Experience the rhythm of Latin music and the energy of salsa with legendary musicians.

Fuego Taibori is a revival of two iconic New York salsa bands from the late 1970s, Fuego 77 and Sonido Taibori. These legendary groups have joined forces to bring back the vibrant salsa sound that once defined Newark’s music scene. Led by bandleader Luis Montanez and featuring the powerful vocals of lead singer David Sanchez, Fuego Taibori is rekindling the magic of salsa’s golden era with their unique 2024 twist.

The band’s first offering is a remake of “Be Mine,” originally released on Fuego 77’s 1977 album under Allegre Records. This track, recorded in January 2024 at Allerton Studios in the Bronx, highlights the exceptional talents of some of the finest musicians from New York City and Puerto Rico. With its fresh energy and expert musicianship, this updated version brings a new life to a classic salsa favorite.

Fuego Taibori’s second release, “Unidos 2024,” is a reimagining of an old Sonido Taibori hit. This track was originally written and sung by the renowned Tito Nieves and first appeared on Fania Records in 1978. The band has given it a modern edge while staying true to the essence of the original. “Unidos 2024” will be released in October 2024, offering fans another dose of nostalgic yet fresh salsa sounds.

With their blend of classic and contemporary styles, Fuego Taibori honors the legacy of salsa while bringing it into the present. The passion, energy, and creativity poured into both of these tracks are a testament to the band’s dedication. We hope listeners will feel the love, sweat, and tears that went into reviving these beloved songs.

DAVID SANCHEZ

LEAD VOCALIST

David’s musical career both as a Producer/Writer and Musician began in the year 1975 when he moved to Puerto Rico for a year and formed a band with his cousin (El Sonero Del Barrio Frankie Vazquez) called Soul Latino.

Upon coming back to the states, David hooked up with a fledgling band out of Brooklyn Fuego 77. Led by Marcos Hernandez and Noey Matos. David then called his cousin Frankie and had him move back to New York and he too became a part of the group.

Fuego soon caught the attention of Rita Harlow (wife of Larry Harlow) and before you know it had a recording contract with Fania Records subsidiary Alegre Records. The album Fuego 77 was produced by the legendary Al Santiago and produced hits like Differente, Tengo Un Tumbao and Be Mine. This was David’s first experience recording but it wouldn’t be his last…

Upon leaving the group David hooked up with Hall of Fame Puerto Rican songwriter Johnny Ortiz who had just recorded his own album on Fania Records calling his group Sonido Taibori led by Fuego Taibori bandleader Luis Montanez. The album was originally sung by a young Tito Nieves (in his first recording). Tito was not able to commit to staying with the group because he had already committed to joining Conjunto Clasico. Johnny then turned to David to become the lead singer of the group and perform those songs with the band. David went and asked Frankie to also come join him in the group which he did.

That album produced a slew of hits like Cosas Que No Pueden Olvidarse, Angelina and of course Fuego Taibori’s 2nd single a 2024 update of Unidos (written by Tito Nieves).

From there David began his journey as an English market writer, artist and producer. He recorded Word Up by Legacy (Produced by Kool & The Gang keyboardist) Amir Bayyan. David then started writing and producing English music for the likes of Tony Terry, Force MD’s, Oren “Juice” Jones, Sweet Sensation, Celi Bee, Al B. Sure and many others.

David parlayed that success into a recording contract on Warner Bros subsidiary Reprise Records. With his production partner Guy Vaughn and music business veterans Kenny Bobien and Steven Ray they created Def Con Four. The album produced hits like Say You Love Me and a remake of Bloodstone’s Natural High.

David also created, managed and produced Sweet Sensation for a time and from that experience he created The David Marketing Group, a company that does entertainment marketing and promotion for labels like Universal Music, Sony Music, Interscope Records, Capitol Records, Def Jam and many more. That company is still in existence today.

LUIS MONTANEZ

Band Leader & Bongos

Lou’s musical journey began in 1970. He honed his percussion skills with lessons from such greats as Tommy Lopez, Sr., Ray Romero, Sr. and Anthony Carillo.

His professional journey began with Brooklyn based salsa band La Moderna.

Over the last 50 years, Luis has had the pleasure of performing with some of the greats of salsa such as: Johnny Pacheco, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, Pete El Conde Rodriguez, Ismael Miranda, Andy Montanez, Bobby Rodriguez y La Compania and Spanish Harlem Orchestra just to name a few.

In 1978 Luis became co-leader of a group (founded by the great Puerto Rican composer Johnny Ortiz) Sonido Taibori, The group recorded one album on Fania Records which included the singing debut of Tito Nieves. Tito left shortly after the recording to join Conjunto Clasico and was replaced by David Sanchez and Frankie Vazquez. The rest as they say is history.

Luis and David have reunited to create Fuego Taibori a reinvention of both Taibori and Fuego 77.