Salsa Brava

Salsa Brava is the apex of Latin music. When there was power and access to the best musicians. 

Salsa Brava

Also referred to as Salsa Dura or Salsa Gorda, it is the hard-hitting subgenre of salsa music rooted deeply in the Latino communities of mid-20th century New York City.

“Salsa Brava is Guaguancó!”

My buddy Piero aka. Sonido Chichadelico once said that and it really stuck.

Characterized by a complex sound and dance floor-filling rhythms, it draws significant influence from that style of Cuban Rumba. This influence is evident in its use of La Clave percussive patterns, which add depth and intensity to the music, resonating with the cultural and social dynamics of the Barrio— the heart of Latino neighborhoods.

The late 60s were transformative years for Latino immigrants in New York, with music becoming a crucial form of expression and cultural preservation. Salsa brava emerged as a symbol of cultural identity and resilience, blending various Latin sounds, including Cuban Son, Puerto Rican Bomba, and other sounds from the Caribbean, and blending those with the local sounds of Jazz and R&B. This era also saw the rise of “super bands” like the Fania All-Stars, who were instrumental in popularizing and elevating the genre.

Salsa brava is distinguished from other salsa styles by its emphasis on the collective talent of the band, showcasing extensive improvisation and complex musical interactions during the descargas (jam sessions). These sessions highlight the skill and spontaneity of musicians, setting salsa brava apart from the more commercialized and softer forms of salsa, such as Salsa Rosa or Salsa Romantica.

Salsa brava is a cultural statement of authenticity, complexity, and community spirit. It captures the essence of 1970s Latin music in New York City, embodying the diversity, identity, and resilience of the Latinx communities that were thriving in that era. As a testament to its enduring appeal, salsa brava continues to influence music and dance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of its origins while inspiring new generations of artists.

Want More Salsa?

Check out La Clave if you are looking to listen to some classic Salsa Brava, in Bushwick New York at Rebecca's, a local-favorite no-thrills bar on Third Thursdays.

If you want to learn a bit more about the history of Salsa Music we also recommend checking out the Sound Map of Salsa Music in NYC which is the Magazin Sursystem 8th edition. A publication featuring key moments, people and places that molded what we now know as Salsa Music.