Led by pianist and musical director, Rafael Ithier (born: Rafael Ithier Eddie Perez), El Gran Combo is one of Puerto Rico's greatest dance bands. Four decades after their inception, the thirteen-piece group continues to inspire dancers with its horn-punctuated Latin rhythms and lush vocal harmonies. Officially named “Ambassadors of our music" by the Puerto Rican Senate, El Gran Combo's many hits include such classics as "El Menu" and "Timablero". Their 1978 album, El El Gran Combo En Las Vegas sold more than one million copies, while its follow-up, Breaking The Ice – El El Gran Combo En Alaska was nominated for a Grammy. A long-time member of popular Latin band, Cortijo Y Su Combo, Ithier formed El Gran Combo, in 1962, with eight of his band-mates including percussionist, dancer, chorus singer and salsa bandleader, Roberto Roena. The Puerto Rican release of the group's debut album, Acangana, recorded two days before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, was delayed until it had already been released in Mexico, Panama, Venezuela and the United States. El Gran Combo continued to expand its following in the early-1960s, performing to enthusiastic crowds in New York, Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia and Venezuela. In Puerto Rico, they appeared regularly on the popular television show, El Show De Las 12. El Gran Combo has gone through numerous personnel changes with only Ithier and alto saxophonist Eddie Perez remaining from the original group. Roena left in 1969 to form a new band, Apollo Sound and vocalist Andy Montanez left to join Latina Dimension in 1977. Trumpet player Tati Maldonado passed away in 1991. Despite the loss of talented musicians and singers, El Gran Combo has continued to evolve. They added a trombone player and third vocalist in 1991 continue to feature top-notch vocalists including Charlie Aponte, who joined in 1972, and Jerry Rivas, who replaced Montanez five years later. As of July 2002, El Gran Combo features vocalists Charlie Aponte, Jerry Rivsa and Pap Rosario, trombone players Victor Rodriguez and Moises Noqueras, saxophonist Freddy Mirando, bassist Freddie Rivera and the rhythm section of Miguel Torres on congas, Domingo Santos on timbales and Mitchell Laboy on bongos. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
Written by Craig Harris
Albums:
Aqui Estamos Y De Verdad! (2004)
Los 30 Anos Del Gran Combo (1998)
35 Years Around The World (1997)
Para Todos Los Gustos (1995)
Juntos De Nuevo (1994)
Puerto Rico La Ruta Del Sabor (1994)
Erupcion! (1991)
......and many many more!!
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