I'm just a guy who has always liked music, especially live music. I'm a mid-fifties guy so I approach music a little differently than many music fans. I analyze the bands music with my senses. I listen to the bands vocals, all the instruments and sound system. I observe the band members individually and collectively, their energy, connection to audience and rapport. I'll also sense the crowd's energy and the venue's ambiance. I just don't go to see a band.
City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell and the City Council have proclaimed Thursday, May 27, 2010 as "La Guerrilla Day." A performance and proclamation ceremony will be held at 5:30 PM in the Council chambers located at 301 West 2nd Street. The event is open to the public and especially all La Guerrilla fans. Come show your support and appreciation for the band that truly is representative of all that is "Austin" and "Live Music Capitol of the World."
La Guerrilla has established a permanent place in the Austin music scene by working hard, performing frequently, recently releasing "La Guerrilla" CD, providing creative and high energy shows. If you haven't seen La Guerrilla perform, make it point to catch a show.
Grupo Fantasma is releasing their new CD "El Existential" with two parties at Antone's. I've heard the CD and it will definitely take two days to celebrate the release of great new music.
I've listened to "El Existential" and without a doubt this CD is more than exceptional. It contains hard hitting Cumbias and Salsa. The Cumbia that will get you moving is "La Conozco," I will re-play this song two to three times because the high energy beat and rhythm just won't let you go. "Montañozo" is my next favorite with an upbeat tempo and I like the sound of the 60/70's sounding organ typical to that era. As for Salsa, I especially like "Juan Tenorio" because of "EL Judio Maravilloso" Larry Harlow's influence. He has a special sound and feel in his music. The sound is smooth and velvety and the beat is not too fast or too slow. All the songs on this album are great, I think you'll like them all but you'll also have your favorites. One of the things that impressed be about this album is how it was made. I spoke to some of the guys at Momo's recently after performing in side project, Money Chicha and it turns out the band just got together and started recording the music. The formalities of making an album were put aside and the magic was unleashed. I believe had Grupo followed the usual recording protocol, the end product would be much different and not as free flowing and artistic.
The songs on "El Existential" are:
1. Realizando 2. La Conozco 3. Sacatelo Bailando 4. El Consejo 5. Hijo 6. Juan Tenorio (Featuring Larry Harlow) 7. Montañozo 8. Calor 9. 25 10. Reconciliar 11. Telaraña (Featuring Curt Kirkwood) 12. Cumbianchera 13. Araña Cuña
The album will be available on Grupo Fantasma's website on Tuesday, May 11th and available in stores nationally and on Itunes on May 15.
I attended The Big Squeeze Statewide Accordion Contest Semi-Finals on Saturday at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The Big Squeeze was presented by Texas Folklife and co-sponsored in Austin, Texas by the Bullock Museum and the Austin Latin Music Association (ALMA). This was the first time I had attended this event but it definitely won't be the last. I had a lot of fun, the music was great, the talent was exceptional and based on the audience's reaction and participation, they agree with my assessment. The Bob Bullock museum is an exceptional facility and it was the perfect location for the event. Besides the contest, I also got to see the current exhibit "American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music." The exhibit is interactive, very informative and is a must see for all music lovers. The exhibit will be available for view until May 9th. So get to the museum as soon as possible.
The Accordion Semi-finalist competitors were:
*Kenyun Dickson from Houston *Ruben Paul Moreno from Houston -Gloria Jean Cantu from San Benito -Christina Valdez from San Benito *Jesus E. Zamora from San Antonio -Peter Anzaldua from Brownsville *Ignacio Isai Morales from Dallas
*denotes finalist going to the 21st Accordion Kings and Queens Festival held on June 5 at Houston's Miller Outdoor Theater
