In his latest release ‘Viento en Popa,’ salsa artist Marino Luis blossoms to reveal a bolder, more musically stimulating sound that simultaneously charms loyal Latin music listeners and salsa neophytes alike. With more than 14 years as an industry insider, Luis is out to introduce music fanatics worldwide to the authentic sound of Colombia’s Pacific coast.

Washington, DC (July 29, 2009) — From the intensity and vigor with which salsa crooner Marino Luis belts out harmonies on his latest project ‘Viento en Popa,’ one would think he was vying for a shot in the spotlight. But, in reality, he’s been there for a while.

A former backup singer for world renowned salsa legend Yuri Buenaventura, Luis has been leaving his musical mark for decades. With his second album, ‘Viento en Popa,’ the songster graduates from vocalist to producer, having orchestrated musical arrangements for 10 of the CD’s 12 tracks.

In creating ‘Viento en Popa,’ Luis drew from his multitude of experience as a salsa musician and songwriter in order to craft a wide-ranging yet musically thorough album. Well represented on the disc is the tropical, classic salsa of Colombia’s Pacific coast for which Luis is widely known; but “Viento en Popa’ reaches across musical aisles to borrow sounds from close genres like bachata, bolero, and even reggaeton.

Everyday life influenced Luis to assemble the collection of singles found on ‘Viento en Popa.’ While many salsa compilations rotate around the universal themes of love lost and love found, ‘Viento en Popa’ explores beyond such topics to touch a far-reaching audience with ‘Obama: El Cambio,’ ‘Mi Lindo Regalo,’ and other singles. Not only did Luis lend his vocal and production skills to his latest album, he is also responsible for writing six of the CD’s tracks. While ‘Viento en Popa’ is only Luis’ second solo disc, he has already garnered a strong following in his native Buenaventura, Colombia as well as Spain and the United States. Thanks to more than 10 years of touring worldwide with first-rate salsa groups, Luis’ ripened musical talents are on full display throughout ‘Viento en Popa.’

Produced by Washington, DC-based Acuario Productions, ‘Viento en Popa’ has already been hailed as a hit with listeners in Cali and Buenaventura, Colombia, up and down the east coast of the United States, various cities in Europe, and salsa hotspots through Latin America. A tour is in the works and is projected to kick-off in early fall 2009 with stops in North and South America as well as Europe.