Conexion Latina

Formed by Rudi Fuesers, the Latin salsa orchestra Conexion Latina assembled a rotating cast of skilled musicians and first took the stage in early 1981 at Munich’s renowned Domicile club. Over the years the personnel shifted repeatedly, at various points featuring pianist Hector Martignon, bongo player Ricky Jameson, vocalist Wito Rodriguez, tenor sax player Roman Schwaller, bassist Roland Richardson, percussionist Freddie Santiago, conga player Guillermo Torres, vocalist Anthony Martinez, bassist Leslie Lopez, trombonist Edilberto Lievano, pianist José Avila, conga player Claus Tofft, and additional players.

Rooted in Europe, the ensemble blends salsa, jazz, and other Latin styles into grooves that ignite dance floors and build palpable excitement. The group has logged an extensive European tour and issued multiple well-received recordings. Its first album, Calorcito, appeared in 1984; two years later came Un Poco Loco. Both releases pulsed with rhythmic drive that drew strong notices from critics. ENJA Records brought out Mambo 2000 in 1993, and three years after that the same label issued La Conexion.