This is a band dedicated to the Salsa music. They have played with well recognized artists like Cheo Feliciano, Ruben Blades and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Costa Rica; Walter Flores, has been directing the “Editus Ensemble” for Ruben Blades for more than 5 years, with this band he has played at places like: Concertgebouw Theater in Amsterdam, “La Villette JazzFest” in Paris, “Westport JazzFest” in Germany, Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, “Playboy Jazz Festival” in Los Angeles, “Sessions at 54th” in New York and “Carnegie Hall”, among others. Additionally, Flores was the arranger for the song “Dilo de una vez” (“Say it at once”) from Humberto Vargas, which won in 2006 one of the most prestigious music festivals in Latin America, “Viña del Mar” (Chile). Flores has also earned 3 Grammy Awards as “Producer and Sound Engineer” for the recordings “Mundo” and “Tiempos” from Ruben Blades, here Alfredo Poveda (lead singer for Son de Tikizia) recorded the second voice for Blades and played trombone, you can hear his voice next to Ruben’s on the song “Como nosotros” from “Mundo”, where Flores also executes a Flute solo. Son the Tikizia counts with very experienced musicians. The idea with this project is to rescue the Salsa music that was made during the 70’s and early 80’s, where every orchestra had its own sound and it was the style imprinted by every musician what gave the feeling to each song. Additionally this band is characterized for its explosiveness during each presentation, where the “moñas” and “solos” from each instrument give meaning to the real sense of live music.

Son de Tikizia: Salsa Dura Pa' Los Pies

Latin Beat Magazine, Feb, 2008 by Eric Gonzalez

Most recordings that we review have "something" that we like, and in most cases, each one only has two or three cuts that we truly enjoy. It is very rare to find a production that grasps you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the very end. That is what happened to me with the superb Salsa Dura Pa' Los Pies, by Son de Tikizia, an exciting band from Costa Rica, whose leaders are Walter Flores (piano and flute) and Alfredo Poveda (vocals and trombone), two alumni from the Rubén Blades organization. Poveda, by the way, not only has a voice similar to his mentor, but also has the ability to vocalize and create like the greats. The CD features 12 well-arranged and smart tunes, spiked, as required by true salsa dura, with strong trombones, and my favorites are Jugaste con Mi Destino, Me Quité las Vendas, and Que te Vaya Bien. Interestingly enough, there are two versions--one short and one long--of Rubén Blades' classic, Juan González, which sounds as fresh as the original. We all know that we won't have Rubén Blades around forever. However, it is my opinion that Poveda, Flores, and Son de Tikizia are the likely inheritors of his musical talents and knowledge. They truly learned from the master and created their own identity. It's been a long time since I have been as excited with a new CD as I am with Salsa Dura Pa' Los Pies. And it didn't come from New York, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Perú, and the other so-called salsa powers.