Dominican salsa singer José Alberto “El canario” puts the finishing touches on an album of classic boleros that he recorded as a duet with various artists. Among them is the Cuban Pablo Milanés, who died this week after losing his battle against cancer, reported EFE.
«We finished the boleros album, to which we give the final mastering touches, and (I am) regretting this loss of Pablo Milanés, who recorded a song with me. I recorded one with him on a salsa record that he was making, which I think is over,” said the singer.
He explained that they are classic boleros that he rescued from the 50s and 60s. In addition to Milanés, Jorge Celedón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Víctor Manuelle, Charlie Aponte, Milly Quezada, Sergio Vargas and Alexander Abreu participate.
The boleros were originally performed by Cubans Benny Moré, Rolando Laserie and Vicentico Valdés. As well as by the Puerto Ricans Daniel Santos and Bobby Capó, among others.
“They are classics, a phenomenal album,” said “El canario.” “En el tronco de un árbol” is the single that he performs together with Milanés, one of the founders of the new Cuban trova. The latter is also remembered for his interpretations of boleros, a genre to which he dedicated several records.
The Dominican interpreter, who grew up in Puerto Rico, is concerned that the new generations do not know the tradition of the bolero. «I worry because our traditions are gradually disappearing and I wouldn’t want to. I try to inject our new generation as much as possible so that they continue to listen, so that they continue to support our roots. So they don’t get lost,” said “El canario.”
Together but not mixed
He also indicated that he still does not have a date to release the album, a project that he considers very special.
“There is no date… it is such a special album that will fill many spaces, many expectations, well achieved, which has to win on all sides,” he said.
The salsa singer regrets not having personally met Milanés, who died at the age of 79, since the participation of each one was done separately. Communications for this project were maintained through calls and emails.
He recalled that when he learned of his death, which occurred on November 22 in Spain, “El canario” contacted a representative of Milanés to confirm the news.
The salsa singer, who says that the Three Kings only asks for health for himself and his loved ones, will have several presentations before the end of 2022. He will start the new year by visiting several Latin American countries and between May and July he will tour Europe.