Hector “Coco” Barez – “El Laberinto del Coco” (Hector “Coco” Barez, 2018)
“El Laberinto del Coco” is the first solo album from virtuoso Puerto Rican percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez. He has compiled his numerous musical influences (including his work as percussionist for Calle 13 and Bacilos) over a rich foundation of Afro Puerto Rican rhythms called bomba.
The album features a wide range of genres, bridging tradition and contemporary music, from rootsy Afro Puerto Rican pieces to energetic Latin jazz, fusion, powerful rock, irresistible funk and cosmopolitan world music in the form of Middle Eastern and Australian aboriginal musical influences. While most of the album is highly engaging and features masterful percussion performances, fiery brass and superb guitar work, two of the tracks include rapping which is an increasingly annoying vocal form.
Hector “Coco” Barez invited friends from Puerto Rico, the United States, Spain and France’s Reunion Island to participate in the album.
The lineup on the album includes Héctor”coco” Barez on percussion; Amarilys Rios on vocals; Chamir Bonano on vocals; Kiani Medina on vocals; Ellen Cockerham Riccio on violin; Tressa Gold on violin; Kimberly Ryan on viola; Schuyler Slack on cello; Tobias “Toby” Whitaker on trombone; Bob Miller on trumpet; John Lilley on saxophone; JC Kuhl on baritone saxophone; Abiud Flores on bass; Edward Prendergast on bass; Derrick Englert on bass; Todd Herrington on bass; Ben “Wolfe” White on keyboards; Efrain Martinez on drums; Kelli Strawbridge on drums; Reggie Pace on beatbox; Edmer Omi Lebron on electric guitar; DJ Williams on electric guitar; and Andrew Rapisarda on electric guitar.
Buy the El Laberinto del Coco digital download or the CD from ellaberintodelcoco.bandcamp.com/releases
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.
