Edwin Perez (singer)
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Edwin Pérez | |
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| Born | New York City, New York |
| Origin | Caguas, Puerto Rico |
| Genres | Salsa, Salsa dura |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, composer, bandleader, producer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Associated acts | La Excelencia, Orquesta SCC, Spanish Harlem Orchestra |
Edwin Pérez (born in New York City) is a Puerto Rican–American salsa dura vocalist, composer, and producer. He is recognized as one of the leading figures in the contemporary revival of a style of salsa music that emerged in the 1970s, known for its raw energy, Afro-Caribbean roots, and socially conscious themes. Raised by his grandparents in Caguas, Puerto Rico, he returned to New York City at age 18.[1][2] He has toured 52 countries and gained recognition through his work with salsa groups and as a solo artist.[3]
Early years
Pérez was born in New York City, New York, and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, where he received his early musical education. He became interested in music during his youth and moved to the Bronx, New York City at age 18, where he began performing with Cuban bands, including an ensemble led by guitarist Enrique López.[4]
Singing career
La Excelencia (2004–2012)
In 2004, Pérez helped found the salsa group La Excelencia along with Jose Vazquez-Cofresi and others. As a principal vocalist and composer, Pérez brought his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrical approach to the group, helping to shape their sound and artistic direction. He was featured as lead vocalist on three albums: Salsa Con Conciencia (2006), Mi Tumbao Social (2009), and Ecos del Barrio (2012).[5][6]
Orquesta SCC (2013–2016)
Following La Excelencia's dissolution, Pérez co-founded Orquesta SCC (Salsa Con Conciencia) in 2013. The ensemble continued with compositions by Edwin Pérez and Jose Vazquez-Cofresi focused on salsa dura—propulsive and danceable with jabbing horns, insistent percussion, and socially conscious lyrics. Pérez contributed vocals, songwriting, and helped establish the ensemble's message-driven identity rooted in cultural pride and social commentary. The band showcased a more mature sound with new arrangements by Jorgito Bringas.[7][8]
Solo career (2017–present)
Pérez's solo career continues his commitment to salsa dura, weaving themes of identity, community, and resistance into his compositions. In 2017, he released his debut solo album, La Voz del Pueblo, which established his voice in the genre.[9]
In 2020, Pérez followed up with Street Corner Chronicles, an album that earned praise from independent salsa reviewers and continued his socially engaged sound.[10]
His third album, Directo al Punto, released in 2023, further cemented his reputation as a dynamic voice in salsa.[11]
In 2025, he released the singles "Isla," "Consecuencias," and "Rumba Sin Invitación" and collaborated with bandleader Oscar Hernández on the arrangement of "Isla."[12]
Pérez has taken his music to global stages, having performed in 52 countries during his solo career.[13]
Collaborations and media work
Pérez's vocals have been featured in various media productions, including the film 16 Blocks, the television series So You Think You Can Dance, ESPN's Monday Night Football, and Paul Simon's Broadway musical The Capeman. He has also provided backup vocals for salsa musician Eddie Palmieri.[14]
Pérez has worked as a featured vocalist with the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra and toured with the group in 2024 and 2025.[15]
Notable performances
NPR's Tiny Desk Meets series[16]
Kennedy Center[17]
Lincoln Center
Barbican
Discography
Studio albums
La Voz del Pueblo (2017)
Street Corner Chronicles (2020)
Directo al Punto (2023)
Singles
"Isla" (2025)
"Rumba Sin Invitación" (2025)
"Consecuencias" (2025)
References
- ↑ "A Night of Salsa Music and Dance with Edwin Perez". Kennedy Center. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "EDWIN PEREZ Y SU ORQUESTA – Lowell Folk Festival". Lowell Folk Festival. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "La Excelencia Adding Spice". The Washington Post. October 14, 2010. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ↑ "globalFEST teams with NPR's Tiny Desk for 2021 virtual edition". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "La Excelencia Artist Profile". Descarga.com. Retrieved 2025-08-04.
- ↑ "La Excelencia Adding Spice". The Washington Post. October 14, 2010. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ↑ "Orquesta SCC: Salsa Con Conciencia "Renacimiento" Review". Afropop Worldwide. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "Orquesta Salsa Con Consciencia". Kennedy Center. Retrieved 2025-08-13."Review: Orquesta SCC – Yo Los Invito a Gozar". NewGenSalsa. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 2025-08-13.
- ↑ "La Voz del Pueblo by Edwin Perez". Latino Life UK. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "Review: Edwin Perez – Street Corner Chronicles". NewGenSalsa. 2020-01-23. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "A Night of Salsa Music and Dance with Edwin Perez". Kennedy Center. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "ISLA – EDWIN PEREZ (2025)". NewGenSalsa. 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-02."I Live for Latin Jazz: Oscar Hernández, Head of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra". Bop Spots. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "EDWIN PEREZ Y SU ORQUESTA – Lowell Folk Festival". Lowell Folk Festival. 4 June 2025. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "Oscar Hernández and Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Imágenes Latinas". Latin Jazz Network. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "Spanish Harlem Orchestra". Lydia Liebman Promotions. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "Edwin Perez: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert". NPR. January 24, 2021. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
- ↑ "A Night of Salsa Music and Dance with Edwin Perez". Kennedy Center. Retrieved 2025-08-02.
External links
This article "Edwin Perez (singer)" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.