Marino Luis - The Rythym and Flavour of Colombia's Pacific Coast 　　 　　“Cantaré es la vida mia,” croons Marino Luis, “Singing is my life.” Luis, a local star in his native Buenavaentura, Colombia, is making his international solo debut with a bang. After ten years of touring with prestigious salsa outfits, Luis is ready to break out and make name for himself in the salsa scene with A la Medida. 　　 Marino Luis 　　 　　Handsome and distinguished, Marino Luis exudes a warm presence. Using daily life as an inspiration for his music, Luis touches the hearts of all those who listen to his creations. “Para ti cantaré” is one of the best songs on the album. His enthusiasm for music is projected in every verse, and the addictive beat almost ensures hip swaying in the most inexperienced salsa lovers. “It is a very special song because it expresses my mission in life,” explains Luis. “Yo soy bolero, soy rumba soy guanguanco/ I am bolero, im rumba, im guaguanco-” Luis is indeed an interesting blend of these classic salsa styles. 　　 　　Another definite hit is called ‘Para ponerte a gozar’, in which Marino promises a new love that he will make her feel better than she ever has before — as soon as she gets a taste of his love. This happy confidence proves to be extremely addictive. ‘Solo Contigo’, a beautiful ballad dedicated to his wife, is one that many couples can identify with. 　　 　　“I was born in Buenaventura, and therefore inherited the rhythm and flavour of the Pacific,” says Luis beaming with pride. Grandson of a folklore marimbero legend of the Colombian Pacific, it was only a matter of time before seven year old Luis picked up a guitar and harnessed his musical skills. He got his start as a young boy, writing his first songs for the singing trio he created with his two brothers called Los Hermanitos Caicedo. He left the small city of Buenaventura to enroll in university in the capital city. A degree in engineering brought him to Bogota, but it was music that made him return to Cali and follow his dream. Once in Cali, Luis hooked up with musical geniuses who helped him hone his natural talents. 　　 　　“My coaches, Andres Viafara and José Aguirre took me under their wing as an eager student to teach me all they knew about music,” explains Luis of a special turning point in his musical career. “It was then that I learned about arrangements.” For the next nine years, he traveled the world with the band of Yuri Buenavaentura, the grand master of la salsa. His amazingly skill for salsa arrangements, which is no effortless task, proves itself to be flawless in this collection of music. 　　 　　A La Medida is a feel-good album. The arrangements are exceptional and instantly transport you to a dancehall in the tropics. Whether positive songs or powerful ballads, salsa is all about passion and Luis proves to be an expert at creating it. When listening to this CD, one instantly feels great, and when you feel great you can’t help but shake, shake, shake. 　　 　　Finding inspiration in salsa greats like Cheo Feliciano, Gilberto Santa Rosa and La guarachera de Cuba, Celia Cruz, Marino Luis produces music that will inevitably skyrocket him to the fame that his idols have achieved. “I hope to awaken the dreams and emotions of those who listen to my music,” the natural born artist earnestly proclaims. 　　 　　Luis is currently touring in Cali and Buenaventura with his band La Orquesta Guayacán. A North American tour is the works, including a salsa festival in Miami this fall. 　　—Rayme Samuels 　　Tuesday 27 June 2006 　　 　　 　　Email page to: Your email: 　　COMMENTS 　　 　　I loved it instanly! it has a romantic sound for just listening or dancing and a diverse collection of tracks. My commentary: congratulations to Marino on an excellent international debut. DC is waiting! 　　—Erin Diamond 　　Tuesday 27 June 2006 　　 　　 　　I too look forward to seeing you in DC! Track two is definitely my favorite. Marino’s voice is smooth and and his breaks are so effortless. He really knows how to speak. He has a voice that is looked forward to like your favorite tune they play everyday at 7:30 and you race to get to your radio to hear and sing with that one sound/song. He’s not scared, neither is his music (band). A total package, from head to toe! 　　—Bintou Kouyate 　　Thursday 29 June 2006 　　 　　 　　I LOVED IT!!!!! the CD was a great mix of slow and fast salsa….his voice is excellent and he just lures you in…cant wait to hear him Marino live!!! 　　—Kadia Koroma 　　Thursday 6 July 2006 　　 　　 　　Wow!!!!! the CD is fantastic I loved every song and I love the combination of slow and fast salsa….one songs makes you think about love and another one makes you want to get up and go to the club and start dancing salsa!!!! I love it and I always play it in the mornings to start my day…Great job can’t wait untill you come to D.C. 　　—Kadia Koroma 　　Wednesday 12 July 2006 　　 　　 　　A musica e sensacional , expecional com um tom latino, maginifica voz.Espero ver te em Washington DC. 　　 　　Voce 　　Wednesday 12 July 2006 　　—Joana 　　Wednesday 12 July 2006