- Dimensión Latina
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The Dimensión Latina is one of the more famous and representative Salsa music and Latin bands from Venezuela, and one of the remarkable names in the early history of Salsa in the American continent. It was founded on March 15 1972 in Caracas, Venezuela, by six young musicians: Jose “Joseíto” Rodriguez (musical director and timbales player), pianist Jesus Narvaez, the trombonists César “Albóndiga” Monjes and José Antonio “Rojitas” Rojas, the congas player Elio Pacheco and a vocalist that would soon become one of the more popular and influent singer and musician in the history of Latin music in the American continent: the singer and bass player Oscar D'León.
Two years after its foundation, the singer Wladimir Lozano joined the group. Bearer of a singularly sweet voice, naturally talented for singing Boleros, Wladimir would form with Oscar D'León one of the most memorable duets in Latin music. The singers Argenis Carrullo, Rodrigo Mendoza and Andy Montañez were also notable members of Dimensión Latina.
In its long musical career, Dimensión Latina has earned numerous awards and trophies. Its fame and influence, characterized by the innovation and high quality of their powerful and elaborate choruses and unique arrangements, very quickly handed over the Venezuelan border, earning great success in its debut in New York in the "Salsa International" Festival in the Madison Square Garden (1977), and rapidly becoming one of the most popular salsa bands in Central and South America as well as in many cities in the United States and Europe.
Among the national and international awards that Dimensión Latina has received are: in Venezuela: Six (6) "MERIDIANO DE ORO", two (2) "GUAICAIPURO DE ORO", three (3) "MUSA DE ORIENTE", three (3) "MARA DE ORO" and one (1) "MARA DE PLATINO". In Colombia: two (2) "CONGO DE ORO". In Panamá: one (1) "BUHO DE ORO".
It is estimated that Dimensión Latina has sold about 30 million Discs, and counts more than 3000 live presentations during its long and productive history.
Sources
- Corresponding article in the Spanish-language Wikipedia
- http://www.ladimensionlatina.com/historia.htm
- http://www.oscardleon.com
- Un Viaje por La Dimensión Latina - Herencia Latina - Pictures, History, Discography, References in Spanish
- Book: El vinculo es la salsa - By Juan Carlos Baez
- A History of Latin-American Popular Music
- Book: Situating Salsa - Global Markets and Local Meanings in Latin Popular Music - By Lise Waxer
- Book: The City of Musical Memory - By Lise Waxer
- Book: The Rough Guide to Cuban Music - By Philip Sweeney
- Book: World Music: The Rough Guide - By Frederick Dorian and others
- Oscar d'Leon - El sonero del mundo - SalsaFrance.com
- BBC - Radio 3 - World - Guide to World Music: Venezuela
Categories:- Salsa music
- Venezuelan musical groups
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