The LA Carpool
sound is a s unique as it's name. When one thinks of the word
carpool especially, in Los Angeles it means to basically share
a ride. To ensure, that there is less congestion on the freeways.
Well, LA Carpool does just that however this ride is being shared
between the rhythms of Salsa, Rock and Jazz.
Traveling together down the highway at high rate of speed
on cruise control. This group of seasoned music professionals
bring you the listener a hot blend of Salsa and contemporary
music. It is the realized dream of the four principal members
to combine swinging Salsa with English Lyrics and to present
them in a manner that is exciting to Latin as well as Anglo audiences.
When you first hear their sound you might say to yourself
"Hey isn't that..so and so" make no mistake it is the
one and only LA Carpool. Listen to how the Piano, Congas, Timbales,
Guitar and vocals create
a hot new sound.
The sound is rich and complimented by vocalist Faith Rivera.
A graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a degree in music she
is no lightweight and you may have seen her perform as part of
the Sheila E group at the 99 Alma Awards backing up such notables
as Jon Secada, Luther Vandross and Deborah Cox.
Multi-instrumentalist Frank Garcia adds his very hip guitar
stylings to the tunes ala Carlos Santana. He also co-wrote 8
of the original tunes. What would Latin music be without the
driving Piano sound in the mix? Well not much but not the case
here. Pianist extraordinaire John Douglas plays with command
and intensity that you will be doing some serious Toe-Tapping.
On Congas as well as the producer/creator of LA Carpool is
El Senor Jack Gold. Jack grew up hooked on the hip sounds of
Latin Jazz that was created by both Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria
and was inspired to learn the Conga drums. With this recording
he has realized his dream of playing a brand of Latin music with
wide appeal for everyone to enjoy. The CD cooks from beginning
to end if you like Gloria Estefan, Tito Puente and Santana you
will LOVE LA Carpool. From the infectious sound of "Mi Guarija",
"Oye Garcia", "Simpatico" and "Incognito"
to the lush and sultry "Undertow" you will be hooked.
The lyrics for all these wonderful tunes comes from the genius
mind of Rick Ryan who co-wrote "Shadowland" which was
on the Crosby,Stills,Nash and Young album American Dream. In
a very short time this group has garnered some very high accolades.
"Mi Guarija" was voted the number five best Latin song
of 1999 by mp3.com. Their music is enjoying success throughout
the country on Commercial and Public radio alike. Crossing many
formats from Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin Jazz and Salsa programs.
So what are you waiting for? A slice of musical Heaven awaits
you.
Visit: www.lacarpool.com
A review by:
Erik "Chico" Manqueros
Host & Producer
The Latin Style of Jazz ñ
Radio Show
& Contributing Writer
Latin Style Magazine and Latinjazzclub.com
