Musical Notation
Musical Notation
by George Rivera
December 3, 2000 – With the dawn of the next millennium just around the
corner, I find myself in a pensive mood. As the 20th Century slowly fades away I
take stock of a Latin music industry that is at this moment in time in a lull.
These things happen every seven years or so. Every so often something new and
exciting comes along and jump-starts the industry and the wheels of creativity
start to spin yet again until that fad begins to wane. The cycle just continues.
One thing’s for sure; the Latin music industry can surely use a guy like
Goddard Lieberson.
I’m sure that most of you are asking the question, “Who is Goddard Lieberson?” Well, to make a long story short, Goddard was the President of Columbia Records. Back in 1948 Columbia Records engineers created the LP format. While the creation of the LP format led to the financial successes of the music industry on a whole, it didn’t necessarily make Columbia Records the leader of that industry. No, Columbia Records still trailed behind the other labels since all the top names in the recording industry recorded for other labels. Goddard however, who assumed the position of President in the mid-fifties, was a brilliant man. He was musically trained and used that knowledge to make Columbia Records the most prestigious label of them all.
As a result of his musical training, Goddard had the respect of the musicians and vocalists signed to Columbia Records. The artists signed to the label felt it was a big plus to have someone who could actually read and write a musical score calling the shots at the label, and as a musician Goddard understood the creative process. He surrounded himself with a staff of competent individuals who fully understood every aspect of the music industry from composition to public relations. Most of all he didn’t tamper with the creative process. So long as everything being recorded made musical sense, the creative process was not tampered with. Eventually Columbia would become the industry leader as a result of musical innovations from the artists, as well as Goddard’s vision.
About a year ago I was asked to document the reunion of the Fania All Stars at Madison Square Garden. In preparation for their appearance at the Garden there were two marathon rehearsal sessions scheduled. During a break on the first day of rehearsal a young man sat at the piano and sang a duet with a young woman. This pair caught the attention of most folks that were there. The guy’s talent didn’t surprise me much since I had known him; however the young woman did manage to capture my attention. A smiling Larry Harlow approached me and whispered in my ear, “That’s Onaney, I just signed her.” The young man, who happened to be singing coro for the FAS, was Kevin Ceballo, who has just released his debut recording on RMM Records.
MI
PRIMER AMOR is the title of Kevin's solo
debut album. While I know Kevin to be a very versatility individual, as
well as a classically trained musician, I have not as of yet listened to his
release. I can tell you that Kevin has studied at NYC’s prestigious La
Guardia High School of Music and Art, and that he is a very good vocalists. He
started singing in church at a very young age. While in college he was asked to
record the coro tracks for Face 2 Face, an up-and-coming act from MP Records.
Eventually he would meet William Duvall, who would hook him up with India, who
would eventually introduce him to Isidro Infante, with who he would record for
the first time as a lead vocalist. Kevin is an extremely talented individual who
has earned my respect. Kevin has got the voice, talent, and that certain look
that is sure to make him a success. If he plays his cards right he can be as
successful as Marc Anthony. We’ll have to wait and see.
While
Kevin has got things up and running, Onaney is just starting to cook. Under the
guidance of Larry Harlow, she has just started working on her debut release.
Like Kevin, Onaney started singing at an early age. During her senior year in
high school she decided to pursue a singing career. She has been working with
vocal coach Deborah Maher, who has worked in the past with Blondie. A couple of
years ago a friend suggested that she send Larry Harlow a demo after coming
across the Latin Legends website. With that a demo was sent out to Larry and the
rest is history. Since her signing with Larry she has been cast as the Selena
understudy in SELENA FOREVER. As a result she toured with the production
company for six months. Now she is in the process of recording her debut
release. Included in the production should be a duet with Kevin Ceballo, who
sings coro on the tracks already recorded. Onaney is giving it all she’s got
and loving every minute of it. We wish her the best of luck. If there is a
Goddard Lieberson in the Latin Music industry the outlook should be good for
both Onaney and Kevin, as well as any other talented individual that should find
themselves in their predicament.
Hasta la
proxima, ciao…
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