Víctor Manuelle has finally released his anticipated live CD and DVD, Victor Manuelle Live At Madison Square Garden (Sony BMG).  The performance was filmed and recorded live this past Febuary in New York City during his special one night only concert, Víctor Manuelle & Friends.  Víctor was joined that night by some of Latin music’s biggest stars including Gilberto Santa Rosa, Don Omar, Eddie Palmeri, Sin Bandera and Sergio George. The show was a one of a kind stage presentation of Victor Manuelle’s entire musical trajectory.  Complete with sets, dancers and special effects,  El Sonero de la Juventud performed many of his greatest hits including “Hay Que Poner El Alma” and “He Tratado” as well as live renditions of songs from his last studio album  Decisión Unánime including “Nuestro Amor Se Ha Vuelto Ayer”, “Maldita Suerte” and “Nunca Había Llorado Así”.  Having sold more than one million albums in the United States alone, Víctor has become one of this generations greatest soneros.  He recently finished a radio promotional tour in support of this CD/DVD release.

What was your favorite moment of the Víctor Manuelle & Friends concert?
That is very difficult.  I think that the auidence really identified with all the special guests that performed.  Ever artist received their own reaction.  I think one of the most memorable moments of the evening was when I sang with the guys of Sin Bandera.  We did a set of ballads including our hit, “Maldita Suerte”.  Don Omar’s participation brought an incredible energy to the show and it was the first time we sang “Nunca Había Llorado Así” live.  Milly Quezada and I sang “Nuestro Amor Se Ha Vuelto Ayer” as a ballad and then it changed into a merengue which was something different and fun. The finale of “Puerto Rico 2006” with the particiaption of two great artists, Eddie Palmeri and Gilberto Santa Rosa was amazing.  I think all of the special guests brought their own magic to this concert.

Why do you consider your last album, Decisión Unánime, the best album of your career?
First for me because it arrived at a very special moment in my career.  Second to have the opportunity to have recorded songs with as many friends as I did on this one album.  I sang with Don Omar, Yuridia, Hector “El Fahter”, Yomo, Mikey from La Secta Allstar, Eddie Palmeri and Sin Bandera.  So for me this was a very special project and from the beginning I had a lot of faith in it.  With God’s blessing this has been reflected this past year with all the awards and recognitions I have received.  I always make music that I hope my fans will love and I feel that this album was a success. 

How did the coloboration “Nunca Había Llorado Así” happen?
Wow, this song came out really great and it was fun.  I asked Don Omar to record a song for my new album but I told him I wanted it be a salsa song.  I think everyone thought I would record a reggaetón song since that is the genre that is very popular right now and because I was recording with Don Omar.  When I told Don Omar about the idea of doing a tropical song he really liked it.  We recorded the song in the studio.  The public has really embraced this song and it has become one of my favorites.

What do you hope to bring to songs that you record that you did not compose yourself?
When I choose songs to sing that I have not written, I try to still identify myself with the compostion and choose ones that fit my style.  I have always tried to pick songs that are similar to to ones I have done throughout my career and represent Víctor Manuelle. I have had the opportuinty to record songs from many great composers and I hope that they like the way in which I have interpreted their music.  I really like the ability to work with other songwriters as well as record my own songs.

If you could pick one song to represent your career, which one would it be?
There is a song on my last album that has become very special for me.  It is “Puerto Rico 2006”.  I think this song carries a message that all the Latin Americans can idenfiy with.  The pride of your origns and your home country.  For me being Puerto Rican and being born in that land where such leygendary artists have came from will always be something I’m proud about. “Puerto Rico 2006” is one of the songs that touchs you in a nostolgic way.  At Madison Square Garden we finished the concert singing this song and I was joined by two great Puerto Rican artists, Eddie Palmeri and my mentor Gilberto Santa Rosa.

It is difficult for you to balance your career and personal life?
Yes it is.  Every time I travel or have to be away from my family and my children it is difficult.   Sometimes you miss important moments and can’t spend all the time you want to with them.  Luckily I have a very united family that understands my career.  When they are able to travel with me they do and are by my side.