Spotlight on Orquesta Charangoa
We are the only authentic charanga in Los Angeles. Our music
is scored for flute, piano, bass, congas, timbale, guiro, vocals, 2 violins,
viola and cello, just as a traditional charanga in Cuba would have. This feature includes 5 streaming clips & full-length
downloads 
When did the band first form?
[Orquesta Charangoa] I went to Cuba twice in 1996. Both trips I spent the whole time studying charanga flute with Richard Egues, of Orquesta Aragon fame. He and I became very close and he gave me several arrangements to start a band with. I returned to L.A. and started Orquesta Charangoa in 1997.
What brought all the members together as one band?
[Orquesta Charangoa] I brought everyone together. I found gigs, set up rehearsals, put together the books, picked the tunes, bought new arrangements, had the website built, etc.,etc... I am the leader, but I could never do it without the hard work, love & dedication of the members of Charangoa.
How would you describe your music and playing style?
[Orquesta Charangoa] We are the only authentic charanga in Los Angeles. Our music is scored for flute, piano, bass, congas, timbale, guiro, vocals, 2 violins, viola and cello, just as a traditional charanga in Cuba would have. However, due to economic reality of the club scene, we usually play with only 1 or 2 violins. We play a mix of traditional charanga style (danzones, chachachas, son montunos) and more modern compositions, including original works by Harry Scorzo. Our music is for salsa dancers and we swing hard.
What image do you think your music conveys?
[Orquesta Charangoa] Our music conveys joy, living in the moment, FUN, the spontaneous alive feeling you get on the dance floor when you connect with the music. Our music is about uplifting the spirit.
Who are some of the other artists that you enjoy or draw inspiration from?
[Orquesta Charangoa] Orquesta Aragon, Jose Fajardo, Gonzalo Fernandez, Maraca, Ritmo Oriental, Orquesta Broadway, Orquesta Sublime, Orqueta Afro-Charanga, Cachao, Tipica 73, Orq. Maravilla, Orq. Original de Manzanillo, Orq. Aliamen, Estrella Cubanas, Adalberto Alvarez, J.J. Oliveros, Bongologic, Charanga Tipica, Orq. America, Havana All-stars, Orq. Tipica Ideal, Orq. Maravillas de Florida, Los Van Van, Nestor Torres, Dave Valentine, and NG la Banda. I also play & listen to allot of classical music, bluegrass, Balkan & South American music.
How often do you play live, how can someone check out one of your shows?
[Orquesta Charangoa] We play every week. We play every Friday at El Floridita in Hollywood. We play regularly at MamaJuana's in Studio City. April through October we play a lot of festivals and summer concert series. Please check our website for current updates (www.charangoa.com).
How are your live shows different from listening to your recordings?
[Orquesta Charangoa] Our live performances are much different than our recordings because we never play anything the same way twice!!! Our open sections are wide open. If not enough dancers are dancing, we end a song quickly. If the dancers are going wild, we extend the solos. A song might typically have a piano solo, but that is subject to change. We have a lot of excellent musicians stopping by to sit in with us. We add cierres and improvise as a total group.
What type of fans to you target/cater to?
[Orquesta Charangoa] Charanga lovers, Cuban music lovers, DANCERS!!!!!! World music folks, jazz listeners, flutist....
Now that Latin music has become a staple genre in terms of popularity, where does your group fit in?
[Orquesta Charangoa] We have an original & recognizable sound. Something about the violin/flute sound makes our music very accessible to non-salsa freaks.
What does the future hold for your band?
[Orquesta Charangoa] Finishing our CD. Bringing beautiful Charanga music to as many corners of the world as we can. Having more original music written for us.
Anything else you'd care to add to the mix?
[Orquesta Charangoa] The quality of musicianship is very important in Charangoa. You'll hear this in the recording. We are good enough to be very spontaneous.I myself am a dedicated flutist and a Yamaha Artist. We all love what we are playing and it shows.
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