Recording Rap
On November 14th our Local hosted a Life Members luncheon at the China Buffet in West Palm Beach. We had a turnout of 20 members and their wives. We will plan another luncheon for our Broward and Miami Life members during the next few months. Thanks again to Rick Ricciardelli for funding our Life Members’ luncheons.
The Latin Grammy’s, which were moved to LA over protests from Cuban exile groups in Miami, and then rescheduled because of the terrorist attacks, finally were announced at the Conga Room Club in L.A. I would like to acknowledge Ed Calle and his horn section, Alfredo Oliva and his string players, and all of the other talented musicians, arrangers and producers that create these Spanish albums but do not always get proper recognition.
Even though Spanish record sales have fallen this past year, the Recording Department is still going strong. Total figures year to date are $975,000.00 and we will surpass last year’s total of $102,000.00. The Jingle department has grown to 20% of the recording total. I asked Rene Barge to help hold a Commercial Producers meeting to brainstorm ideas to assist members. We met this month while Dick Gabriel was in town, and Rene Barge received permission from American Music Producers to start a Miami chapter. Everyone agreed that Rene should be President. One of the goals will be to work with SAG and AFTRA to create a stronger "Union" mentality in our community and increase projects done Union.
Dick Gabriel paid a visit earlier this month. We had meetings with Maverick Records, Emi Latin, and BMG. The good news is BMG is now using a payroll company, which will speed up musician’s payments. Dick also held an arrangers’ and copyists’ meeting to inform everyone of contract changes and what needs to be submitted for payment. Please call me if you need this information.
This will be my fifth year at the Local. I’ve seen many good things happen in the Recording department. I want to thank everyone for their confidence in me and for their patience. Wishing a wonderful and safe holiday to all musicians and their families.
Local Members Win Latin Grammys
- Nestor Torres: Best Instrumental Pop Album (This Side of Paradise)
- Kike Santander: Best Tropical Song (Jurame, Giselle)
- Steve Roitstein: Traditional Tropical Album (arrangements on Celia Cruz’s Siempre Vivire)
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