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Wayne GorbeaAmerican salsa musician, pianist, percussionist, producer, arranger
Date of Birth: 22.10.1950
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Wayne Gorbea: Salsa Legend from the Bronx
- Military Service and Piano Proficiency
- Return to New York and Formation of Orquestra Cuda
- Conjunto Salsa and Debut Album
- Exploring Charanga and Formation of WayneGo Productions
- Dedication and Success with Conjunto Salsa
- Departure of Key Members and Restructuring
- "El condimento" and Renewed Lineup
- Radio Appearances and Collaborations
- UK Debut and Formation of Salsa Picante
- "Cogele el gusto" and International Recognition
- Continued Success with Salsa Picante
Wayne Gorbea: Salsa Legend from the Bronx
Early Life and Musical BeginningsWayne Gorbea, a renowned American salsa musician, was born in Manhattan, New York, on October 22, 1950, to Puerto Rican parents. As a high school student, he began studying violin and orchestration, later switching to trumpet. He also played congas during street rumbones and performed in amateur concerts.
Military Service and Piano Proficiency
Disillusioned with school, Gorbea joined the U.S. Army and served in South Korea from 1969 to 1971. While in the military, he continued to pursue music, teaching himself to play the piano by ear, emulating the styles of Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, and Richie Ray.
Return to New York and Formation of Orquestra Cuda
After his discharge, Gorbea married his Korean girlfriend, Myong, and returned to New York in 1971. He initially formed Orquestra Cuda, which existed briefly, and later joined La Nueva Comparsa as a conguero.
Conjunto Salsa and Debut Album
Returning to the piano, Gorbea formed Conjunto Salsa in 1973, featuring trombones, a trumpet, and a Latin rhythm section. With this ensemble and in collaboration with Salsa Boricua, he recorded his debut album, "La salsa," released in 1978 on Disco International.
Exploring Charanga and Formation of WayneGo Productions
Gorbea's sophomore album, "La salsa y charanga," released in 1979, showcased a blend of salsa and charanga, incorporating flutes and violins. The single "Arania?ara/The Night is Still Young" in 1980 became the debut release on Gorbea's own record label, WayneGo Productions.
Dedication and Success with Conjunto Salsa
In 1986, WayneGo released "Sigan bailando," an album dedicated to Gorbea's wife, Myong, featuring a new vocalist, Frankie Vasquez, later known for his work with Libre and Los Soneros del Barrio. The album included the popular track "Lo que dice Justi" by Justi Barreto.
Departure of Key Members and Restructuring
In 1987, Conjunto Salsa lost its musical director and bassist, Harry Justiniano, who joined Charanson along with his brother, conguero Angel Justiniano, and Frankie Vasquez. For the next few years, musical direction was shared by trombonists Dave Chamberlain and Rick Davies.
"El condimento" and Renewed Lineup
Gorbea's next album, "El condimento," recorded in 1988 on Martinez Records, featured Conjunto Salsa with an expanded trombone section and vocalist Orlando Aviles. The album included standout tracks such as Dave Chamberlain's arrangement of Arsenio Rodriguez's "Tumba Palo Cucuye."
Radio Appearances and Collaborations
From 1986 to 1991, Gorbea and Conjunto Salsa made frequent live appearances on Al Angeloro's "Montuno" show on WBAI radio. In September 1988, Angeloro selected Gorbea as the leader of an all-star jam session in tribute to Charlie Palmieri. The broadcast of "Tumba Palo Cucuye" from this session became one of the show's most popular recordings.
UK Debut and Formation of Salsa Picante
Gorbea made his UK debut in March 1992 with Libre, playing claves and singing vocals as part of a choir. His successful two-month residency at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in 1996 inspired him to recreate his own orchestra, which Manny Oquendo of Libre renamed "Salsa Picante."
"Cogele el gusto" and International Recognition
In 1997, Salsa Picante recorded "Cogele el gusto" on WayneGo, featuring vocals by Frank Otero. The album became a hit in Latin clubs in the UK. Reissued in late 1998 on Shanachie Records, it gained wider distribution and acclaim. A 1999 UK tour by Gorbea and Salsa Picante was a major box office success.
Continued Success with Salsa Picante
In 2000, Shanachie released "?Saboreando… Salsa dura en el Bronx!", which British DJ and columnist Dave Hucker called "the first major Latin album of the 21st century." Wayne Gorbea and Salsa Picante followed up with the equally successful "Fiesta en el Bronx" on Shanachie in 2002 and "?Pracat?n! Cogele el gusto otra vez" on WayneGo in 2006.
