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Salsero of the month

Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte “Culebra” Iriarte

The Legendary Pianist of Venezuelan Salsa

We begin our 2026 edition of Latina Stereo’s “Salsero of the Month” with a feature dedicated to the artistic life of a great Venezuelan musician. This is maestro Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte—pianist, arranger, composer, and musical director—known as “Culebra” Iriarte, born January 24, 1947, in the city of Maiquetía, Vargas state, in our sister nation.

By: Sergio A. Rendón Ángel
For: www.latinastereo.com
Medellín, Colombia, January 2026

His parents were Guillermo Ruiz Hernández and Carmen Ana Iriarte. He began his musical experience under the influence of his father, who was an accomplished musician and played several instruments, including piano, violin, cuatro, and guitar. His mother also enjoyed music and was a singer.

At the age of ten, his father gifted him a cuatro, which became his first instrument. By twelve, he was already accompanying his father. He would soon devote himself to the instrument that would accompany him throughout his artistic life: the piano.

It is said that his father, together with eight of his children, formed a group called Conjunto San Rafael, with which they would bring music to the family’s Christmas gatherings.

Enrique Iriarte studied music formally. He enrolled in the Asociación Musical, where he studied theory and sight-singing under professor Cecilio Mijares, and harmony and piano technique with maestros Gerry Weil and Virgilio López — who is also the father of pianist Pedrito López.

His musical career began with his professional experiences alongside La Sonora Caracas, where his nickname—or artistic name—was born: “Culebra.” When he arrived as pianist for La Sonora Caracas, singer Johnny Pérez asked who that little snake was, referring to his slim build. Enrique Iriarte’s talent, along with his drive to perfect his learning and musical training, allowed him to launch a fruitful artistic career.

He began working professionally with Jesús Federico Betancourt Alvarado, who founded Federico y su Combo Latino in 1965 in Caracas, Venezuela.

With maestro Federico, he recorded a series of albums beginning in 1966, including Llegó la salsa, Salsa y sabor, Más salsa, Vol. 4, Federico Boogaloo, Psicodélico con salsa, Mejor que nunca, Vibración & Ritmo, and La Machaca—also released as Dos Sets Con in 1970.

He also participated in the album Federico y su Combo, featuring the voice of Canelita Medina, released in 1979.

On March 15, 1972, the famous group Dimensión Latina was officially founded in the port city of La Guaira, capital of Vargas state, Venezuela. A historic detail: Dimensión Latina was founded precisely in the home of maestro Enrique Iriarte, located on the 13th floor of the Bloque Morocho on Prolongación 10 de Marzo Avenue, across from the Polideportivo of La Guaira. There lived Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte.

Dimensión Latina was initially composed of Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte on piano; César Monge “Albóndiga” and José Antonio Rojas “Rojitas” on trombones; José “Joseíto” Rodríguez on timbales and bongos; Elio Pacheco on congas; and Oscar D’ León on bass and vocals.

Their first rehearsal took place at the venue La Distinción, where they played songs by Mon Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, and Willie Colón.

In 1981, Enrique Iriarte launched his own musical project, releasing four albums: Culebra (1981); Vol. 2: Y Sigue Picando… (1982); Mi Sentir (1983); and Rafael “Culebra” Iriarte & Frank – Claro & Sencillito (1987).

His first album earned him a platinum record, with the standout track “La Ola Marina,” along with other notable pieces such as “Mi Inspiración,” “Como lo pide el son,” and “La Culebra.”

It is said that he was also a member of Los Nemus del Pacífico; in addition, he recorded with Porfi Jiménez, José Rosario Soto, and Magia Caribeña, alongside timbalero Federico Betancourt Jr., participating in albums such as Magia Caribeña – Llegó la Salsa II and Magia Caribeña – Llegó la Salsa III.

The legendary pianist “Culebra” Iriarte has been named Distinguished Son of La Guaira and recognized as Cultural Heritage of Venezuelan music.

Maestro Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte — our beloved “Culebra” — has an artistic career now spanning six decades, leaving a magnificent musical footprint. His piano, arrangements, and compositions form an invaluable legacy. Through this tribute to his career, we wish to offer a small but well-deserved homage to the great Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte.

En 1981, Enrique Iriarte creó su propio proyecto musical, con el que grabó cuatro álbumes: Culebra (1981); Vol. 2: Y Sigue Picando… (1982); Mi Sentir (1983) y Rafael “Culebra” Iriarte & Frank – Claro & Sencillito (1987).
Su primer álbum le hizo merecedor de un disco de platino, en el que se destacó ampliamente el tema “La Ola Marina”; además, se incluyeron otros temas sobresalientes como “Mi Inspiración”, “Como lo pide el son” y “La Culebra”.

Se dice que también hizo parte de Los Nemus del Pacífico; además, grabó con Porfi Jiménez, José Rosario Soto y Magia Caribeña, junto al timbalero Federico Betancourt Jr., con quien participó en varias producciones, entre ellas: Magia Caribeña – Llegó la Salsa II y Magia Caribeña – Llegó la Salsa III.

El legendario pianista “Culebra” Iriarte fue declarado Hijo Ilustre de La Guaira y reconocido como Patrimonio Cultural de la música venezolana.

El maestro Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte, nuestro gran “Culebra”, posee una carrera artística que ya cumple seis décadas, durante las cuales ha dejado una maravillosa huella musical. Su piano, sus arreglos y sus composiciones forman parte de un legado invaluable. A través de este trabajo sobre su trayectoria, queremos rendir un pequeño, pero muy merecido, homenaje al gran Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte.

In this compendium, we reference his extensive contribution to our culture through this presentation, a chronology, and an overview of his discography — which remains incomplete, as his name does not appear in many other albums where he made important contributions. There is always room to expand it further.

Thank you, Maestro Enrique Iriarte.

Musical chronology

1947
  • The musician, pianist, arranger, composer, and musical director Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte, known in the world of Latin music as “Culebra” Iriarte, was born on January 24 in the city of Maiquetía, Vargas State, in the sister Republic of Venezuela. From childhood, he developed a love for music thanks to his father, Guillermo Ruiz, who, although not a professional musician, was a great music and musical instrument enthusiast. He greatly influenced his children, especially Eusebio Enrique, who dedicated his entire life to music.
1957
  • At ten years old, he received his first musical instrument from his father; however, it was not the piano but a cuatro, which he used to accompany his father's playing.
1960
  • That year, when Enrique Iriarte was 13 years old, he began learning the piano, an instrument his father had bought for him and which he practiced every day. Around that time, he joined the musical ensemble of the Litoral Fire Department; later, he participated in the group Sabor Tropical and in La Sonora Patrulleros del Destacamento 5 of the Metropolitan Police.
1963
  • In 1963, he met trumpeter Manuel Contramaestre, a member of Sonora Caracas, who invited him to one of the group’s rehearsals because they needed a pianist. Eusebio Enrique Iriarte was only 16 years old at the time. It was there that he was nicknamed “Culebra.” When he arrived at the rehearsal, singer Johnny Pérez asked: “Who is this skinny pianist? He looks like a little snake.” From that moment on, the musicians of Sonora Caracas began calling him Culebra, a name that would become his artistic identity.
1965
  • In 1965, there was a Venezuelan group called El Combo Latino, led by timbalero Roberto Monserrat, who, together with singer Raúl Mayora, recorded a 45 rpm record that included the tracks “Yo vendo unos ojos negros” and “En cadenas.” .
1966
  • **Federico y su Combo Latino – La Génesis (1966-1970)**
    1. **Origen de la Agrupación:** El Combo Los Latinos se convirtió en la base fundamental para la creación de **Federico y su Combo Latino**, bajo el liderazgo del maestro **Federico Betancourt**.
    2. **Dupla de Pianistas:** La agrupación contó en sus inicios con el talento de **Roberto Monserrat** y **Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte** en las teclas.
    3. **Productividad Discográfica:** Durante este periodo, Iriarte participó en la grabación de al menos una **docena de LPs**, consolidándose como una pieza clave del sonido de la orquesta.
    4. **Rol Multifacético:** Su aporte fue más allá de la ejecución del piano, destacándose también como:
      • **Compositor:** Aportando temas originales al repertorio del combo.
      • **Arreglista:** Creando numerosos arreglos musicales que se convirtieron en éxitos rotundos de la época.
1966
  • **The Genesis: Federico y su Combo Latino**
    1. **Formation:** El Combo Los Latinos became the genesis of Federico y su Combo Latino, led by maestro **Federico Betancourt**, with the participation of **Roberto Monserrat** and **Enrique Iriarte** on piano.
    2. **Prolific Period (1966-1970):** During his time with the group, Iriarte participated in the recording of at least a dozen LPs, serving as a pianist, composer, and musical arranger.
  • **Album: Llegó la Salsa (1966) – Palacio Label**
    1. **Recording Debut:** This album marked the recording debut of **Eusebio Enrique Ruiz Iriarte** in LP format, featuring rhythms of salsa and guaguancó.
    2. **Historical Milestone:** This album was the first to use the term **“salsa”** on its cover, a subject of long-standing controversy regarding its origin.
    3. **Production Team:**
      • **Director and Güiro:** Federico Betancourt.
      • **Timbales and Musical Direction:** Roberto Monserrat.
      • **Vocals:** Carlín Rodríguez and Dimas Pedroza.
      • **Piano:** Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte.
    4. **Tracklist:**
      • Cocolía (M. Rivera)
      • Conmigo (D. en D.)
      • El Pachanguero (E. Rivera)
      • Sancocho Caliente (D. R.)
      • Guaguancó Manía (Mongo Santamaría)
      • Celosa (D. en D.)
      • Despierta Rumbero (Luis Café)
      • No Critiquen (Pedrito Hernández)
      • Saoco (Pellín Rodríguez)
      • Baila Ye-Ma-Ya (L. Frías)
      • Café y Pan (Luis Ramírez)
      • Que Me Quieras (Carmelo Álvarez)
  • **Album: Salsa y Sabor (1966) – Palacio Label**
    1. **Second Production:** Released in the same year, this LP was recorded in Venezuela featuring bolero, chachachá, descarga, guaguancó, guaracha, merengue, and pachanga rhythms.
    2. **Key Participation:** The album features **Culebra Iriarte** on piano.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • El Jaleo (Ñico Saquito)
      • Pao, Pao (Ramón Monchito)
      • El Señor Gallo (M. Leña)
      • Quisiera Olvidarte (D. en D.)
      • Abicú (J. Barreto)
      • Maina (Mon Rivera)
      • Guaguancó Tropical (Eleazar López C.)
      • Dame Tu Cariño (D. en D.)
      • Gozando La Salve (C. Dávila)
      • Pa’ Los Niches (Víctor A. Valera)
1967
  • **Album: Más Salsa – Federico y su Combo Latino**
    1. **Details:** The third album by the group, released by the **Palacio** label, featuring **Enrique Iriarte** on piano.
    2. **Rhythms:** The LP includes a variety of styles such as bolero, bomba, boogaloo, descarga, guaguancó, mambo, plena, and son.
    3. **Selected Tracklist:**
      • Guaguancó con Mozambique (Tata Guerra)
      • Toitico Tuyo (Javier Vásquez)
      • Cuando la Lluvia Cae (M. Silva)
      • Pancho y Ramona (Mon Rivera)
      • Bomba Puertorriqueña
      • Más Salsa (Eleazar López C.)
  • **Album: Durísimo – Volumen Cuatro (1967)**
    1. **Release:** The next LP by Federico y Su Combo Latino, released by the **Palacio** label in Venezuela.
    2. **Musical Direction:** Featuring **Culebra Iriarte** on piano, presenting rhythms of bolero, boogaloo, descarga, guaguancó, mambo, and son.
    3. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Mi Querida Bomba
      • Le Dio Con La Sartén
      • Bluedawn
      • El Que No Sufre No Vive
      • Si Dios Lo Permite
      • Señorita
      • Trompeta En Campana
      • Más Que Nada
      • Se Me Fue La Montuna
      • Oigan Compañeros
1968
  • **Album: Federico Booga-Loo – Federico y su Combo Latino**
    1. **Label and Rhythms:** Released by the **Palacio** label, featuring bolero, bomba, boogaloo, and guaracha rhythms.
    2. **Piano Performance:** Maestro pianist **Enrique Iriarte** is featured on all tracks of this LP.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • Federico Boogaloo – Federico Betancourt / Roberto Monserrat
      • Guajira Boogaloo – Ángel M. Chirinos
      • Ay Que José – Federico Betancourt
      • Es Muy Fácil – Felipe Dulzaides
      • El Sabrosón – D. en D.
      • Todo El Mundo – Ángel M. Chirinos
      • A Villa Palmera – Willie Rosario
      • No Serás De Mi – Crecia Domenech
      • No Me Digas Nada Kamara – Mon Rivera
      • Me Faltó Estar Mosca – Víctor M. Sánchez
  • **Album: Psicodélico Con Salsa – Federico y su Combo Latino**
    1. **Label and Style:** Released by the **Gilmar** label in LP format, incorporating boogaloo, guaguancó, guaracha, instrumental, and pachanga rhythms.
    2. **Contribution:** Features the valuable musical contribution of **Enrique Iriarte**.
    3. **Full Tracklist:**
      • El Alacrán – Guaracha – D. en D.
      • No – Bolero – Armando Manzanero
      • Campesina – Pachanga – Juan Vicente Torrealba
      • Sunny – Instrumental – Bobby Hobb
      • Qué Dichoso Es – Guaracha – José Starlers
      • Aunque No Tengo Dinero – Guaracha – Kako
      • El Amor Es Azul – Instrumental – A. Popp
      • Oh, Baby! – Boogaloo – D. en D.
      • Ha Llegado La Pachanga – Pachanga – Federico Betancourt
      • Yuca y Boniato – Guaracha – Roberto González
1969
  • **Album: Vibración & Ritmo – Federico y Su Combo Latino**
    1. **Production Details:** This is the seventh salsa album by the group, released in Venezuela under the **Sonus** label, featuring the special participation of maestro **Eusebio Enrique Iriarte**.
    2. **Musical Style:** The production showcases a combination of classic rhythms including guaguancó, guaracha, guajira, ballad, and instrumental pieces.
    3. **Detailed Tracklist:**
      • **El Cobrador (Tito Ochoa):** An energetic guaguancó–guaracha that opens the record.
      • **Guajira Go-Go (Roberto Hernández):** A guajira full of Caribbean flavor.
      • **Ma Y Embe (Federico Betancourt):** A guaguancó with the band’s distinctive style.
      • **Pa' Que Comentan (F. Betancourt, R. Pérez):** A guaracha that invites you to dance.
      • **El Agua Limpia Todo (F. Aguabella):** Another guaguancó with a strong rhythmic presence.
      • **Ocupación (F. Betancourt):** A track with the ensemble’s characteristic style.
      • **Ruego Y Lamento (Ramón Pérez):** An emotional ballad that contrasts with the more danceable rhythms.
      • **El Negrito Calavén (Luis "Tata" Guerra):** A joyful, catchy guaracha.
      • **Amor Y Más Amor (D. en D.):** An instrumental piece showcasing the group’s musical prowess.
      • **Lástima Que Tú Te Vas (Cesar Pinto):** A guaracha that closes the album with rhythm and energy.
  • **Colombia Tour: Cartagena**
    1. **International Tour:** Federico y Su Combo Latino toured Colombia that year, specifically visiting the city of **Cartagena**.
    2. **Ensemble Lineup:**
      • **Singers:** Bulmaro José Ruiz, Dimas Pedroza, and Calavén.
      • **Trombone:** Cesar Monje and Teófilo Zamty.
      • **Trumpet:** Cesar Pinto.
      • **Piano:** Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte.
      • **Bass:** Rafael Prado.
      • **Bongos:** José A. Rojas.
1970
  • **Album: Mejor Que Nunca (1970)**
    1. **Release Details:** Recorded under the labels **Gilmar (2) – LPG-111** and **Federico – LP-502** in LP format.
    2. **Musical Styles:** The album features a variety of rhythms including descarga, guaguancó, guaracha, instrumental, pachanga, and plena.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • Dolores – Mon Rivera
      • Con la Misma Moneda – C. Dávila
      • La Humanidad – Pedrito Hernández
      • Amor y Más Amor – D. en D.
      • El Timbalito – Tito Puente
      • El Prestamista – Catalino Curte Alonso
      • Mira Mis Labios – L. Cruz
      • Oh Negro Gato – Getulio Cortez
      • Olvídate de Mí – L. Ramírez
      • Si Te Fuiste, y Qué – Johnny Colón
  • **Album: La Machaca (1970)**
    1. **Production:** Released on the **Velvet** label in Venezuela.
    2. **Tracklist:**
      • La Machaca – José Ruiz
      • Mi Tiempo Guaguancó – Federico Betancourt
      • Mapeyé – Federico Betancourt
      • En el Medio de la Noche – Federico Betancourt
      • No Te Boté – Federico Betancourt
      • No Vale Na' – Federico Betancourt
      • Sé Que Volverás – D.R.A.
      • Mi Son Guajiro – Federico Betancourt
      • Cartagenera – (author not specified)
      • Camina – Federico Betancourt
    3. **International Edition:** Released in the United States as **Dos Sets Con Federico y Su Combo Latino** under the **Audiovox Records** label. It excludes "Cartagenera" and instead includes the song "Jala, Jala, Jala, Jala".
  • **Historical Highlights (1970)**
    1. **Visit to Colombia:** Federico y Su Combo Latino, including maestro **Culebra Iriarte**, visited Cartagena and shared the stage with **Michi Sarmiento**, son of Clímaco Sarmiento.
    2. **New Musical Chapter:** After his tenure with Betancourt, Culebra Iriarte joined **Trío Universo**.
    3. **Significant Encounter:** At Trío Universo, Iriarte met **Óscar Emilio León**, who at the time was working as a taxi driver and was an amateur musician.
1970
  • **Etapa Post-Federico: Integración al Trío Universo**
    1. **Transición Musical:** Tras culminar su exitosa y productiva etapa con el combo de Federico Betancourt, el maestro Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte se unió al **Trío Universo**.
    2. **El Encuentro Histórico:** Fue durante su permanencia en esta agrupación donde Iriarte conoció a un joven **Óscar Emilio León Simoza**.
    3. **Contexto de la Época:** Para aquel entonces, Óscar D' León no era aún una estrella consagrada; se desempeñaba como conductor de taxis mientras cultivaba su pasión por la música como aficionado.
    4. **Importancia del Vínculo:** Este encuentro en el Trío Universo sembraría la semilla de una de las sociedades más importantes en la historia de la salsa venezolana y mundial, que florecería poco después con la fundación de la Dimensión Latina.
1971
  • **The End of El Combo Latino and the Transition to Quinteto Los Juniors**
    1. **Disbandment:** After recording approximately ten albums, El Combo Latino led by **Federico Betancourt** disbanded, though the maestro continued his career.
    2. **New Group (1971):** At the end of 1971, piano maestro **Enrique Iriarte** joined **Quinteto Los Juniors** under the musical direction of **Francisco Pacheco “Kiko.”**
    3. **Key Collaboration:** In this ensemble, Iriarte worked alongside **Óscar Emilio León Simoza**, who played bass and provided vocals.
  • **The Birth of Oscar D’ León and La Dimensión Latina**
    1. **The Stage Name:** Óscar Emilio León Simoza later adopted the name **Oscar D’ León**, a suggestion by producer **Víctor Mendoza** (director of El Clan de Víctor).
    2. **A New Concept:** The idea to form a sextet featuring brass and two trombones originated within **Los Juniors**, which led to the creation of the famous **Dimensión Latina**.
    3. **Tenure and Succession:** Historical accounts state that **Culebra Iriarte** remained with La Dimensión for nine months. He was eventually replaced by the young pianist **Jesús Teodoro Figueroa Narváez**, better known as **“Chuito” Narváez**.
1973
  • By 1973, Culebra Iriarte was part of Luis Felipe González’s group, Don Filemón y su Banda, serving as the pianist on the track La Saporrita, one of the most widely played songs in the national discography of Colombia and Venezuela.
1975
  • **Tenure with Don Filemón and Reunion with Oscar D’ León**
    1. **Timeline:** He remained with **Don Filemón y su Banda** until 1975.
    2. **Transition:** In 1975, his friend **Oscar D’ León** invited him to join as the pianist for **La Salsa Mayor**, and he subsequently became his personal arranger.
  • **Album: A Bailar y Gozar con ¡La Saporrita! – La Súper Banda de Don Filemón**
    1. **Production Details:** This was the first album released by the group, recorded in Colombia for the **Famoso** label in LP format, featuring salsa and cumbia rhythms.
    2. **Key Personnel:** The album features **Luis Felipe González** on bass and lead vocals, with maestro **Enrique Iriarte** on piano.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • La Saporrita (Juvenal Víloria)
      • Triste (Luis Felipe)
      • La Cumbancha (Luis Felipe)
      • Para Dos Seres (Luis Felipe)
      • Mi Luna (Luis Felipe)
      • La Ternera (Juvenal Víloria)
      • Un Poco Enamorado (Luis Felipe)
      • Amor Torero (Luis Felipe)
      • El Amor (Luis Felipe)
1976
  • **Album: La Flaquita – La Banda de Don Filemón**
    1. **Production Details:** Released under the **Zeida** label in LP format and published in the United States, featuring cumbia and salsa rhythms.
    2. **Group Context:** La Banda de Don Filemón is the same group as **La Súper Banda de Luis Felipe González**, known as the singer of Nelson y Sus Estrellas.
    3. **Piano Performance:** Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte performs on the following tracks:
      • Abusadora, La Flaquita, La Luna y El Toro, Compañerita, Mi Amor Si Queda Solo, Me Voy de la Ciudad, Canto a Barlovento, Olvídame Nomás, Vida Consentida, and Emma Mía.
  • **Album: Y Su Nuevo Sonido – El Sexteto Juventud**
    1. **Recording Details:** Recorded under the direction of **Olinto Medina** for the **Velvet** label, featuring the voice of **Nelson Navas**.
    2. **Piano and Compositions:** In addition to playing piano, Enrique Iriarte contributed three original compositions to this album.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • A los rumberos – Nelson Navas
      • Triste despertar – D. en D.
      • Sandra Mora – Pablo Álvarez
      • El alacrán – Rafael de Cuba
      • Se acabó el carbón – D. en D.
      • ¿Dónde están los rumberos?
      • Dos amantes
      • **La juventud** (Enrique Iriarte)
      • **Mi son Catalina** (Enrique Iriarte)
      • **Mi nuevo tumbao** (Enrique Iriarte)
  • **Album: Con Bajo y Todo – Oscar D' León y su Salsa Mayor**
    1. **New Musical Phase:** Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte joined the orchestra of Oscar D' León, marking the start of a highly successful series of recordings.
    2. **Production:** The first album was released under the **Top Hits** label and was directed by **Víctor Mendoza**.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • Porque me Gusta, Tú No Sabes Na', Compasión, Sin Rencor, Hallaca, Por tu Bien, Para Changó, En el Tronco de un Árbol, Sería Capaz, and Retorna Vida Mía.
1977
  • **Album: 2 Sets Con Oscar – Oscar D' León y su Salsa Mayor**
    1. **Production Details:** Released under the **Top Hits** label, this musical work was directed by **Víctor Mendoza**.
    2. **Technical Contributions:** **Oscar D' León** handled the arrangements, vocals, bass, and sound engineering, with **Alfredo Padilla** on timbales and **Enrique Iriarte** on piano.
    3. **Featured Hits:**
      • Porque Será (O. León)
      • Juramento (M. Matamoros)
      • El Manisero (M. Simons)
      • Mata Siguaraya (Lino Frías)
      • Ciego de Amor (Pedro Flores)
  • **Album: El Sonido Actual del Sexteto Juventud**
    1. **Label and Rhythms:** Released in Venezuela by the **Fonodisco** label in LP format, featuring a blend of salsa and cumbia rhythms.
    2. **Iriarte's Role:** In addition to playing piano, **Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte** served as the album’s arranger and contributed two original compositions.
    3. **Key Personnel:** The production featured singers **Héctor “Tally” Lozano** and **Nelson Navas**.
    4. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • The album consists of ten tracks, including:
      • **Los Gráficos** (Enrique Iriarte)
      • **Melodía** (Enrique Iriarte)
1978
  • **Album: El Oscar de la Salsa – Oscar D' León y su Salsa Mayor**
    1. **Production Details:** Released under the **Top Hits** label, continuing the successful collaboration between Oscar D' León and maestro **Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte**.
    2. **Musical Ensemble:**
      • **Piano and Arrangements:** Enrique Iriarte.
      • **Timbales and Percussion:** Alfredo Padilla.
      • **Trombone:** William Puchi.
      • **Musical Direction:** Víctor Mendoza.
    3. **Major Hits Included:**
      • “Siéntate Ahí”
      • “El Baile del Suavecito”
      • “Contéstame”
      • “El Que Siembra su Maíz”
      • “Juanita Morel”
      • “Longina”
  • **Album: ¡Tranquilo y sin miedo!... y Juntos de Nuevo (1978)**
    1. **Release Format:** A double album released by the **Top Hits** label.
    2. **Vocal Collaboration:** This production marked the reunion of **Oscar D' León** and singer **Wladimir Lozano**, sharing vocal duties.
    3. **Musical Contribution:** Featuring maestro **“Culebra” Iriarte** on piano and arrangements.
    4. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • Qué cosa tan linda
      • La mano
      • De frente Panamá
      • Mira que eres linda
      • Sandunguera
      • Ven morena
      • Reclamo místico
      • María
1979
  • **Album: El Más Grande – Oscar D' León y su Orquesta**
    1. **Production:** The sixth album featuring the duo of **Oscar D' León** and **Enrique Iriarte**, released under the **TH: Top Hits** label.
    2. **Arrangements:** The musical arrangements for this work were handled by **Culebra Iriarte**.
    3. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • Me Dejó
      • Bravo de Verdad
      • Chancunche No. 2
      • Mi Bajo y Yo (“¡Ese es mi Amigo!”)
      • El Baile del Suavecito
      • Tu Son
  • **Album: Llegó... Actuó y Triunfó (1979) – Oscar D' León**
    1. **Release Details:** Published by **Top Hits** and recorded in Venezuela, featuring eight tracks.
    2. **Iriarte's Contribution:** The record features arrangements and piano by **“Culebra” Iriarte**.
    3. **Musical Direction:** Led by **Víctor Mendoza**.
    4. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • Mis Hijos
      • Yo Quisiera
      • Obsesión
      • Me Prendiste Velas
      • Sitiera (Excellent version)
  • **Album: Federico y su Combo con la maravillosa voz de Canelita (1979)**
    1. **Recording:** Recorded under the **FM** label in LP format, featuring guaguancó, salsa, and descarga rhythms.
    2. **Piano Performance:** **Culebra Iriarte** participated as the pianist for this production by maestro **Federico y su Combo Latino**.
    3. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • Lamento del carretero
      • Ven Bernabé
      • Soneros del ayer
      • Juliana
      • Me boté de guapo
      • El agua limpia todo (Arrangements by Rafael Labasta)
  • **Album: Sones y Guajiras – Rogelia “Canelita” Medina**
    1. **Label:** Released under the **Foca Récords** label.
    2. **Arrangements and Piano:** Maestro **Enrique Iriarte** provided the arrangements and played piano on several tracks.
    3. **Tracklist:**
      • Rosa Roja (Arrangements by Iriarte)
      • El Que Se Va No Hace Falta (Arrangements by Iriarte)
      • Tú No Lo Creas (Arrangements by Iriarte)
      • Bardo (Arrangements by Iriarte)
      • Cotunto Alegre
      • Mientes
      • Guajira Ven (Miguel Matamoros)
      • Eso No Es Ná (Graciano Gómez)
      • Yo No Escondo A Mi Abuelita (Ñico Saquito)
      • Dale Tumba (Ñico Saquito)
1980
  • **Album: Trae Candela (1980) – Canelita Medina**
    1. **Production:** Released under the **Foca Récords** label, this LP focuses on salsa and son, featuring versions of classic Cuban songs.
    2. **Musical Contribution:** **Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte** performed on the piano and provided the arrangements for specific pieces.
    3. **Tracklist Highlights:**
      • Queja (Arrangements by Iriarte – Ñico Saquito)
      • El Cangrejo (Arrangements by Iriarte – D.R.A.)
      • No Quiero Que Me Odies (Arrangements by Iriarte – D.R.A.)
      • Noche Triunfal (Miguel Matamoros)
      • Luz Que No Alumbra (Miguel Matamoros)
      • A Bailar El Son (Luis "Tata" Guerra)
  • **Album: Indiscutible (1980) – Tania**
    1. **Artist and Label:** Recorded for the **Top Hits** label by **Tania Salazar Rodríguez**, known artistically as Tania, a prominent singer from Isla Margarita.
    2. **Production:** Managed by **Víctor Mendoza**, the record blends cumbia and salsa rhythms.
    3. **Piano Performance:** Features the participation of pianists **José "Cholo" Ortiz** and **Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte**.
    4. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Son de Madera, Qué Bella Es La Vida, Qué Corto Es El Amor, Telaraña, Recuerdo de Cumbia, El Camino a Cristo, No Hay Amor Como el Primero, and El Canoero.
  • **Album: Al Frente de Todos – Oscar D' León y su Orquesta**
    1. **Release:** A new production for the **Top Hits** label featuring **Enrique Iriarte** on piano and arrangements.
    2. **Successful Hits:**
      • De Ti Enamorado, El Panquelero, Y Mi Negra Está Cansá, Con un Amor se Borra Otro Amor, and El Cachumbambé.
  • **Transition to Solo Career (1981)**
    1. **Departure from Oscar D’ León:** Enrique Iriarte remained a member of Oscar D’ León’s orchestra until **1980**.
    2. **Solo Success:** In 1981, he recorded an LP as a soloist for the **CBS Columbia** label (now Sony).
    3. **Chart Achievement:** The track **"La Ola Marina"** became a massive hit, staying at the top of the charts for over **14 weeks** and earning him a **platinum record**.
1981
  • **Album: A Mí Sí Me Gusta Así (1981) – Oscar D' León**
    1. **Historical Context:** This marked the ninth and final album by maestro **Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte** alongside **Oscar D' León**.
    2. **Musical Arrangements:** Iriarte provided the arrangements for the tracks: *Cuatro Palabras*, *Sólo Tengo un Amor*, and *Al Mirarte a Ti*.
    3. **Piano Performance:** On this specific occasion, Iriarte did not perform on piano; the instrument was played by **Enrico Henríquez**.
    4. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Se Solicita un Novio - Don Felo
      • No Me Mires Más – Aurelio Machín
      • Bandida – Pancho Quiroz
      • Cuatro Palabras – Federico Baena
      • Echando Pa' Lante – Eddy Palmieri
      • Toma Mi Corazón – Oscar D' León
      • Sólo Tengo un Amor – Nelson Milly
      • Al Mirarte a Ti – Evaristo Aparicio
  • **Solo Debut: Album "Culebra" (1981) – CBS International**
    1. **Recording Debut:** Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte made his debut as a soloist with this LP, featuring cha-cha-cha, salsa, and son rhythms.
    2. **Vocal Performance:** The album features the voice of **Ferddy Nieto**.
    3. **Tracklist and Contributions:**
      • **Mi Inspiración** and **La Culebra** (Composed by Víctor Mendoza).
      • **La Ola Marina:** A major hit that earned the maestro several awards.
      • **Son de la Escopeta.**
      • **Arrangements by Iriarte:** *Como Lo Pide El Son*, *El Gato y El Ratón*, *Pa' Acá, Pa' Allá*, and *Los Seres*.
  • **Album: Canelita (1981) – Canelita Medina**
    1. **Production:** Recorded under the **Foca Récords** label, focusing on the son rhythm.
    2. **Iriarte's Arrangements:** Out of the eight tracks, maestro **Culebra Iriarte** arranged three:
      • **La casita de Margot** (Rafael Hernández)
      • **Quiero matar el dolor** (Nelson Navarro)
      • **Oye ya** (Miguel Matamoros)
1982
  • **Album: Son... A Mi Manera – Canelita Medina**
    1. **Production:** A Venezuelan salsa LP pressed by the **CBS** label, featuring outstanding pianists **Enrique Iriarte** and **José "Cholo" Ortiz**.
    2. **Piano Performance:** Culebra Iriarte performed on the following tracks:
      • Que Aparezca La Piña (R. Garmica)
      • Una Rosa de Francia (Rodrigo Prats)
      • Palabra de Honor (M. Lecuona)
    3. **Backing Vocals:** Provided by Víctor Mendoza, Javier Plaza, and Carlos Sposito.
  • **Album: Volumen Dos - Y Sigue Picando... – Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte**
    1. **Solo Career:** His second album as a soloist, released in the United States by **Discos CBS International**.
    2. **Genres:** A fusion of bolero, cha-cha-cha, descarga, guaguancó, guaracha, merengue, and salsa.
    3. **Vocals:** Featuring the voice of **Freddy Nieto**.
    4. **Tracklist:**
      • “El Cuento Del Sapo” (Félix Cárdenas)
      • “No Me Mires Más” (Aurelio Machín)
      • “Donde Quieras” (Enildo Padrón)
      • “El Mangue” (Cheché Abreu, Radhamés Aracena)
      • “Cinco Cartas” (Rafael Castillo)
      • Potpourri Navideño
      • **“Mi Soledad”** (Composed by Enrique Iriarte)
  • **Album: El Brujo De Guanabacoa (1982) – José Rosario Soto**
    1. **Artist Profile:** José Rosario Soto, creator of the **Sonero Clásico del Caribe**, recorded this work released by the **LAD (2)** label.
    2. **Arrangements:** Four of the ten tracks feature arrangements by **Enrique Iriarte**:
      • El Brujo De Guanabacoa (Emenejildo Cárdenas)
      • No Me Conviene (Joseíto Rodríguez)
      • Don Lengua (Ignacio Piñero)
      • Cruel Tormento (Reserved rights)
  • **Album: Tú Significas Todo para Mí – Gilberto “El Embajador del Amor”**
    1. **Iriarte's Role:** **Culebra Iriarte** served as both the pianist and arranger for this production.
    2. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Ansiedad, Pregúntale a la Luna, Te Odio y Te Quiero, Mis Penas de Amor, En Qué Quedamos, Una Aventura, Tú Significas, Todo Acabó, Ningún Secreto, and Por un Capricho.
1983
  • **Album: Mi Sentir – Enrique "Culebra" Iriarte**
    1. **Solo Career:** The third solo album by the maestro, released under the **CBS International** label in LP format.
    2. **Composition:** The title track, **“Mi Sentir,”** was created by Enrique Iriarte himself.
    3. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Mi Sentir (Enrique Iriarte)
      • Cuanto Te Amo (Enildo Padrón)
      • El Gallo, La Gallina y El Caballo (J. Carbó)
      • Madre Rumba (Humberto Hauma)
      • Monte Tiene Garabato (Armando Sánchez/Marcelino Guerra)
      • Pobre Lola (Pedro “Goajiro” González/Sandy González)
      • Sigo Pecando Igual (Elliot Romero)
      • Un Canto De Amistad (Víctor Mendoza)
  • **Album: Cosa Linda (1983) – Carlos Quintana "Tabaco" y su Orquesta**
    1. **Production:** A salsa LP released in Mexico under the **Trébol** label.
    2. **Iriarte's Arrangements:** Maestro **Culebra Iriarte** was responsible for the arrangements of two key tracks on this production:
      • **Cosa Linda** (Avelino Muñoz)
      • **Consejo a las Mujeres** (Miguel Matamoros)
1983
  • **Album: Los Músicos También Bailan – Guaraira La Orquesta**
    1. **Production:** Recorded in Colombia for the **Internacional** label in LP format.
    2. **Musical Style:** The record includes rhythms such as Guajira, Guaguancó, and Salsa.
    3. **Key Contribution:** Among the eight tracks, the song **“Sentémonos y Hablemos”** stands out, featuring the musical arrangements of **Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte**.
  • **Album: Merequetengue Pa’ Ti (1986) – Porfi Jiménez y su Orquesta**
    1. **Artist and Label:** Released by the Dominican musician **Porfirio Antonio Jiménez** under the **Sonográfica** label.
    2. **Musical Style:** An LP featuring Latin rhythms, cumbia, and merengue.
    3. **Special Participation:** The production included the collaboration of maestro **Enrique Iriarte** as a guest pianist.
    4. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Merequetengue Pa’ Ti
      • Déjame Amarte
      • Dame Tu Amor
      • Cumanchero
      • Me Duele El Corazón
      • La Mujer De Antonio
      • Calientas Mi Piel
      • Recuerdos Infantiles
1987
  • **Album: Claro & Sencillito (1987) – Enrique Iriarte & Manuel Francisco “Frank” González**
    1. **Production Details:** The fourth solo album by maestro **Enrique Iriarte**, recorded alongside the singer from La Guaira, **Manuel Francisco “Frank” González**.
    2. **Release:** Published under the **Combo Récords** label in LP format.
    3. **Musical Styles:** The work features a blend of bolero, guaguancó, merengue, and salsa rhythms.
    4. **Project Leadership:** Enrique Iriarte serves as the project leader and featured pianist on all tracks.
    5. **Full Tracklist:**
      • Será de los Dos (Fernando Silva)
      • Mi Sentimiento (Manuel Francisco González)
      • Usted No Sabe (Enildo Padrón)
      • Quiten Eso (Fernando Silva)
      • La Bikina (Rubén Fuentes)
      • Psicología (Javier Vásquez)
      • El Negro Feliz (Reserved rights)
      • Asunción (Reserved rights)
1990
  • **Album: Salsa y Deseo Orquesta – Salsa y Deseo Orquesta**
    1. **Puerto Rican Edition:** The album was pressed in Puerto Rico by the **PDC** label in LP format. In this edition, **Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte** is credited in the chorus lineup.
    2. **Venezuelan Edition (1990):** Later released in Venezuela under the **Orbe** label; however, maestro Enrique Iriarte is not listed in the credits of this particular edition.
  • **Reunion with Oscar D’ León (1990)**
    1. **Return to the Orchestra:** In 1990, **Oscar D’ León** called upon maestro **Enrique Iriarte** once again to serve as the orchestra's pianist.
    2. **Tenure:** He held the position for **eight months**.
    3. **Departure:** He decided to leave the group due to the physical exhaustion caused by constant travel and the desire to dedicate more time to his family.
1997
  • **Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte y su Sonora (1990 Lineup)**
    1. **Musical Direction and Piano:** Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte served as the pianist, musical director, and arranger.
    2. **Vocalists:** The ensemble featured **Larry Machado** and **Perla Tabata**, who were later joined by **Maritza De Quisquella**.
    3. **Instrumentalists:**
      • **Trumpets:** César Pinto (first trumpet), Yenny (second trumpet), and a third trumpet as a special guest.
      • **Bass:** Eli.
      • **Percussion:** Augusto Felibertt (congas) and Juan Pablo Barrios (timbalito, cowbell, and bongos).
      • **Substitute Percussionists:** Yomar Méndez (“Caballo”) and Heyzer Cabrera.
2008
  • **Álbum: Llegó la Salsa II Parte (2008) – Magia Caribeña**
    1. **Liderazgo y Sello:** Producción de la agrupación liderada por **Federico Betancourt Jr.**, grabada bajo el sello **MC Récords**.
    2. **Lanzamiento:** Este LP de salsa fue lanzado en Colombia.
    3. **Músicos y Vocalistas Destacados:**
      • **Piano:** Enrique Iriarte.
      • **Cantantes:** Dimas Pedroza, Orlando José “Watussi” Castillo y Carlín Rodríguez.
    4. **Lista de Canciones:**
      • Cocolía
      • Señor Gallo
      • El Jaleo
      • Pao Pao
      • Dolores
      • Mi Querida Bomba
      • Las Malas Lenguas
      • Federico Boogaloo
      • No Le Digan
      • La Cumbia Cúcuta
2011
  • In that year, maestro Eusebio Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte worked with his ensemble titled La Sonora de Culebra Iriarte, accompanied by eight musicians.
2013
  • Maestro Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte performed the piano solo on the track “Café y Pan,” recorded by Magia Caribeña and included in the album Llegó la Salsa, Vol. III. This work, produced by the MC Récords label in CD format, was released in Colombia in 2013. It is a salsa album featuring the vocals of Orlando José “Watussi” Castillo.
2019

Discography

Pensagram

Through this work on the legacy of the great pianist, arranger and creator of classics: Enrique “Culebra” Iriarte, on this, our page www.latinastereo.com and its section The Salsa Singer of the Month, we want to pay a small tribute to one of the greats of our music.

Discography

Long live music!
Long live salsa!
Long live Culebra Iriarte!

LISTA DE SALSEROS

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