Tell us about yourself and your music
My name is Celestino Sanchez, aka CSAN-II, and I’m a Bassist, Composer, Arranger, Musical Director, Recording Artist. I’ve been playing Salsa and Latin Jazz in Philadelphia are since 1979. Over the years I’ve performed with the top Latin groups in the area:
Tiempo Y Sonido
Edgardo Cintron
Orquesta La Paz
Sonido Internacional
Orquesta Del Barrio
Orquesta Orisa
Los Pleneros Del Batey
Foto Rodriguez y la Orquesta la Unica
Luis Gonzalez
La Herencia
Latin Fiesta
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release “Jazz-Salsa” is truly a labor of love. I arranged, recorded, mixed, and edited this project in my home studio with the help of my youngest son Edwin D. Sanchez. I really enjoyed working on “Jazz-Salsa ” for the variety of music that is included in the recording. It is clear to me to understand the importance of a balanced mix of songs, and here I included Original compositions, Cover tunes, Hot Salsa, and spiced up Latin Jazz tunes as well. A big bounce is that all the songs included in Jazz-Salsa are very danceable.
What inspired you to write this release?
My inspiration behind the writing of this release is the same as the inspiration behind the production of the Jazz-Salsa project. That is to reach as many people and fans as possible with my music.
Describe the writing and recording process
Writing and arranging music is very fulfilling. Some songs come easier than others, but there is no greater feeling than seeing your creative ideas come to life on paper. To put music to paper in anticipation of the recording process is an experience that can only help an artist grow. As for the recording process, I can only describe it as seeing one of my children being born. All the long hours writing and arranging become sound waves the fill your soul and make you want to move. I’ve always described the recording process as breathing life into sheet music. What makes it all that much better is when you surround yourself with a talented cast of musicians.
Any plans to release a video?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKVKtmGB9p3t3jG2fDlmkg
Any plans to hit the road?
Due to Covid-19, the tour is on hold for now.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I like to describe my style of music as Jazz-Salsa, hence the name of the CD. Jazz-Salsa is a combination of Salsa and Latin-Jazz more of the NY influence than Puerto Rico.
To be an artist to me is to take positive energy and create hot, swinging, grooving music.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Salsa: Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades, Hector Lavoe, Frankie Ruiz
Latin Jazz: Oscar Hernandez, Afro Cuban All Stars, Tito De Gracia
Who are your biggest influences?
Fania All-Stars, Gran Combo, Ismael Rivera
Tell us about your passions
I’m very passionate about music as well as being a husband and father.
What else is happening next in your world?
I’ve already started composing and arranging for the next musical project.
Thanks for an awesome interview, CSAN-II
Connect with CSAN-II
Website: https://csan-ii.hearnow.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008541069212Twitter: https://twitter.com/CSAN_IIYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpKVKtmGB9p3t3jG2fDlmkgSoundcloud: https://www.jango.com/music/CSAN+II