Caribbean musician, Luna O’cero, has enthralled listeners with his much-loved album Come n’Try Latin, transcending boundaries by seamlessly blending genres like Salsa, Merengue, Son, and Bolero. Collaborating with the renowned arranger, director, and producer Armando Olivero, he ensured that the record stayed true to its roots while infusing each song with an irresistible “Latin” charm.
The core intention behind Come ‘n Try Latin was to introduce Merengue to new cultural landscapes. In order to bridge the gap, O’cero recognized the importance of incorporating English in his songs. His artistic vision extends to reimagining timeless classics such as Santana’s “Black Magic Woman,” a collaborative effort with Olivero. Meticulously merging the fundamental elements of the original arrangement and melody, Luna breathes new life into the chorus, crafting a fresh and captivating rendition that is uniquely his own.
When people hear the phrase “Latin Music,” their minds often gravitate towards the vibrant rhythms of “Salsa.” This genre permeates across all Latin countries, from the shores of the Caribbean and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and even inspiring cinematic masterpieces. Luna ingeniously leveraged the power of “Salsa” as yet another conduit, effortlessly weaving it into his album.
Reflecting on the evolution of his sound, O’cero candidly shares, “The album Tiene Sabor took me to school. I had been working on it since 2005, the year I started to get deeply involved with music. Re-recording, remixing, fixing and doing it all over again, until satisfaction was reached, and it was released in 2018. Now Come ‘n Try Latin is the product of all that schooling.”
Luna continues to be a bold exploration of diverse genres. In a recent interview, the Latin singer shared his observations, remarking that many artists dedicate their entire careers to a single style, whether it be Merengue, Salsa, or others. Although initially praised for his prowess in Salsa, he refused to confine to it and instead committed himself to mastering Merengue.
Immersing himself in the works of legendary singers like Johnny Ventura and Joseito Mateo, Luna honed his skills and expanded his musical horizons. “Like presidents that fight hard not to be a one-termer, I didn’t want to be a one-genre artist,” reveals O’cero, admitting that he has always avoided being pigeonholed as a unidimensional musician. Thanks to his boundless creativity and commitment, he shines through in his eclectic body of work.
Inspired by the legacies of influential artists such as Nat King Cole, Joseito Mateo, and Johnny Ventura, Luna is driven by a deep appreciation for Latin music and his cultural heritage. O’cero’s ultimate ambition is to spread the boundless joy of this genre to a worldwide audience with releases like, Come n’Try Latin. By incorporating English lyrics, he seeks to expand the horizons of Merengue, a style that often finds itself overshadowed by Salsa.
Listen to the full album here: