Mambo In The City Salsa Podcast

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Concert photographer and Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast host Adrian Montañez sits down with the legendary Joe Bataan for an intimate conversation tracing the extraordinary journey of one of Latin music’s true pioneers.

From growing up on the streets of Spanish Harlem and the experiences that shaped him as a young man, Joe takes us inside the beginnings of his musical career and the birth of the sound that would eventually earn him the title “The King of Latin Soul.”

Joe shares stories from the early days of New York’s Latin music scene, including working with Jerry Masucci, Johnny Pacheco, Fania Records, and the musicians, promoters, clubs, and neighborhoods that helped create an unforgettable era. The conversation explores his groundbreaking blend of Latin rhythms, soul, R&B and street culture, along with the determination it took to survive the music business and build a career spanning generations.

It’s more than a conversation about records and hit songs—it’s the story of the barrio, New York City, Fania, family, struggle, creativity and the life experiences behind Joe Bataan’s legendary career.

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🎶 Episode 70: Working with Gilberto Santa Rosa, Meeting Journey’s Steve Smith 🥁 + The New York Salsa All Stars Hit NYC 🔥

Episode 70 starts at Birdland Jazz Club, where Adrian Montañez had the opportunity to meet legendary Journey drummer and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steve Smith. 🥁 From seeing him perform up close to sharing a memorable moment with one of rock’s most respected drummers, it was a night Adrian won’t forget.

Then, just days later, the phone rang with an incredible opportunity — a call to work with the one and only “Caballero de la Salsa,” Gilberto Santa Rosa, at the 2026 New York Salsa Congress. 🎶🔥 Adrian takes you behind the scenes of the experience, from capturing the action to being part of one of New York City’s biggest salsa weekends.

And the salsa keeps coming! 🗽 The New York Salsa All Stars are headed to NYC, featuring an incredible lineup including Rey De La Paz, Ray Sepúlveda, Herman Olivera, and more.

From rock royalty at Birdland to Gilberto Santa Rosa at the Salsa Congress and some of salsa’s greatest voices coming together in New York, Episode 70 is packed with music, stories, and unforgettable moments from two worlds that Adrian loves most — rock and salsa. 🎙️🔥

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Que Clase PIQUE!

 In this classic episode, The Late great Legendary, Bongo player, Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez, talks about his years as the Bongosero with Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, Machito, Ray Barretto, Fania All-Stars, Típica 73 and forming the Mambo Legends orchestra! Hear stories of growing up en El Barrio, joining Tito Puente in 1962, and the magic of  Palladium Ballroom in New York City!
 
Welcome to Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast!


Hosted by Adrian Montanez & Dj Broadway
Mambointhecity.com

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🎙️ EPISODE 68 | ERIC VÉLEZ

Latin percussionist Eric Vélez joins host Adrian Montañez on Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast for a special conversation from Las Vegas during Marc Anthony’s “MY WAY” residency.

Vélez takes us behind the scenes of rehearsals with Marc Anthony, shares personal memories of legendary late conguero Carlos “Patato” Valdés, and looks back on memorable travel stories from his time on the road with Willie Colón.

Eric also reflects on being in Puerto Rico for Willie Rosario’s historic birthday celebration and introduces his new YouTube channel, Eric Vélez Percussion Chronicles, where he documents life on the road and gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at touring the world with Marc Anthony.

🥁 Music. Memories. Legendary stories. Life on the road — from one of Latin music’s premier percussionists.

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Episode 69: Arturo Martínez — From the NYC Salsa Scene to El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, Adrian Montañez sits down with Arturo Martínez for a journey through decades of Latin music, entertainment, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories.

Arturo takes us back to his beginnings working alongside artists such as Miles Peña, Johnny Rivera, and Viti Ruiz, during an exciting era of the New York salsa scene. His career would later connect him with some of the biggest names in Latin entertainment, including Marc Anthony and global superstar Bad Bunny.

He also shares stories about working with popular social media influencer and comedian Radel Ortiz, offering a look at how the entertainment business has evolved from the salsa clubs and recording artists of yesterday to today’s world of social media and digital entertainment.

Today, Arturo continues his remarkable journey as Road Manager for the iconic El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, one of the most legendary and influential orchestras in the history of salsa.

🎙️ From Miles Peña, Johnny Rivera and Viti Ruiz… to Marc Anthony, Bad Bunny, Radel Ortiz and El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico — Arturo Martínez has built a career behind some of Latin entertainment’s biggest names.

Hear the stories, the friendships, the lessons, and the history on Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast — Episode 69 featuring Arturo Martínez. 🔥🎶🇵🇷

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In this episode of Mambo in the City, we sit down with undefeated rising boxer Alex “El Toro” Vargas—a WBA Champion and 2013 Golden Gloves Champion from Bellport, New York.

With a perfect 15-0 record, Vargas has been quietly building momentum in the super lightweight division, and recently stepped onto one of boxing’s biggest stages—fighting on the undercard at Madison Square Garden, broadcast live on ESPN.

We dive into his journey from the amateur ranks to the professional spotlight, including the sacrifices, discipline, and mindset required to remain undefeated. Vargas also opens up about working with MVP Promotions, alongside Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, and what it means to be part of a new era in boxing.

From the energy of fighting in New York to handling pressure under the bright lights, this episode gives a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rise in today’s fight game.

Whether you’re a boxing fan or just love stories about ambition and resilience—this is one you don’t want to miss.

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I was outside! 🔥 In this episode of Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montanez breaks down three NYC Latin music events he attended: the Andy González tribute 🙏, Eddie Palmieri’s Unity Fest Tribute 🎹, and Conjunto Imagen at the Atrium  at Linclon Center🎺. Adrian shares the moments that hit, the performances that stood out, and why nights like these keep the culture alive.

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🔥 NEW EPISODE RECAP — This one is pure salsa history and living legacy.

In this episode, I’m joined by special guest Tito Rodriguez Jr, as we dive into his brand-new single “La Ley Del Guaguancó” featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa — and we celebrate Tito Jr’s 50 years en la música: the grind, the moments, and the legacy that continues to grow.

We also take a meaningful trip down memory lane to honor the late Mario Grillo (Son of Machito) — sharing stories of the road, the brotherhood, and what it meant to move through the world connected to salsa’s greatest foundations.

From there, Tito Jr opens up about the travel years with the “Big 3” Palladium Orchestra energy, the stories behind The Eclipse Album, and the everlasting impact of his late father — Palladium icon Tito Rodríguez — whose voice and elegance helped shape the sound of an era.

🎶 If you love classic salsa, Palladium history, and real behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is for you.

✅ Watch / Listen / Subscribe for more interviews, salsa culture, and NYC/Puerto Rico stories.

#Salsa #TitoRodriguezJr #GilbertoSantaRosa #Guaguanco #Palladium #Machito #MarioGrillo #LatinJazz #Mambo #SalsaDura

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On this episode of the Mambo in the City Salsa Podcast, host Adrian Montañez sits down with Luisito Rosario, a dynamic salsa singer with over two decades of experience and a commanding stage presence. Born and raised in New Jersey to Puerto Rican parents, Luisito shares how the sounds of New York’s salsa legends inspired him to pursue a life in music. 

He reflects on his journey from his early days singing with local groups to being handpicked by the legendary Larry Harlow of the Fania All-Stars in 1996. Luisito recalls recording “Tumba y Bongo” for Harlow’s 35th anniversary album, touring the world, and learning from salsa icons like Néstor Sánchez. 

Together, Adrian and Luisito dive into the evolution of salsa, the balance between tradition and modern styles, and what the future looks like for the next generation of performers. Along the way, Luisito opens up about favorite memories, career highlights, and the cultural pride that fuels his passion for salsa. 

This conversation, guided by Adrian Montañez, blends storytelling, history, and inspiration—making it a must-listen for salsa lovers and new listeners alike.

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🎷 Episode 64: Mitch Frohman – Sax, Soul & Salsa

Breakdown:
Bronx native Mitch Frohman is one of the top saxophonists and flutists in the world, with a career spanning salsa, Latin-jazz, pop, and beyond. In this episode, host Adrian Montanez dives into Mitch’s incredible journey — from his early days in the Bronx, through decades on stage with legends like Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Celia Cruz, Machito, Eddie & Charlie Palmieri, and even crossing into pop with Paul Simon, Cyndi Lauper, Talking Heads and more.

For 25 years, Mitch held down the sax/flute chair with the Tito Puente Orchestra and Latin-Jazz Ensemble, and today he continues to tour the world with the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra and lead his own acclaimed groups like The Bronx Horns and his Latin-Jazz Quartet.

We talk about:

• 🏙️ Growing up in the Bronx and the sounds that shaped him
• 🎶 Playing with salsa and jazz royalty
• 🌎 Touring the world and carrying the tradition forward

 If you love salsa, Latin jazz, or NYC music history, Mitch’s stories are pure gold. This episode is equal parts history lesson, masterclass, and inspiration for musicians and music lovers alike.

Host:
🎙️ Adrian Montanez — concert photographer turned podcaster, bringing behind-the-lens curiosity and passion for music to every conversation.

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