The birth place of "Tipica Novel" starts in 1961 in New York City by Hector Zeno and his partner at the time Eddy Rodriguez. When these two founding members left the band, the leadership was taken over by Willie Ellis, piano player and musical director along with Alberto Gonzalez and Marco Motroni both vocalists at the time.

The band became world renowned under the Fania Record Label and Ralph Mercado who was their original promoter. Many great latin musicians have been members of this great Charanga band. Some that come to mind are:Mauricio Smith Sr., Don Gonzalez Fernandez. Mike Garcia, Nestor Torres, Jimmy Bosch, Pupi Legaretta, Jimmy Delgado, Jose Papo Boine, Professor Joe Torres, Marino Solano, and many countless others.

When Willie Ellis passed away, the band was taken over by his nephew Rafael Rodriguez who produced two recordings "Mejor Que Nunca" and "La Nueva Generacion". Due to work conflicts Rafael left the band and moved to Florida. As all the remaining band members were still in New York, it was decided that the band would remain in New York and be under the musical direction of Mauricio Smith Jr and Joe Ayala.

Joe has recently produced Novel's latest recording "Mirando Pa'l Cielo" which is dedicated to all those previous band memberswho have passed on and there is more music in the pipeline for future recordings. Tipica Novel endeavors to continue bringing great music to the dancing public in the long standing tradition which has endured to this very day.

Photos by Josef Ayala.

Maestro, Flute / Mauricio Smith Jr.
Congas / Joseph Ayala
Timbales / Jose "Papo" De Leon
Piano / Conal Fowkes
Violins / Rigdzin Pema Collins & Sam Barfeld
Bongos & Cowbell / Danny Gonzalez

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