Dorance Lorza & Sexteto Cafe have been one of the leading bands in the vibrant and exciting London salsa scene since they formed in 1996. Pioneering the worldwide “salsa con vibes” revival of the late 1990s, they were one of the first bands in Europe to favour the small combo salsa sound of 1960s/1970s bands like Joe Cuba Sextet/ New Swing Sextet/Pete Terrace Combo rather than that of the more common big brass-heavy salsa orchestras of the day.
Colombian born band leader Dorance Lorza already had a very impressive record from back home as a musician, arranger, composer and producer, working with the the biggest names in Colombian salsa music such as Los Niches, Los Del Caney, Los Titanes, Los Nemus Del Pacifico, Orquesta Canela, Santiago Ceron, La Octava Dimension, Kike Harvey, Cali Aleman and Fruko y su Orquesta.
Over the years, they have become one of the most popular and booked salsa bands in the UK and have been featured at many prestigious salsa congresses and jazz festivals .
They released their debut album “Cafe Salsa” in 1997 on PCP Records followed by “Salsa Pa'Ti” in 2004 on Candela. In 2008, both were re-issued with some new previously unreleased tracks as a double CD collection under the title “Dorance Lorza & Sexeto Cafe : 10 Years Of Salsa” on International Records.
Their fourth release "Rumbero De Corazon" was included by Latin Beat Magazine contributor Nelson Rodriguez on the TOP TEN Best Salsa releases of 2012.
With their fifth release "Latin DNA" 15 Years Celebration Vol 1, Dorance Lorza & Sexteto Cafe have confirmed they are still one of the top salsa bands in the UK today and amongst the finest exponents of the small band “salsa con vibes” style anywhere in the world.
The band have also had numerous tracks licensed to best-selling compilations such as “Beginners Guide To Salsa” and “The Rough Guide To Salsa Dance”, which has brought them to a worldwide audience. All fifth albums have featured strong original material alongside new arrangements by Dorance of classic salsa.
Dorance Lorza & Sexteto Cafe were the winners for the LUKAS AWARDS (Latin UK Awards) in the category " Latin Act Of The Year 2014 " and Dorance "Musician Of The Year 2015" .
In 2015 Dorance was awarded by The Faculty of Education and Master of Education Senior Management Services of the University Of St Buenaventura in Cali Colombia For his contribution to the musical heritage of the SALSA WITH VIBRAPHONE and his 15th anniversary as Caleño icon of this trend in the world.
Dorance Lorza & Sexteto Cafe
