Musical Notation
Musical Notation
by George Rivera
December 10, 2000 – “Que es lo que pasa aqui, ah?” That’s the
opening line sung by “El Sonero Mayor” Ismael Rivera (who
incidentally was baptized so by the legendary Cuban Sonero, Beny More during an
appearance at NYC’s Palladium Ballroom back in the late 50’s when he shared
the stage with Cortijo’s combo) on the Cortijo Y Su Combo tune “Oriza”,
and an appropriate opening line for this week’s column since there seems to be
much turmoil throughout the Latin music recording industry.
For
starters there’s India’s attack on Ralph Mercado and his RMM Records label.
Dissatisfied with her contract at RMM Records, and in search of the big bucks
being offered by the multi-nationals, India has decided it’s time for a new
beginning. Like Marc Anthony and Tito Nieves, she has decided to make an exit.
Having signed a new contract with Sony, while still owing RMM a record,
Salsa’s so-called “Princess” appears to be frustrated and has
decided to take advantage of the situation at RMM now that the company has filed
for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Talk about kicking a dog when he’s down.
From the look of things she’s waging a battle she’s sure to lose, unless of
course she comes up with proof positive that the company has not been fairly
compensating her financially in respect to any royalties due her. If she can’t
proof any of this then the best thing to do is give them the record due, only
make sure it’s produced solely by the company so that she doesn’t have to
fight a whole new battle should she be involved in producing something the
company will not accept.
While India is knocking at Sony’s door she better make sure not to get in the way of Puerto Rico’s Grupo Mania, which is making a mad dash for the exits. It appears that Grupo Mania has delivered their latest and last recording to Sony via Sony’s A&R wizard, Jose Gazmey. According to the group Gazmey accepted the recording and made plans to start the promotion campaign and even gave them a release date. Eventually Sony Latin’s President Oscar Llord decided that the recording was not suitable for release. Are you listening, India? Remember, this is Grupo Mania’s last contracted recording with Sony. Well, it seems that the group of merengueros believe that this is a tactical maneuver being orchestrated by Llord to make them re-sign with the company, especially since the recording only cost the company $56,000.00 and Llord offered to sell it to them for $500,000.00. Well, a Sony spokesperson has announced that the company will not seek to renew Grupo Mania’s contract; however, they would not comment any further on the situation with Grupo Mania.
Through all of this Miami’s Willie Chirino, formerly with Sony, has decided to jump into the shark-infested waters of the music industry and has announced that he will start his own recording label. The new label will be named Latinum Music Entertainment, and will feature Chirino, as well as his wife, singer Lissette Alvarez, among others. Chirino has stated that he does not only want to control the production aspect of his recordings, but the promotional and distribution ends as well. Gee, I wonder why? Could it be for the same reasons behind India’s departure from RMM Records? Nah, those things don’t happen at the multi-nationals. Or do they?
With all that turmoil in the industry Junior Gonzalez would like a shot at the multi-national level. His latest release TRIBUTO A HECTOR LAVOE has been a success locally leading the Fania All Star vocalist to believe that with the promotional push of a multi-national the release can achieve even greater sales.
Well, like Ruben says, “La vida te da sorpresas, sorpresas te da la vida.” I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what the new millennium has in store for everyone involved.
Hasta la proxima, ciao…