Dean Morel has the respect and dedication it takes to succeed in this industry. The music he plays comes from his soul. The inspiration you hear comes from his family.
“Morel Campos para siempre”
It was known from his early childhood he was born into a musical legacy. His Great-Grandfather Juan Morel Campos, (May 16, 1857 – May 12, 1896) was considered to be the Mozart of Puerto Rico. With more than 550 compositions he was considered by many to be “El Padre De La Danza Puertorriquena. His Grand Father Manuel Morel Campos, was a local Band Leader in Puerto Rico. His Father Manolin Morel Campos, was a Band Leader in New York. His father arrived to New York at the height of the Puertorican migration in 1946. Quickly playing with many of the bands, he formed his own band in 1952. Dean would have the privilege of growing up exposed to the music industry from within. On any normal day Singers and musicians as to likes of Tito Puente, Machito, Tito Rodriguez, Daniel Santos, Bobby Capo and La Lupe to mention a few would be in Dean’s childhood home.
His love for music showed at an early age, playing trumpet and flute by the age of 9. He was 14 and already playing with local Latin bands, being taken into the clubs by a back door because of his age. He played 1st Trumpet and doubled up on the Alto Saxophone in the school bands; he also played in two Marching Bands as well.” It was apparent his love for music was developing into his future”.
At the age of 16 Dean began to play with his father’s big band. Gaining an understanding for the music scene, which would eventually lead a path into his future. After graduating high school he enlisted into the United States Navy. His first duty was the uss orion in la madelena, Italy, where he would live for two years. He auditioned for the Sixth Fleet Naval Band playing trumpet. After, his honorable discharge from the USN, he returned to New York and enrolled in Lehman College to concentrate in Music. During this time, he played with many of the local bands and continued to play with his father as well, until his father’s unexpected passing in December 1989 of heart disease in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Dean Morel Campos, keeping with his family tradition has formed his own orquesta. No fancy name just the only name he has known from his childhood “Morel Campos” Composing original songs and collaborating with top arrangers from Puerto Rico; he has developed what he calls “His Sound”. The love for the Big band sounds comes through in his with each and every song his Orquesta interprets. With two trumpets, two trombones and a baritone saxophone specific instructions were given to his arrangers “I want to sound like 10 horns”. Musicians will tell you “He’s a true professional”. This is not a pick up band, it’s a well-rehearsed band. His commitment to his sound and the dancers compliments what he was learned from his many years in the music industry. Through his enthusiasm he has a large following on New York City ON2 Dancers; which he is proud to play for.
He recently released his first single “Mi Unico Tesoro” this last October. This song is close to him as he composed it. Collaborating with music arranger and musicians from Puerto Rico this project came to realization. When it came time to record, he chose to record in Puerto Rico. He’s been asked why did you record in Puerto Rico? His response was spot on “I wanted to take it back to where it all began for me”
La Orquesta Morel Campos under the musical direction of Dean Morel Campos brings with them a strong sense of stage renewal. Great Music, Great Appearance and profound respect for the music they interpret. Dean morel campos takes you on a musical Journey with this Orquesta through time.