Orquesta de la Luz

Name: Orchesta de la luz
Date of foundation: 1990
Place of foundation: Japan

Orquesta de la Luz ("Orchestra of the Light") is a Japanese salsa band that began performing and recording in 1990. The band sings in Spanish, and is led by vocalist Nora, who returned to traditional salsa after the band broke up in the mid-1990s. It became widely famous in Latin America, particularly in Puerto Rico, Panama, Mexico, Perú and other countries of the Caribbean.

Music career:
In 1990, the Japan-based salsa band “La Orquesta de la Luz” released their first album and hit on the salsa scene. Within months they gained widespread recognition lasting over the years. From the first track of that debut album, they demonstrate their precision and high-energy. They are disciples of the old salsa school, writing and singing all their lyrics in Spanish.

La Orquesta De La Luz is not just the best salsa band ever to come out of Japan; it was distinguished by its terrific horn section and its idiosyncratic lead singer Nora. In the mid-90’s the band overdosed on ballads and jazzy numbers, and when they broke up Nora went back to uncomplicated old-style salsa.  

Discography:
1990 Orchesta de la Luz
1991 Salsa no tiene Frontera
1992 Somos Diferentes
1993 Historia de la Luz
1993 La Aventura
1994 Feliz Christmas
1995 Sabor de la Luz
1998 Final Concert ¡Adios Amigos!
2000 The best of Orquesta de la Luz
2004 Banzaaay! avex io
2005 Arco Iris avex io
2007 Let’s Salsa!! – The Best Salsa Dance Collection Album
2008 Caliente!

 
By Lourd Vijay

About the Author: Lourd Vijay is the principal Promoter of Latin culture, music and dance in the Asian Region. He recently stood 10th at the “most Popular Entrepreneur of the year 2009” amongst 180 nominees from across the country. An innovative choreographer and a very able instructor, he is the director of the Lourd Vijay’s Dance Studios (www.lvds.in) in India.