Grupo Fantasma w/ Este Vato

GRUPO FANTASMA

Grupo Fantasma has been praised as one of the most important independent acts in the Latin genre and has continually defied expectations to create one of the most unique musical voices to come out of the United States in the last decade. In 2011 they garnered further acclaim by winning a Grammy (their second such nomination) for their self-produced release El Existential on Nat Geo Music which the Wall Street Journal called “Latin music both new and traditional…vibrant fusions that transcend easy classification.” In 2012 they continued to tour the globe with club and festival dates and spring/summer 2013 will bring their next studio release produced by multiple Grammy Award winner Steve Berlin of Los Lobos as well as a live DVD / album package recorded in their hometown of Austin, Texas.

“Grupo Fantasma is in their own unique place in modern musical culture so I was overwhelmed when asked to produce their upcoming release” says Berlin. “No band around is as authentic and at the same time utterly groundbreaking in so many idioms, not to mention deadly on stage with some of the best arrangements and players around. I think this album will have a solid chance to redefine the entire genre yet again for the current and next generation.”

The band’s incendiary live show, declared by NPR as “seamless whenever and wherever they’re on stage” has brought the band to major festivals and venues internationally including Bonnaroo, North Sea Jazz Festival and Lowlands in the Netherlands, Kennedy Center, London’s O2 Arena, Montreal Jazz Festival, WOMEX, Tempo Latino (France) as well as two tours to Kuwait and Iraq to entertain US troops. Their diverse spectrum of rabid and devoted fans such as Rodney Anonymous from the Dead Milkmen and Stu Cook from Creedence Clearwater Revival speaks to the ensemble’s universal appeal beyond just Latin or world music fans. In addition, they have worked or recorded with Prince, Fania All-Stars pianist Larry Harlow, Maceo Parker, Sheila-E, Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets, Ruben Ramos, GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan and cult-hero Daniel Johnston.

Grupo Fantasma is a nice piece musical collective formed in 2000 in Austin, Texas consisting of Jose Galeano (timbales, vocals), Kino Esparza (vocals, hand percussion), Beto Martinez (guitar), Greg Gonzalez (bass), John Speice (drums), Matthew “Sweet Lou” Holmes (congas), Gilbert Elorreaga (trumpet), Josh Levy (baritone saxophone) and Mark “Speedy” Gonzales (trombone).

Grupo Fantasma on Facebook | Grupo Fantasma on Twitter | Official Website

Este Vato

Este Vato is an original eight-piece Latin-Fusion group from Austin, TX formed in early-2008 by brothers Rocky and Oscar Reyna. EV includes: Rene Chavez, Ricardo Lara, Feliciano ‘Chano’ Lopez, Frank ‘FAAR’ Ramirez,Rocky Reyna, Oscar Reyna, Rey Treviño and Dave Farris.

EV‘s sound can be described as a blend of English and Spanish lyrics with many styles from Cumbia to Rock to Hip-Hop to Reggae and everything in between. EV calls this sound “Latin-Fusion” and credits its member’s vast musical tastes, experiences and contributions as the key to its originality.

The rhythm section, Rocky Reyna (bass), Oscar Reyna (guitar) and Frank ‘FAAR’ Ramirez (drums), come from families with tremendous musical backgrounds which provide the solid foundation that EV‘s sound is built on. Feliciano ‘Chano’ Lopez contributes his ability to combine English and Spanish lyrics with an arsenal of intricate rhymes that define his political views and life struggles, while Rey Treviño adds turntables, electronic samples and sound effects to the mix. Ricardo Lara brings his talent and experience as a Singer/Songwriter to the band’s lineup by showcasing his eclectic style and powerful voice. Newest members,Rene Chavez & Dave Farris provide an electrifying additional guitar and percussionist that ties the band’s sound together.

Este Vato on Facebook | Este Vato on Twitter | Official Website