Sonidos Gold (Aire Sol Records, 2008)
Cumbia has traveled far. The Afro-Colombian genre became popular in Mexico, where it has become a common pop genre. And now cumbia takes root in Austin, the American city in Texas that celebrates and supports live music. Grupo Fantasma, a multinational band formed by Hispanic and Anglo musicians takes Mexican cumbia on Sonidos Gold and introduces Afro-Latin percussion and beats, powerful brass and retro lounge elements. Grupo Fantasma makes it seem like it is easy to switch from slow cadence cumbia to irresistible fast paced salsa and Cuban dance music.
Like other current U.S. based Latin bands, Grupo Fantasma is also inspired by the psychedelic Latin rock and salsa of the early 1970s (Santana, El Chicano, Ruben Blades, Mongo Santamaria, etc.). The musicians use vintage sounding organ, wah wah guitar and reverb, creating extraordinary jamming opportunities.
If that didn’t seem enough, Grupo Fantasma also venture into rootsy percussive Cuban rumba and guaganco, topped with echoing vocals and effects. Fans of retro electric guitar will love the instrumental piece Cumbia de los pajaritos.
Sonidos Gold is an astonishing amalgamation of current and 1970s inspired Latin sounds.
Buy the CD:
- In North America: Sonidos Gold.
- In Europe: Sonidos Gold. Other recordings available: Movimiento Popular and Comes Alive
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
