Episode 49 | Fran’ Ferrer, Music Producer

My background is imbued in music. My entire life has been informed sort of like a doll cut out from the Latin music scene in its many forms. Though I cannot sing or play an instrument to save my life, my Dad gave me no choice but to learn to love music and I’m all the better and privileged for it. I’ve absorbed the arts and culture from that primal field of expression ever since I can remember.

One of those figures is Fran’ Ferrer. His work has impacted Puerto Rican popular music in profound ways. He is history. Really. He has given the cause his sweat, blood, and tears. Fran’ has produced some of the island’s most iconic and unforgettable figures and by extension, songs, in both the studio and live performance setting.

Here he talks about his musical journey in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s from El Topo to Roy to Batacumbele, Brown to Festival Marisol and the list goes on. We’re scheduled for a Part II sometime later in the year.

A man of the people who produced music for his people.

Esto es una remembranza linda linda de la historia de la música de Puerto Rico.

Today he plays at the Loisaida Festival in the Lower East Side of Manhattan with a great band of masters - Papo Vázquez - musical director; Henry Cole, drums; Gabriel “Gabo” Lugo, percussion; Mario Roberto Cancel Viga, cuatro; Ariel Robles, bass; Nelson “Gazu” Jaime, trumpet; Anthony Carillo, bongó; Edsel Gómez, piano; Omi, Trombone; and Jorge Castro, Sax.

In other words...Descarga Boricua (this is a reference)