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Influential salsa singer, Ismael Quintana, was only 15 days old when his family moved from Ponce, Puerto Rico, to New York City. Eddie Palmieri heard Ismael at an audition with Orlando Marín. He was so impressed with his singing style that when he formed his band in 1961, he invited Quintana to be his lead vocalist. Ismael performed with Palmieri between 1961 and 1973 and returned in 1981 to sing two tracks on Eddie Palmieri (Barbaro). Ismael is also a composer and co-wrote a number of hit songs with Eddie. Ismael made his solo recording debut on United Artists Records in 1968 with Punto y Aparte followed by Dos Imagenes. However, his solo career began in earnest when he signed to Fania’s sister company Vaya Records and issued five albums on the label between 1974 and 1983. The first, Ismael Quintana, included his hit composition "Mi Debilidad", featuring a superb piano solo by Mark "Markolino" Dimond. He was in such demand as a result of the success of this album that promoter Ralph Mercado negotiated that he be backed by the 10-piece band of pianist Louie Cruz for live work, an arrangement that lasted for about a year and a half. Louie, one of the most prolific arrangers for the Fania label during its heyday, wrote the chart for the Arsenio Rodríguez composition "Nada Para Ti" from Ismael’s Vaya follow-up Lo Que Estoy Viviendo. "If you look in the dictionary under ‘meticulous’ or ‘perfectionist’, I think you’ll find a photo of Ismael Quintana," comments Louie. "He’s one of the few that makes you feel you’re part of his projects. He’s so precise and direct in what he wants that you feel you have to keep touching base with him at all times." After retiring from the frontline of the salsa scene in the mid-’80s, Ismael surfaced occasionally for gigs with Eddie Palmieri and participated in the Fania All Stars’ 30th anniversary reunion tour in 1994. – John Child
If there is a salsero-singer who is synonym with the Fania-New York-hard core-Salsa sound, that is ISMAEL QUINTANA. A great sonero, singer and composer. Definitely has a secure spot in the kingdom of salsa legends.
Comment by Elvin Alves — February 20, 2011 @ 4:55 pm
I’m old school Salsa( although at 60 y/o, I recognize there are a bunch of Latin music lovers/appreciators out there more knowledgeable than me), I grew up in NYC with parents born & raised in Puerto Rico. My world of music stems from so much richness of listening to unforgettable Trio music(guitars & harmonies) & combining it with everything else from the 60’s to the present in regards to American & non-American music. When I think of someone like Quintana,who is such a huge staple in this industry, I also can recall how when I watched him performing, whether it was to thousands of fans, or a handful of club-goers over the years, he always poured out his heart & soul when he sang. I had the pleasure of sharing a recording session with him in 1978 & will never forget how gracious & down-to -Earth he was while recording, & behind the scenes. I could list a hundred soneos I continually rewind in my head that are classics of his, but suffice it to say, as focused as I know I am when it comes to Soneros I’ve listened to & have loved in my lifetime, Ismael Quintana is the ultimate master for me. No one sings a ballad like him, & the swing,groove & phrasing he feels is all his own. Two tunes that come to mind are Lindo Yambu & A Guava No. Like I said, there are too many to mention…..I know you baby boomers & aficionados out there know what I’m talking about. Thank you Ismael for all your wonderful & beautiful contributions !! God Bless you.
Comment by jb — November 11, 2012 @ 5:09 pm