January 23, 2012 – Herman Olivera was only 12 years old and he already wanted to sing. He would be singing with local Salsa ensembles just three years later. Of Puerto Rican background and born in New Jersey, Olivera grew up surrounded by music and singers. “My dad had a large collection of records that I had access to at all times and my uncles were singers. My house was always filled with music,” he says.
Since he started so early in life, the core of his skills developed from practice and experience. As an adult he took some voice courses, “for the technique,” he says. “But most of what I know I learned it working.”
He learned it so well that he worked with some of the most distinguished musicians in the Salsa music world – Manny Oquendo y Conjunto Libre, Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barreto – prior to joining the Eddie Palmieri Orchestra, with which he still performs today aside from his concerts as a solo artist.
Almost 38 years into his career, Olivera has participated in the recording of over 50 albums. In between his collaborations with multiple high profile Salsa bands, he managed to release a solo album in 1993 entitled Chequea La Mercancia (“Check out the Merchandise”). Now, almost two decades later, Olivera is working on a new solo project expected to be released this summer.
The project will “most likely” be entitled Herman Olivera, El Sonero del Siglo XXI (Herman Olivera, the Improviser of the 21st Century), a nickname given to him by the renowned pianist and bandleader Eddie Palmieri, whom Olivera considers his mentor. “The new project has a few romantic Salsas,” says the singer, “and other songs discussing social themes and daily life subjects.”
To be a sonero means to be able to improvise lyrics on stage, to make them specific and unique to the listeners, and to make the fans feel part of the moment. It requires being able to think fast, to have the ability to fit words into set music spaces, and to know plenty of words that sound alike. “In my soneos I tell stories,” Olivera says, “include my people, our experiences, I bring flavor, musicality, and rhyme. And I speak clearly, so that everyone can understand what I’m singing.”
Since the lyrics and the improvisations are in Spanish, one would think those who speak another language would feel left out. However, Olivera is quite popular in Europe and the United States. After his performance at the Los Angeles’ Conga Room this weekend he will travel to Israel – his fifth time performing there. “I improvise and sing the same everywhere. I sing in Israel as if I was singing in Puerto Rico. I open my mouth and sing. My voice has been heard now in over 40 European countries,” says Olivera.
The sonero will perform at the Conga Room this Saturday just two days shy of his 53th birthday. He will be backed by the local Salsa band, Conjunto Afro-Son, which accompanied Olivera during his last two presentations in Los Angeles. His friend and respected local musician, Johnny Polanco, will also participate that evening as a special guest.
On the phone from his home in Orlando, comfortable as he describes himself “wearing a t-shirt and short pants and looking at his pool” although in the middle of winter, Olivera sends his love to his Los Angeles fans. “I love you all and know that I depend on your support. Please come to the Conga Room and enjoy the show. Your presence gives credibility to my work and I have a wonderful repertoire prepared for you.”
Herman Olivera
Conga Room
800 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 749-0445
Prices: $20 general/ $15 with promotional code SALSERA for online purchases through congaroom.com
Date: Saturday January 28, 2012 – Doors open at 8 pm
More Salsa and Latin Jazz in Los Angeles at http://www.VidaSalsera.com
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