Austin Vida and Bemba Entertainment are combining forces again to bring you another "kick ass" event for the Spring season on April 8, 2011 at Flamingo Cantina in Austin, Texas.
Austin Vida by itself has produced several successful showcases featuring exceptional Latin and Latino member bands at Stubb's, The Parish, Ruta Maya and Mi Casa Cantina as well several Listening Parties in association with Nacional Records and Fania Records.
Bemba Entertainment also has a long track record of exceptional showcases in Austin. Bemba Entertainment currently books world music bands for KUT 90.5fm World Music Night every Tuesday at Momo's and has produced several theme based showcases. For example, recent Soul Legends Series, tributes to Isley Brothers, Nina Simone, Rick James and Teena Marie, Bill Withers plus World Beat cruises and music on Lady Bird Lake.
This showcase will feature a local band from Austin, a regional Texas band and a touring band from Kansas City, Missouri. The local Austin, Texas band is Este Vato, a hybrid band which features a DJ, an MC, a horn section and specializes in Latin Fusion, Cumbia and Rock. The regional band from Corpus Christi, Texas is Master Blaster Sound System, a band which includes samples, loops and dance beats mixed by member DJ Dus. Master Blaster also includes talented members from La Conquista and Charanga Cake. The band creates unique music they call "Cumbia Krunk." The touring band is Making Movies, no stranger to Austin, a collective of exceptionally talented musicians which perform Indie music in English and Spanish with a definite Latin flair.
Venue: Flamingo Cantina located at 515 East 6th Street in Austin, Texas
Date: April 8, 2011
Cover Charge: $8 (18 years+) Doors Open at 9:00 PM
Musical Line-up and Times:
Este Vato at 10:00 PM
Making Movies at 11:15 PM
Master Blaster Sound System at 12:30 AM
This special showcase is the best entertainment in Austin on April 8th and features the best musical talent around. The fact that all the bands perform Latin music and have Latinos in the bands is purely coincidental.
Este Vato
Making Movies
Master Blaster Sound System
To keep up with everything "Latin" in Austin, Texas check out Austin Vida's Event's Calender.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Austin Vida and Bemba Entertainment Showcase April 8, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
ESTE VATO!!! New Song and Sound
Este Vato, those "Bad Asses of Latin Fusion in Austin, Texas debuted a new song to their ever growing play list and added a horn section to the band.
Este Vato always strives for new and original songs, one of the things that I like about the band. They debuted "Palabra" last week at Trophy's Bar and Grill in Austin, Texas on February 5, 2011. They stayed true to their sound by remaining bilingual, maintaining the Latin Fusion sound , using an MC and DJ and most of all staying "edgy." Este Vato is not your run of the mill Latin band. They want to be and are different from other bands, Latin or not. They also strive to improve and expand their sound. The addition of a horn section does just that. They added a trombone and a trumpet player which gives the band a larger sound, more depth and more versatility. I like it all and look forward to more developments.
The band members are:
Rocky Reyna: Bass/Backing Vocals
Oscar Reyna: Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals
Ricardo Lara: Vocal/Acoustic Guitar
Feliciano "Chano" Lopez: Vocals/Percussion
Rey Treviño: Turntables/Samples
Frank "FAAR" Ramirez: Drums/Percussion
David Martinez: Trumpet
Roy Pulido: Trombone
Check out the videos of the Trophy's performance:
Stay in touch with Este Vato and to catch their performances, check the links below:
estevato.com, Este Vato Facebook, Este Vato Twitter,
Este Vato Bandcamp, Este Vato Myspace,
Este Vato YouTube Channel
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Austin Vida: The Only Latin Free Week Showcase
Free Week, January 1-9, 2011, in Austin, Texas is over. Of all the Free Week shows that I went to, the Austin Vida showcase at Stubb's Bar-B-Q was the best show of all week. I say that because it was the only, and possibly first, show which featured a variety of exceptional bands made up of Latinos. This is the third year I've attended Free Week shows and I truly hope that the over whelming success of this Latin showcase will set the stage for future Latin showcases during Free Week and on an everyday basis. I also have to say that the success of Austin Vida's show was attributed to the selection of the bands for the showcase. The bands came from local, regional and international talent, plus they also had their own distinct sound and charisma.
Even though I call this show a "Latin" showcase, all the bands performed mainly in English including Sour Soul which is from Mexico. Latinos like all types of music. We play rock, funk, punk and alternative music in English but because of our heritage, in many cases we add a different flavor to the music we play.
Check out the live performances of the four bands that performed at Stubb's and I think you'll agree that these bands really rocked.
Sour Soul from Mexico City
plays Indie/Psychedelic/Rock
The Young Maths from McAllen, Texas
plays Garage/Idie/Punk
Hydra Melody from San Antonio, Texas
plays Experimental/Progressive/Rock
Vinyl Dharma from Austin, Texas
plays Indie/Rock/Electronic
More showcases are being planned in the future so stay up to date at Austin Vida or Austin Vida Facebook page.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Best Free Week Pick is Saturday January 8, 2011
Austin Vida is presenting a very special Free Week Showcase at Stubb's indoor stage this Saturday. Although this is the first year Austin Vida has presented a Free Week showcase, they have a very successful track record of very exceptional and creative shows. This showcase is special because first, it's Free Week, second, this showcase features four very exceptional bands made up of very talented Latinos and third, this showcase has a local, regional and international reach. The bands are no strangers to the Austin music scene, they definitely have a presence and a fan following. See you there.
Venue: Stubb's Bar-B-Q 801 Red River Austin, Texas 78701
Cost: FREE/No Cover Charge
Other Details: Doors open at 9:00 PM, Inside Show, All Ages welcome
Musical Line-up:
Sour Soul - Mexico City, Mexico - Psychedelic/Rock/Soul
The Young Maths - McAllen, Texas - Garage/Indie/Punk
Hydra Melody - Helotes, Texas - Experimental/Progressive/Rock
Vinyl Dharma - Austin, Texas - Alternative/Electronica/Indie
do512 provides an excellent link to all of the Free Week Events. Check it out.
Monday, January 3, 2011
FREE WEEK January 1-9, 2011 in Austin, Texas
The first week of January is a special time for the Austin music scene, musicians and music lovers. "Free Week," January 1-9, 2011 is here. It's like an extension of the Christmas Holidays and if you're like me, I don't have a lot of money left over from all the gift giving. So Free Week comes at a perfect time. Free is the key word. "No Cover Charge" to get into many of the clubs or venues in downtown Austin, Texas, "The Live Music Capitol of the World." There are nine days of music, 100 plus local and regional bands playing nightly, all types of music to please every musical taste and it's FREE. It's like a mini-music festival which doesn't require standing in line for a costly wrist band or confined to a fenced in area. You have an open downtown area with most of, if not all, the clubs within walking distance of each other. The weather should be good, not like last year's freeze, and the atmosphere festive.
This will be my third Free Week and I have already planned the dates, times and the bands that I want to see for the week. So if you live in Austin, show your support or if you're outside of Austin, you're welcome to come for the music and fun.
The first year, one of the clubs I ventured into was Beerland and saw The Flame Trick Subs. I really liked them and their "psycho-billy." Check them out.
The second year, I was at Red 7 for some hard ass Punk. The Lower Class Brats was one of the bands that night. Hardcore, check it out.
An excellent link to see all the week's activity is do512.com. Check it out.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Free Week Pick for Tuesday January 4, 2011
Red River Noise is presenting a showcase at The Parish this Tuesday of Free Week here in Austin, Texas. Free Week means there is no cover charge in most clubs and venues from January 1-9, 2011.
Venue: The Parish located at 214-C 6th Street Austin, Texas 78701
Musical Line-up:
Doors Open at 8:00 PM
-Final Exam at 9:00 PM
-New Roman Times at 10:00 PM
-MoTelAviv at 11:00 PM
-Stereo Is A Lie at 12:00 AM
Cost: No Charge
Other Details: All Ages, more details also available at do512
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
BRASIL MEETS COLOMBIA! with Anne Simoni, Kiko Villamizar and Frederico 7
Both countries meet at the Flamingo Cantina on Friday December 10, 2010. The line up from Brasil includes, Anne Simoni and her band, Frederico 7 & the Hashashin and from Columbia, Kiko Villamizar Orquestra. These three Austin bands represent the best of both countries and will definitely give you a taste of their musical cuisine. Anne Simoni performs tradional Brazilian rhythms including samba, bossa nova and baiao and Frederico 7 performs Brazilian music but with more of an upbeat, smooth bluesy feel. Lastly, Kiko Villamizar performs modern Columbian cumbia with a traditional folk influence.
Deciding what to do this Friday night shouldn't be too difficult with such an exceptional musical line up. Flamingo Cantina is one of my favorite Sixth Street venues because it always books great shows and this show is definitely one of the best.
Flamingo Cantina is located at 515 East Sixth Street in Austin, Texas. Doors open at 9:00 PM and cover is $5.00.
Anne Simoni:
Kiko Villamizar:
Frederico 7 & the Hashashin:
I want to wish all of those individuals that take the time to read my blog, a Happy Holiday Season.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Making Movies At Momo's November 2, 2010
Making Movies, a band from Kansas City, Missouri, is on tour and performed at Momo's in Austin, Texas on Tuesday November 2 , 2010 for KUT 90.5fm World Music Night presented by Bemba Entertainment. Making Movies is a band which performs both in English and Spanish but the Latin influence is the dominant flavor. Their music is very Rock, Latin and Pop and really appeals to very broad audience. On Tuesday, aside from their exceptional play list, they played a White Stripes cover song, "Seven Army Nation." To put it mildly, I liked the hell out of their version of the cover version. The song started out with a Latin flair but then morphed into a Santana cover then back to "Seven Army Nation." I was a fantastic blend of two songs and artist. Making Movies is very creative and very original. Catch a performance or two if you can, check Tour Schedule.
Below is video of cover song, "Seven Army Nation," and another exceptional song performed by Making Movies from Tuesday night's performance at Momo's
Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night every Tuesday at Momo's. Check Bemba's Calendar or Momo's Calender for information. See you there.
Barrio Massive En El Mero Hueso at Una Noche De La Gloria October 9, 2010
Una Noche De La Gloria, presented by Contemporary Arts and Literature Organization (CALO), is an event in the West Side of San Antonio, Texas which showcases local talent in the arts. This includes visual arts, fashion, film, music, theater and spoken word performances at the historic Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. "Barrio Massive En El Mero Hueso" is the main musical presentation of the event.
Below, is a short video that really gives you a sense of Una Noche De La Gloria 2010.
Una Noche De La Gloria from noi mahoney on Vimeo.
This is the second time that I've attended Una Noche De La Gloria. I enjoyed it so much last year that I had return again. I go more for the exceptional music but I enjoy all the activities. This year's main stage line up included: JD Diego Bernal, La Guerrilla, Pop Pistol, Piñata Protest, Bombasta and Special Guest, The Sequence.
La Guerrilla, the international, Latin, gypsy ensemble from Austin, Texas band and one of my favorites.
Pop Pistol, from San Antonio, incorporates a "very interesting blend of indie rock steeped in electronic roots. Progressive broken beat drums coupled with an ethereal rhythm section of synths and samples and haunting vocal delivery for a complex, multi-dimensional sound." -Study Breaks Magazine, UTSA
This is the first time I saw Pop Pistol and I was really impressed with their performance, music and sound. This is a band I want to see again and a band that you'll be hearing more about very soon.
Pinata Protest, is a San Antonio "accordion powered punk rock-y-roll band." I also add "conjunto punk band" as part of the description because of it's rocking Mexican roots.
Bombasta is the epitome of the new Urban Latino sound that has emerged in cities like San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and all over which incorporates all the intrinsic influences of Latin, Rock, Conjunto, Traditional Roots and Electronic music. When Bombasta performs, you know a party is going to break out and you better be prepared to throw down some moves!
The Sequence, an a capella doo-wop group also from San Antonio performed some 1950-60's songs. The Sequence is not on the web, you may contact them at (210)421-5683 or at vic.love@sbcglobal.net.
Una Noche De La Gloria 2011 is already being planned and I am looking forward to it already.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Este Vato, The Raspas and Stars Collide at Trophy's
I went to Trophy's Bar and Grill, one of my favorite Austin music venues because of it's comfortable neighborhood bar atmosphere, on September 18, 2010. I specifically went to see three bands on the line-up that night. The first was my favorite Austin Latin Fusion band, Este Vato. The second band was The Raspas, a Reggae band I first saw about a year ago at The Amsterdam. Lastly, Stars Collide, a rock band I hadn't seen but has been on my "must see list." Frank "FAAR" Ramirez, drummer for Este Vato is also the drummer for Stars Collide.
It was a great night for music. There was a festive crowd, it's always friendly and there's a feel or a bond among the crowd because they all know and follow the same bands. They feel comfortable yelling, screaming encouragement at the bands and definitely like dancing to their music.
Check out Trophy's, it' on South Congress Ave., Este Vato, The Raspas and Star Collide soon. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Este Vato introduced two new songs. The first "Levántate," which they have worked on for about a month. The second song, with no title as of yet, they wrote the night before. I really like both songs because they have a strong solid sound and beat. The two songs are definitely Este Vato trademark songs.
The Raspas "Poor Man Style" a great Reggae song that has become a favorite.
Stars Collide has a strong Rock sound and singer. They perform the song, "Better."
For more videos on this and other performances go to: YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Este Vato at Beauty Bar on September 1st
After looking at my social calender, I realized that it had been three months since I last saw Este Vato perform. It wasn't that I didn't want to see Este Vato. My schedule just didn't seem to coincide with their performance dates. It got to the point where I needed an Este Vato "fix."
It's no secret that Este Vato is my favorite band. I like their unique Latin Fusion sound created with a DJ and an Mecee. I first saw Este Vato back in October 2008 at Flamingo Cantina. We definitely have a history and I've lost count of how many times I've seen them perform. We are friends and I support them as often as I can. On September 1, 2010 I finally got to see Este Vato perform at the Beauty Bar in Austin, Texas. Every time I see them perform, I swear they sound better than the previous time I saw them.
You can find out more about Este Vato at the following links:
www.estevato.com
www.myspace.com/estevatomusic
Este Vato Facebook Page
Here are a couple of songs from Este Vato's Beauty Bar performance:
To see more videos of Este Vato performances go to YouTube MannyGoCrazy Channel.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Making Movies: A Band Making a Name
Making Movies, a Latin alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, was at Momo's last night. They're touring to promote their new CD, IN DEO SPERAMUS. I had read about Making Movies last year in Café magazine and in their web publication. They drew my attention at that time and when I heard they were coming to the two day Pachanga Latino Music Festival 2010 I was excited. Unfortunately part of the festival was canceled and Making Movies would not perform. I guess I would have to wait for another time. Well, I lucked out because Making Movies finally made it to Austin, Texas. Bemba Entertainment brought in Making Movies for the weekly "World Music Night" sponsored by KUT 90.5fm at Momo's.
Making Movies has definitely made a buzz in the music industry in a short time. Their music was featured on AOL Musica and NPR Weekend Edition, "La Marcha" video is available on iTunes and Making Movies has toured with Grammy winners, Aterciopelados.
I like Making Movies. They blend all of my favorite Latin alternative bands into one creative and very talented group. They perform both in English and Spanish. Their music has influences of Latin, Afrobeat and also combines new music with old Latin and Spanish influences. I also like that their music is edgy and bold but not in your face. The percussion in the band adds depth and also gives it a full Latin flavor. Check these guys out soon and buy their In Deo Speramus CD.
Friday, July 16, 2010
The Party Continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture at Jovita's
The party continues with Bubba Hernandez y Los Super Vatos and Huerta Culture at Jovita'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!)
Cover Charge: $5.00
Thursday, July 15, 2010
JEZ: New Star in Austin
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 the MySpace page and YouTube for 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.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Arthur Yoria: Songwriter and Singer Extraordinaire
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.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Free Week 2010 in Austin, Texas: Red 7
Every January for the last several years, the Red River District has "Free Week." Basically there is "No Cover" to get into the clubs and see tons of bands for 10 days. It is a huge event for music in Austin and many other clubs, not on Red River Street, have joined the annual event. I love Free Week because I can go to the clubs and see the bands that perhaps weren't on the top of my "must see" list although I do want to see them. This year one of the clubs I went to was Red 7 to see three local hardcore Punk bands: Sober Daze, Krum Bums and Lower Class Brats.
I've gone to see a couple punk bands before but this event was the most raucous. I'll usually stay as far back from the stage and the pit because it can get really rough. This time around I decided to get closer to the stage to take a few pictures when all of a sudden I felt someone pushing me into the pit. I turned around and got some kid in a headlock. I looked at him and he looked at me and I then pushed him into the pit. I quickly proceeded to the rear of the club and stayed there.
The bands were great, the music was hardcore and the audience generated a fantastic energy. This blog is definitely late but the videos were just recently downloaded by Red River Noise. Check out the video and see what I saw and experienced.
Note of Caution: the Pit is not for the meek or weak of heart. The possibility of getting kicked, punched, pushed around and getting hit with a beer bottle is extremely great.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Austin Vida Showcase at Ruta Maya
If Manny Go Crazy were to put together a showcase, I would have picked the exact same bands. These four bands are on my "Top Favorite List" of Austin bands. I have seen these bands multiple times and look forward to seeing them again and again.
Event: Austin Vida showcase and La Guerrilla CD Release Show
Date: April 1, 2010
Location: Ruta Maya on 3601 S. Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
Musical Line Up and Times: El Tule @ 9 PM, Este Vato @ 10:15 PM, La Guerrilla @ 11:30 PM , and Headliner - Maneja Beto @ 12:30 AM
Cost: $5 for 21+ and $7 for Minors
Drink Special: Miller High Life $2; Harp, Red Stripe and Dos XX for $3
"Maneja Beto is an extremely popular Austin, Texas band. Their music is not easy to describe because it has elements of Mexican Cumbia, pop, rock, folk, "indie-en-Español" and some fusion, all blended into a mellow, upbeat, lounge and Latin sound" (Source: Rock y Roll Radio Blog). If you're familiar with Maneja then I'm sure I'll see you at Ruta Maya. On the other hand, if you've never seen Maneja Beto, here's a "don't miss" opportunity to also become a new fan of the best indie in Espanol band in Austin.
La Guerrilla is a band with a lot of charisma and energy. Their music is upbeat, happy and makes you want to dance. La Guerrilla combines Reggae, Ska and World Music influences and occasionally includes theatrics to enhance La Guerrilla experience. This show will be La Guerrilla's official CD release show. Come and check out La Guerrilla , you''ll love them and then you'll buy their CD to continue the party anytime, anywhere you want.
Este Vato is a band that I have followed since their debut at Flamingo Cantina in October 2008 and have seen them progress extremely well musically and in establishing the Este Vato name. They are a band that combines Rock, Cumbia, Latin, Fusion and recently Funk. Their songs convey a message of pride in heritage, the struggles of our fore fathers and families and the power that we have collectively. Although the subject matter is on the serious side, the music still rocks. Este Vato just released their new CD as well. Come see them perform and also get their CD.
El Tule is also a very popular and a well established band in Austin. "Musically the band projects the Latin soul that Cumbias, Salsa and Merengues were meant to have." (Source: Rock y Roll Radio Blog). They bring the party to any event or venue where they perform and you see their name everywhere. El Tule also released their second CD in November 2009 and you should also purchase their Volumen II to complete your music library.
This showcase is one you shouldn't miss. It offers four of the best Latin bands in Austin and regionally that have a broad appeal. This showcase is the event of the year and may not occur again anytime soon because getting four extremely popular bands together at one time is very difficult. Hope to see you there, I know I will.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Album Review: ESTE VATO
Este Vato, one of my favorite bands and once an up and coming band, now a well established, well placed band has a new CD. The CD is self titled and contains 7 great songs. Their sound combines Mexican Cumbia, Rock, Latin and Fusion. The use of an Emcee and DJ give Este Vato depth and a totally unique sound.
One of the things that really impresses me about Este Vato is that they stay true to their music and message. They insist on their own original music and lyrics. I can truly say I have never heard them play a cover song although it would be very easy to do. They also insist on making their audience aware of the plight and struggles of not only Latinos but of all peoples against injustice, the corrupt industrial machine,"Quemadura," and repressive governments. Their message also includes the power, "El Poder," that people have collectively and the pride in their Mexican heritage and flag, "Tres Colores." This album is also a very danceable album should you choose to.
Playlist consist of:
1. Mundo En Fuego
2. El Poder
3. Tres Colores
4. Transitorio
5. Na Pos
6. Quemadura
7. Rattlesnake
If you love Latin music or want a taste of the best Latin music Austin has to offer, this album is for you.
Here's Este Vato performing at Trophys:
Sunday, November 9, 2008
De Los Muertos at Red 7
The first band was Mice and Rifles, a five member band from
The second band in the line u
p was Tito and Tarantula. I really hadn’t heard of Tito and Tarantula until a few days before the event. I discovered Tito worked on the soundtracks for "Dusk to Dawn" and others movies directed by Robert Rodriguez. So you’ve probably heard their music but like me just weren’t aware of it. The band’s songs are heavy and dark and combine Rock, Rock-a-Billy and Surf influences. That night Tito Larriva, lead vocal, was under the weather but still put on a fantastic show. The guy who really enhances Taratula’s sound is Steven Medina Hufster. Steven plays a mean guitar and knows how to work the audience. The drummer, Alfred Ortiz, I know I had seen somewhere before but just couldn’t place him. It turns out Alfred is the animated drummer in Julieta Venegas MTV Unplugged video. The band played a long set plus an encore. The crowd was really into the music, was elbow to elbow and friendly. At the encore, Tito invites the audience onto the stage. It got to the point where you couldn’t see the band for the people. It was a fun show and the music was fantastic. I had a warm fuzzy feeling and it wasn’t alcohol induced because I’m not really a drinker. I think the fact that I was standing next to Patricia Vonne had something to do with it, “you had me at hello.” I purchased Tito’s current CD “Back Into The Darkness” that night. My favorite songs are “Come Out Clean,” “Monsters” and “Machete.”
Qoute inside CD cover: "If Only We Could Use Our Evil Powers For The Good Of Mankind"
Note: Tito and Tarantula is touring
The third band, De Los Muertos, from
