La Excelencia is "The New Generation of Salsa Dura", bringing a modern vitality and social consciousness to the salsa genre. “La Excelencia represents something very significant, a return not just to the classic formula of salsa but to the virtues of it.” “They are going back to the more eclectic period when salsa was street music, playing with spirit and integrity and writing socially relevant music again,” said Aaron Levinson, a Grammy-winning producer.
La Excelencia is an 11-piece salsa orchestra that was founded in 2005 by percussionists José Vázquez-Cofresí and Julián Silva. On its own Handle With Care Productions, Inc. label La Excelencia has released three CDs whose titles give a sense of the group’s philosophy: “Salsa Con Conciencia,” which means salsa with “awareness” or “conscience,” “Mi Tumbao Social,” or “My Social Drumbeat,” and the newly released “Ecos Del Barrio”, translated in English meaning “Echoes of the Neighborhood”. In addition the BBC did a special of a live performance of La Excelencia at the Barbican in London, and they have also been featured in 'The New York Times' (Full Story), cover of 'Latin Beat Magazine' (Full Story), 'So You Think You Can Dance', 'Zumba Fitness', countless salsa/world music compilations, motions pictures, instructional DVDs, and their music can be heard on radio stations and satellite radio both nationally and internationally.
La Excelencia has built a strong fan base and created a new movement for salsa. These revolutionary salsa ambassadors take their bold new sounds to dancers and hardcore salsa fans performing at world renowned festivals, venues, and dance congresses around the world. La Excelencia's concerts are full of energy and won't let you down. They draw you in and take you on a musical journey and by the end of the performance they leave you wanting more. It's not unusual to hear the crowd chanting, “Encore, Encore!” or "Otra, Otra!” in Spanish. The performance is team work, with every member of the orchestra having their moment to shine. They know how to captivate and work the crowd and give you a show like no other. But even after all the fame La Excelencia has built for themselves, they continue to be humble, and down to earth. The orchestra signs CD's, takes pictures with their fans, and takes the time to listen to what their fans have to say. La Excelencia keeps it real, they never forget where they came from, and are thankful for all their success.
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