SPECIAL FEATURINGS
OSCAR HERNÁNDEZ
Pianist, Arranger, and Musical Director
Living Legend of Salsa & Latin Jazz and Guardian of the Sound of El Barrio
Born in New York and raised in the musical pulse of Spanish Harlem and the South Bronx, Oscar Hernández is one of the most celebrated pianists, arrangers, and musical directors in Latin music. With an academic background from New York University and a trial-by-fire upbringing during the golden era of New York salsa, his style synthesizes the raw energy of urban salsa with sophisticated jazz harmony.
His historic career includes long-standing roles as pianist and musical director for Ray Barretto, Rubén Blades & Seis del Solar, and Paul Simon on the Broadway musical The Capeman. He is the founder and leader of the legendary Spanish Harlem Orchestra, a multi-Grammy-winning ensemble dedicated to preserving hard salsa and traditional Latin jazz. Throughout his career, he has recorded and collaborated with icons such as Celia Cruz, Ismael Miranda, Conjunto Libre, Mongo Santamaría, Juan Luis Guerra, and Dave Valentin.
In "Volver al Mañana," he joins the studio version of "Llegando al Solar," a track composed and arranged by Luchito Muñoz in tribute to Rubén Blades & Seis del Solar, leaving his signature touch on the piano and infusing the track with the perfect DNA.
Dr. Ed Calle
Saxophonist, Composer, Arranger, and Educator
Latin Grammy Winner and One of the Most Recorded Saxophonists in Music History
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, to Spanish parents, and based in South Florida, Dr. Ed Calle is one of the most versatile, prolific, and respected saxophonists on the planet. Holding a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and a career spanning over 1,200 albums and 9,000 singles, his virtuosity has earned praise from legends like Michael Brecker and Arturo Sandoval. A Latin Grammy winner for his album Dr. Ed Calle Presents Mamblue and a multi-Grammy nominee, Calle has recorded and performed with global music royalty, including Frank Sinatra, Chick Corea, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan, and Arturo Sandoval, alongside serving as musical director for historic Grammy Award broadcasts.
In "Volver al Mañana," Dr. Ed Calle brings the power, unique expressiveness, and sophistication of his saxophones, adorning the arrangements of "Pa' Que Me Quieras" with sensitivity and world-class technique, setting a standard of excellence on this album.
GIRALDO PILOTO
Drummer, Arranger, and Composer
Pillar of Timba and Pioneer of Progressive Son
A graduate of the National School of Art (ENA), Giraldo Piloto is one of the greatest percussionists in the history of Afro-Cuban music, as well as one of the most influential musical directors and arrangers in the contemporary scene. Heir to a renowned musical dynasty—nephew of the legendary percussionist Guillermo Barretto and son of the composer Giraldo Piloto—his style blends the sophistication of jazz, the energy of funk, and the pure roots of West Indian son.
A highlight of his career was his role as a founder and key figure of NG La Banda, a pioneering group in the birth of timba. Likewise, he has stood out as a musical architect, arranger, and composer of EGREM Award-winning productions alongside icon figures such as Isaac Delgado and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Since 1995, he has led Klímax, a flagship band for progressive son and Latin jazz with a prominent international discography.
In "Volver al Mañana," Piloto contributes his rhythmic strength, percussive power, and drum virtuosity, along with the Afro-Cuban precision and accents that drive the energy of every track in which he participates.