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.
The party continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture atJovita's. The party originally started at Momo's with Tortilla Factory, Bubba and Huerta Culture on June 25th. Momo's kicked us out and we continued the party on the street until we couldn't go anymore. If you want to be of the part of the continuing party, show up at Jovita's Saturday.
As Bubba put it:"An evening of Cumbiafied Latin funk pop rock afro beat, reggae hip hop and maybe even a little ranchera on the side. Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos con Huerta Culture mano a mano, tete a tete, heart to heart, brother to brother, arm in arm, conga to conga. Let’s do it. Yeah!"
Venue: Jovita's, 1619 South First Street in Austin, Texas (Map)
Date: Saturday, July 17, 2010
Times: 7:00 to 11:00 PM (or until they kick us out again!)
I'm always looking for the next big artist or band, both locally and beyond. I'm not in the music business but I do share my finds with people who are. You could call me an avid music fan or crazy, hence the name "Manny Go Crazy." Every Tuesday at Momo's, Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night sponsored by KUT 90.5fm/kut.org. Brandon has provided numerous of my new discoveries because he books many exceptional and diverse acts for World Music Night, as well as other venues and activities.
I was looking through Bemba's and Momo's calenders, the opening act for Tuesday July 13th was JEZ. I had never heard of JEZ so I looked JEZ up. I checked out theMySpacepage andYouTubefor info and music. There was also a website with an e-mail sign up. I liked what I had seen and heard so I decided I would go. Brandon had also sent me a music link on Facebook of JEZ's current album. When I got to Momo's and JEZ started their set, I was just blow away. Do you remember the Maxwell's man in chair being blown away by the speaker ad? (click on link) Well that was me Tuesday night. Jezarey Barbazcy, known simply as JEZ, is from Houston, Texas and now living in Austin. His band at present lives in Houston. Their music was a combination of Rock, Latin, Folk and Pop. I was impressed with the lyrics and exceptional musicianship of the band. Their music kept me mesmerized for their entire set. I also heard many musical influences in some of their songs. For instance in "Aire" I heard U2 and in other songs I heard Mana, John Mayer to name a few artist.
I've seen a lot bands. These bands have been in various stages of success. They range from just starting out to bands who are touring nationally. JEZ is already at star level waiting to be re-discovered in a new setting, Austin, Texas the "Live Music of the World." The buzz has already started with JEZ's appearance on Fox TV's Good Day-Live Music segment on Tuesday morning, Momo's in the evening, July 13th plus my little blog. I anticipate great things for JEZ and once you see JEZ perform you'll know why.
Every once in a while it seems I fall into a musical rut. I go see my favorite bands and listen to my favorite music over and over again. And sometimes to tell you the truth, it seems there are periods where there are no new up and coming bands or talent. I like to keep it fresh by discovering new bands, artist and music. I'll read tons of blogs, scour the The Austin Chronicle, do512.com, austin360 and social media to find those new artist. I will also ask musicians, people I meet at venues and people in the know, "Who do I need to go see?" I get various suggestions and many times I'll make it a point go see a recommended band. Occasionally, I'll come across a band or two that have that something extra special.
I went through a rut this past winter. It was a combination of the extremely cold weather and there just wasn't anybody new out there. Well, on a cold December night I decided to go to Momo's and thanks to Bemba Entertainment I came across Arthur Yoria. Arthur was the last set, the cold kept people at home and it was midnight. When Arthur started playing, I immediately knew Arthur was special. I literally said out loud, "damn this guy is good!" Arthur ingeniously used recorded loops, samples and beats to create music I've never heard before. I liked his stage presence and his demeanor. At that point I decided I had to know more about Arthur the singer/songwriter/musician, meet him and in my small way promote Arthur's music. I've seen Arthur perform several times since then plus I'm also on his e-mail list and Facebook friends. I've gotten to know Arthur on a personal level and he's a down to earth good guy.
Briefly, Arthur was born in Chicago, lived in Houston and circuitously is now in Austin. Arthur has a long list of accomplishment and credits that include songs in TV show, songs in movies and extensive touring. What I'm most impressed with is his variety and extensive catalog of music. When you listen to the lyrics, you get a glimpse of Arthur the person, his heart and his soul and his music delivers the message. Arthur is of Colombian heritage so his music will also include songs in Spanish. Arthur Yoria is that artist that got me out of my rut and brought a breath of fresh air to the Austin music scene. Put Arthur Yoria on your artist/band must see list and you to will say "damn this guy is good" too.
Last night the event of the summer took place at Momo's. Three spectacular bands created a night of party, fun and magic. They were the two time Grammy Award winner, Bubba Hernandez, and his band Los Super Vatos, Grammy nominated Tortilla Factory and up and coming, Huerta Culture. Momo's was packed, people were dancing, enjoying the warm summer night and socializing on the outdoor deck. Bemba Entertainment again put together a collection of great and diverse bands for an exceptional showcase. I recommend that you check out World Music Night sponsored by KUT90.5fm/kut.org every Tuesday night at Momo's to get a taste of Bemba's work.
The bands provided a variety of entertainment and diverse mix of music. Bubba opened the showcase with Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Polka plus humorous interaction with the audience. Tortilla Factory continued the legend with their specialized mix of Salsa, Merengue, Funk and Latin and an impressive stage presence. Lastly, Huerta Culture closed the show with the exceptional combination of Columbian Cumbia, Folk and Root music. I do have to say that this is the first time that I've seen Huerta Culture as a fully formed band and also have to say that I was very impressed. Huerta Culture's distinct sound and music draws you in and takes you on a "cultural" trip.
I like discovering new, up and coming bands and following their progress. This time on June 25th, two iconic and legendary bands, Tortilla Factory and Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos, plus a new up and coming band, Huerta Culture will perform at Momo's in Austin, Texas. Mark your calender because this is one of the biggest event of the summer.
I saw Grammy nominated Tortilla Factory perform at Momo's on March 9th of this year and got reacquainted with the legendary 1970's Texas Chicano band. In order to continue the legend, founder Tony Guerrero has handed the reins of the band to his daughter Laura and son Alfredo Guerrero. Although Tortilla Factory still performs Texas Chicano/Tejano music, the new generation has incorporated Funk, Salsa, R&B and Rappers to appeal to a broader audience. This new formula is working well because when I check my music sources and calenders of events, Tortilla Factory's name shows up frequently and at various venues. I recently saw Tortilla Factory perform at Austin's premier Panchanga Latino Music Festival 2010 on May 22nd. Original member Bobby "El Charo Negro" Butler performed with the band. The audience consisted of young and old and based on the crowd's response to the music, Tortilla Factory pleased their loyal established fans and made new ones that will help continue the legend.
On a personal note, I had the privilege of meeting Tony "Ham" Guerrero, his wife Norma, daughter Laura and Bobby Butler at Pachanga. I felt very comfortable talking to the family, there was a genuine warmth and interest. We talked about music, family and upcoming events. I see now how the Tortilla Factory family has been in existence for 37 years because it's not only about the music.
I first saw Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vato back in October of 2008 at Flamingo Cantina. I really didn't know what to expect because this was the first time seeing Bubba and the band perform. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. They describe their music as "Fiery Bilingual Cumbia-based Pop Rock Songs of Intrigue, Naughtiness, Heartbreak and Other Steamy Delights." I liked the heavy bass, the rhythmic percussion and the dance party feel the music evokes. I've seen Bubba y Los Super Vatos several times since and I look forward to seeing them time and time again. I've gotten to know Cenobia Xavier "Bubba" Hernandez and think he's one "Super Vato." He was a member of the two time Grammy Award winning Polka Rock band, Brave Combo and Grammy nominated, Polka Freak Out. I like talking to Bubba because he's very creative with his music and projects and has positive outlook in life, he has a passion about what he does.
I also saw Huerta Culture perform at Momo's back in January of this year. The band didn't have a name at the time but Kiko Villamizar was just getting the band together. Huerta Culture is now well established and creating a buzz and following here in Austin. I like their music because "Huerta Culture mixes various sounds of Latino rhythms from Cuban son, salsa, Guajiro-style music to Colombian cumbia and reggae fusion." (Source: Austin Vida) It's been a while since I've seen Kiko and Huerta Culture so I'm really anxious to seeing them Friday.
This showcase promises to be an exceptional night of music by a collection of extraordinary Latin musicians. Come to Momo's for the music, for the dancing and the ambiance.
Tortilla Factory performed at Momo's World Music KUT 90.5 presented by Bemba Entertainment on Tuesday night in Austin, Texas and it was history in the making. I remember the name Tortilla Factory back in the early 70's and hearing them on the radio. They played primarily Texas "Chicano Music" and they filled dance halls throughout Texas and beyond. They were one of the premier dance bands out of Texas along with Little Joe and The Latinaires, Sunny and the Sunliners, theRoyal Jesters and the Latin Breed, just to name a few. The Tortilla Factory originated in 1973 and here they are 2010 and still making music.
I had lost track of the Tortilla Factory for several years but was happy to see the band resurface last year with a Grammy nominated CD, "Tortilla Factory and All That Jazz." When I heard that they were going to play at Momo's, I knew I had to go see them. I really didn't know what to expect because I still had visions of the 70's Chicano Music and knew that they had incorporated Salsa into their music. When the Tortilla Factory took the stage, Wow!, they had a complete orchestra of 12 musicians and a commanding stage presence. The five piece horn section, for me, was the focal point and I couldn't wait to hear them. The band's founder, Tony "Ham" Guerrero, was present off stage although the band was under the direction of his son, Alfredo Antonio Guerrero, and his daughter, Laura Lynne Guerrero. Alfredo and Luara were also the lead vocals for all the songs.
The first song was a funky, bluesy song which reminded me of The Tower of Power, which I've seen perform. I was blown away by the beat and the strong, solid brass section and exceptional musical arrangements. Tortilla Factory also mixed in some Salsa music plus used rappers to give a couple 0f their songs an urban appeal. I saw the band perform from 8:00 PM to 12:oo AM and was surprised that the band didn't play any Chicano or Tejano music, mainly because that's where it all started.
Overall it was a fantastic night and I was very glad to see a new and updated Tortilla Factory. They are in fact a legend and have created some fantastic music and history since 1973 . For many reasons, I saw this performance as a debut of the "New Generation" Tortilla Factory. First, I never imagined Tortilla Factory at Momo's. I envisioned them at a huge ballroom or at the Palmer Event Center playing to a large crowd. Momo's is a great venue but does not have the capacity of a dance hall. You play at Momo's to expose yourself to a new audience or possibly crossover. Second, Alfredo and Luara at the helm of the band. With Ham's health a concern, I've read that Ham has given his son and daughters control and direction of the band. Third, I didn't hear the band play any Chicano or Tejano music. They played modern funky, hip, urban music for a younger audience and Salsa music for the broader, mature Latin audience. In order to continue the legend, Tortilla Factory has to appeal to a younger, more hip audience who listens to hip hop, reggaeton and rap. This audience does not listen to Tejano music and the evidence is on MTV, Mun2 and MTV3. Salsa music has broad appeal to both young and old and a large cross section of people. It doesn't mean you have to abandon Tejano music but inorder to continue the legend you have to evolve or re-invent yourself to appeal to the current audience or market. Lastly, Tortilla Factory hired a publicist, Dean Lofton. You hire a publicist to put your name out there to the public who does not know your name.
You need to see Tortilla Factory perform. You will definitely like what you hear and you'll ask yourself "Why haven't I heard this band before?"
