Songo
Havana Soul
Mo-Bana Records
If you enjoy the sounds of
Latin, Soul, Funk, Jazz and a touch of Rock you will most definitely
enjoy the sounds that this new Bay area based group has to offer.
Songo is the name of this highly energetic and creative sextet
of accomplished and determined musicians seeking to create their
own blend of musica.
This group was formed in 1999 by guitarist Carlos Palomares
and has attracted a strong following throughout the Bay area.
On this their debut Havana Soul on Mo-Bana Records this fine
unit deliver some of the freshest Latin-Soul around. They have
been influenced by the sounds of Santana, Poncho Sanchez, Tito
Puente, Malo, Joe Cuba and so many more yet they have created
their brand of Latino groove.
The music of Songo is appealing, danceable and has the right
touch of caliente rhythms. The members of the group have performed
with a wide variety of acts from Orquesta Borinquen, Carlos Godinez,
Gary Flores Trio, Danilo y Orquesta Universal and Dr. Loco's
Rockin Jalapeno Band.
This band shows its versatility and superb musicianship on
the original compositions throughout this disc. It is hard to
give a certain label to the band's mix due to the heavy influences
of different genres of music. I especially enjoyed the tunes
"Con Quien", "Tu Sabor", "Strange Clouds",
and the infectious and well arranged "Oye Gente." Hector
Quintana's (El Spider) vocals are excellent and fit nicely with
the rhythmic groove created by his compadres in the band. I really
enjoyed the playing of Al Conde on piano. His style is strong
and keeps the rhythm section solid. Mark Armenta is the group's
bassist and a veteran of the San Francisco music scene. His versatile
style has allowed him to perform in traditional Jazz groups,
Big Band, blues and Latin groups. On percussion Songo presents
the talents of Stan Ginn (congas, bongos, guiro & maracas)
and Brian "Bacalao" Andres on drum kit and timbales.
Their tight sound and interplay is what creates this group's
groove and they sound very good.
I look forward to hearing more from Songo and invite you to
check out their tasty sound of Latin-Soul. For more information
check out their website at www.songo.com
and www.mobana.com.
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
