latino by Music in the Air in Columbus, Ohio and the Cityfolk Festival in Dayton, Ohio and the annual La Fiesta del Mamoncillo. SonSublime performed at Lincoln Center’s outdoor concert, Mid-Summer Night Swing. They have also appeared in concert at Town Hall in Manhattan and at Lasdon Park & Arboretum in Somers, New York.

SonSublime maintains the rhythmic foundation of the original Cuban Son combined with intricate arrangements and orchestration to create an energetic, robust New York City sound that relates to all Latin American cultures. "My objective is to keep the Cuban Charanga tradition alive for dancers all over the world", says Herrero. By preserving the essence of this Cuban musical style, SonSublime is also committed to educating music aficionados of all ages and cultures. They invite you to join them in this noble effort.

SonSublime’s orchestration is as follows:

The strong rhythm section is anchored by veteran Gilberto Suarez, pianist and former leader of the Hi-Latins and La Tipica Ideal Orchestras. Bassist, Marino Solano, was previously a member El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Rafael Cortijo, Primitivo Santos, Roberto Torres' S.A.R. All Stars, Charanga De La 4, Orquestra Broadway and Jose Fajardo.

Joining this solid rhythm section are original band members from Jesse Herrero’s previous band, Sublime. Joe Gonzalez on Conga drums is veteran of the group Saoco. Manuel Rivera on Timbales and Bongos, began his music career playing Bongo in a Latin workshop band in 1973, which eventually became Orquesta Yambú. Jesse Herrero, besides leading the band, adds an essential component to the rhythm section with the Cuban guiro and is also one of the lead vocalists.

On violin is Dr. Mike Perez, native of La Habana, Cuba. Mike Perez earned his Doctorate from the University of Texas and was also the founder of Tipica New York. He has been a member of Orquesta Aragón, Broadway and Charanga '76. Joining Mike Perez on violin is Colombian born Oscar Hernandez. Mr. Hernandez was raised in Venezuela where he obtained a Masters Degree in Music Education. He is also an accomplished classical musician.

New York born flutist, Connie Grossman earned a BFA in Flute Performance and a MAT in Music Education. She has performed throughout the U.S. and abroad and has studied and performed in Cuba. She performs as a Latin jazz and classical soloist, and during her career has recorded with Yomo Toro, Charanson, The Latin Jazz Coalition, Companhia das Musicas, and Pasión. In SonSublime’s recordings, Grossman demonstrates superb technical ability and a command of the Cuban genre that few flautists possess.

Gilberto Velasquez joins Jesse Herrero on vocals. Mr. Velasquez was born in New York and is of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent. Gilberto has a remarkable range as a vocalist that adds great strength to SonSublime’s vocal section. The song “Mi Charanga” on Bailando con SonSublime’s CD was composed by Gilberto Velazquez. Gilberto and Jesse’s harmony creates the unique and attractive sound of SonSublime

VIDEOS

SONSUBLIME LIVE AT THE COPACABANA IN NYC

SONSUBLIME LIVE AT LQ NIGHT CLUB IN NYC

more videos

SONSUBLIME - BAILANDO CON SONSUBLIME (2006)

A style of Cuban music characterized by the universality of its sensual lyrics, its rich instrumentation - the flute, violins, a strong rhythm section consisting of piano, bass, conga drums, timbales, Cuban Guiro and solid vocals

Jesse Herrero Leader, director, producer, vocalist, cuban guiro and clave
Gilberto Velasquez Vocalist
Ronnie Baro Invited vocalist
Ali Bello Violinist and viola
David Rimelis Violinist & viola
Sam Bardfeld Violinist
Mike Perez Violinist
Jennifer Vincent Cello
Joe Gonzalez Congas, Quinto, Bata Drum, & Shekere
Manuel Rivera Timbalero, Bongosero, & Bata Drum
Connie Grossman Flute
Alfredito Valdes Jr. Invited pianist
Gilberto Suarez Piano
Marino Solano Baby bass
Luis Rodriguez Invited tres player