Exclusive Interview with Tito Puente Jr.!

Sept 29, 2001, by Mick Chang, Local SalsaPower Correspondent for Houston, Texas

Tito Puente Jr. probably has the best known name in salsa, but Tito Jr. is establishing his own brand of Latin rhythm with a hip-hop flavor uniquely his own.

Tito Jr. was in Houston hanging out the day before he was scheduled to perform at the Austin Salsa Festival (Sept 30, 2001).  We had a chance to talk with Tito Jr.

Mick: Welcome back to Houston. You were in Galveston back in August?

Tito: Yes. I was in the salsa festival there with Fruko y sus Tesos, etc. It was fun.

Mick: Where are you currently residing?

Tito: Right now, I'm living in Miami. I split my time between Miami and NY. But with the recent tragedy in NY, I've been spending more time in Miami.

Mick: What is your background and how did you get into the music business?

Tito: In the early 80's while I was in high school, I had a rock band. I rarely travelled with Dad, so I didn't understand his role in the Latin music scene. It wasn't until after high school, that I travelled some with my Dad and I started understanding that he was this icon. I got to meet people like Celia Cruz, etc., and they really had a profound effect on me. Around '93, I was able to put out my own CD "Sound of Latin Rhythm". Then there are more current recordings that I've made like "Oye Como Va". Something like that is timeless.

Mick: How did your Dad react when he found out that you wanted
to do music?

Tito: He was scared. He didn't understand rock music, which was what I was into at the time. Neithor he nor I believed in nepotism, and I don't want to be compared to him, nor do I think I can compare to him.

Mick: What are some of your influences musically besides your
Father?

Tito: Let's see, the CD in my player right now is Marc Anthony.
He is a good friend. I also like rock music like RUSH, Boston, and Aerosmith. There are others like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Count Basie, etc.

Mick: How would you characterize your style?

Tito: I am Latin and the rhythm will always be part of me. Technically, it is a 3-2 clave with 2-4 timing on the kick. The closest to this are like DLG or Ricky Martin. I only use live percussion instead of the rhythm machines. Nothing can replace live percussion. That is one thing I learned from my Dad.

Mick: How do you feel when people define your style as "hip-hop salsa"?

Tito: I don't mind. There are many characterizations of Latin music. I characterize myself as Latin pop and dance. I am Latin first and pop second. I'd rather use the term "international". Like my Dad, even though the music is Latin in flavor it appeals to everyone. I've seen my Dad in Asia, etc. and my music appeals internationally.


Mick: Are you active in the Tito Puente Educational Foundation and are there things you want to share from that?

Tito: Yes. It is a foundation that offers scholarships to students to study at Julliard in NY. I want everyone to know about the site www.TitoPuenteOnline.com  They can get more info there. My personal most updated site is at www.LatinBayArea.com .

Mick: What are your thoughts about old school salsa (viejoteca) versus the new school salsa?

Tito: I am definitely influenced by the old school, like El Gran Combo, Grupo Niche, Guayacán, Cachao. I love the Buena Vista Club. But I also like the fresher sound of Frankie Negrón, India, etc. I think it is great when you get the two together like when Marc Anthony performed onstage with my Dad, or when Gloria Estefan or India performs with Celia Cruz.

Mick: What are some of the projects that you are currently working on and what can we expect from you in the near future?

Tito: I have a CD single out in the stores now called "Here's to You" dedicated to Tito Puente and part of the proceeds goes to the American Red Cross. I also have my first English CD recorded with Gotham Records that has yet to be distributed. The tragedy in NY has really touched all of us and my schedule is starting to piece back together. I'm scheduled to be in Dallas 10/21, but things may still change because everything is still not settled. 

My heart and thoughts still go out to all the victims. 
There is a benefit song that I will be recording this Monday in fact, at the Crescent Moon Studio in Miami. The tune is written by John Secada called "El último Adiós", and 40 of the top Latin Artists will be recording it like Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Julio Iglesias, Juan Gabriel, etc. It will be in both English and Spanish.

The interesting thing about this project is that some of the recordings are done remotely and transferred by fiber optics. Julio did his recording in Madrid, and Marc did his in NY. But I will be going to Miami to record my part. Everyone is a little leery about air travel. I'm sure you'll hear more about this musical project in the coming days.

Also, around Jan-Feb 2002, I will do a tribute to my Father with his songs adding my own twists to it. I will have help from friends of my Father like Arturo Sandoval, Nester Torres, Celia Cruz, and more.

Mick Chang
SalsaPower Houston Correspondent

More Interviews at SalsaPower!

This page last updated on 03-Jan-2008