Sendero Mistico (Glitterbeat, 2014/Mexican release in 2013)
Mexican band Sonido Gallo Negro (Black Rooster Sound) is deeply inspired by Peruvian chicha, the psychedelic form of cumbia that developed in Peru in the 1960s and 1970s. But they also go beyond chicha, venturing into other forms of tropical music, including Afro-Latin influences from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, as well as traditional Andean music styles such as Huayno. The cover of the group’s latest album Sendero Mistico (The Mystic Path) clearly reveals Sonido Gallo Negro’s passion for tropical exotica.
Although other chicha-inspired groups base their sound primarily on guitars, the vintage sound of the electric organ characterizes Sonido Gallo Negro’s music. The group gets into hypnotic grooves that barely change. It’s very repetitive, with little melodic variation. That’s usually what trance music is about.
Sonido Gallo Negro’s lineup on Sendero Mistico includes Gabriel López on electric guitar, organ; Enrique Casasola on timbales; Israel Martínez on bass; Edwin Irigoyen on congas; Lucio de los Santos on flute, bongos; Dario Maldonado on second electric guitar; Robert Bañuelos on güiro, claves; Julian Perez on organ, synthesizers, samplers; and Dr. Alderete on: theremin, tagtool, artwork.
Sonido Gallo Negro is based in east Mexico City (Aragon district). Their debut album Cumbia Salvaje (Wild Cumbia) came out in Mexico in 2011 and it quickly projected them onto major festival and television performances. They were invited in 2012 to the Kustendorf Festival in Serbia, programmed by celebrated Serbian film director Emir Kusturica (Time of the Gypsies). In 2012, they performed in Italy and Spain.
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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.
