Puerto Rican Power
Puerto Rican Power is a renowned salsa orchestra founded in the early 1970s by bassist Jesús "Chuy" Castro. Initially supported by the Gema record label, the group was formed with the intention of becoming a leading salsa orchestra in Puerto Rico. In 1978, trumpeter Luis "Luisito" Ayala took over the direction of the orchestra, a role he embraced with dedication, professionalism, and leadership.
The orchestra's early years were marked by collaborations with notable vocalists such as Pipo Ramos and Joe Arroyo, and the support of composer Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso. Their first album, recorded in 1971, included tracks like "Cero novela" and "Angustia," with arrangements by Máximo Torres and Jorge Millet. However, in 1973, Castro dissolved the orchestra to pursue a medical career.
Luisito Ayala revitalized the orchestra in 1978, steering it to new heights. Under his leadership, Puerto Rican Power became known for its salsa brava style and played a key role in accompanying artists from the Fania All-Stars during their visits to Puerto Rico. This collaboration included performances with legends such as Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, and Héctor Lavoe.
In 1984, Ayala brought on Tito Rojas as the principal vocalist, marking a significant turning point for the orchestra. This partnership resulted in successful albums like "Tres Mujeres" (1987) and "Solo Con Un Beso" (1988), further solidifying their reputation in the salsa music scene.
Puerto Rican Power's discography includes notable works such as "Con Todo El Poder" (1992), featuring the hit "A Donde Iras," and albums like "Men in Salsa" (1999) and "Wild Wild Salsa" (2001). The orchestra continues to be celebrated for its contributions to salsa music, maintaining a legacy of vibrant performances and influential recordings.