TEAM V.I.P. by Leonel "Papo" Marquez

Team VIP is a project that Cuban producer and musician Luis “Papo” Márquez visualized. The concept is the fusion of music from the salsa, pop, and jazz genres into a unique, urban, elegant body of work, performed by top musicians and vocalists from the fields involved.

“De Corazón a Corazón” is the title for this first album that unites great performers like Justo Betancourt, Arturo Sandoval, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Roberto Roena, Giovanni Hidalgo, Nelson Arrieta and Ed Calle among others. These world class artists contribute their unique talent and passion for their craft to this excellent project and it comes through in the resulting work of art.

The twelve songs that compose this singular work contain as different musical categories as Guaracha to R&B, Flamenco to Latin Jazz, Salsa to Pop, as well as Rumba, Funk and a steady dose of Afro-Cuban Rhythms. They are all here, fused into a marvelous oleo of sound that will tickle a your fancy. All but two of the compositions are new and written by “Papo” Marquez. The other two are excellent versions of Ismael Miranda’s hit “Pa’ Bravo Yo”, the vocals reprised here by it’s original voice, Justo Betancourt in a completely rearranged version; and Ruben Blades “Tengan Fe”, here performed by Nelson Arrieta.

Luis “Papo” Márquez (Producer; Trumpet; Vocals) began his musical career in Cuba and at the age of 19 emigrated to Venezuela where he started his international career. In 1998, he settled in Miami.

As a trumpet player, he has performed with Jon Secada, Jaci Velásquez, Bacilos, Willy Chirino, Oscar D’ León, Celia Cruz, Luis Enrique, Jerry Rivera, Biella Da Costa, Cheo Feliciano and Guaco, among others.

Since 1998, he has focused more and more into production and composition. As a producer, he received the Grammy Award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album for his production of Willy Chirino’s “Son del Alma” in 2005. Márquez just produced the latest album for Cuban percussionist José Luis Quintana “Changuito,” the Father of Songo, entitled “Telegrafía Sin Hilo,” among other independent projects. Papo produced and arranged “De Corazon a Corazon” as well as sings and plays trumpet in Team VIP.

Listening to the classic Justo Betancourt’s voice, be amazed with virtuoso Gonzalo Rubalcaba, shudder with Arturo Sandoval’s solo, enjoying Ed Calle’s Bop, clapping along to Roberto Roena’s performance, and of course dancing with Giovanni Hidalgo’s rumba are only some of the emotions that Team VIP’s “De Corazón a Corazón” will produce in fans and music lovers everywhere. It’s a real collector’s item!

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Arturo Sandoval - Considered by worldwide critics as one of the most important and talented trumpet players of all time. He has amassed 4 Grammy Awards, 6 Billboard Awards and one Emmy. The prodigious Trumpeter has had his life made into film.

Gonzalo Rubalcaba –Cuban pianist considered by jazz critics as one of the best in the world. His versatility lets him flow smoothly from mainstream jazz to afro-cuban rhythms. He has to his credit 8 Grammy nominations and 2 awards, as well as 23 solo albums.

Roberto Roena – A Puerto Rican music legend. One of the original founding members of “El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico” and lifetime member of the Fania All Stars. He later formed “Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound,” one of the most successful salsa bands from PR.

Justo Betancourt – The well-known Cuban singer became an international figure when he joined the Fania All Stars and was the lead vocalist in the hits “El que sabe, sabe”, “Los dinámicos”, and his smash hit “Pa’ bravo yo.” In Puerto Rico, he founded “Borincuba,” a very popular orchestra on the Island. Some critics consider Betancourt an avant-garde exponent of Caribbean sound.

Giovanni Hidalgo – Talented Puerto Rican who has obtained the title as “Best Conga Player in the world.” His virtuous talent had taken him in a successful career in the Salsa as well as Latin Jazz genres. His quick moves and skills as a modern percussionist are well known all over the world.

Ed Calle – A world class saxophone player who has recorded in over 75 CDs ranging from Frank Sinatra to Gloria Estefan and Bob James to Vanessa Williams as well as having 6 solo albums. His album “Ed Calle Plays Santana” received a Grammy nomination on 2005. He has performed around the world with Jon Secada, Arturo Sandoval, Julio Iglesias, Bob James and Bobby Caldwell among many others artists.
 

TEAM V.I.P. - DE CORAZON A CORAZON (2007)

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