EL BARBERO KOOL

If it isn't obvious yet, I am big fan of Bobbito Garcia AKA AKA. His commitment to continuously push forward our culture and our people is only matched by his humility.He is the Nuyorican Ricardo Alegria. Below you will find a few of his upcoming gigs. Do yourself a favor and check check check 'em out!


(cop the 45)





This event always represents the start of summer for me...

"MODERN" SALSA & BOOGALO

I am often in discussions with folks about how today's music is pure basura and at best watered downed versions of what it "used to be". Usually at the end nothing new is arrived and I am left feeling like an old dude who should be rocking an unbuttoned guayabera,chancletas,and shorts while playing dominoes and drinking rum (a joy that I hope to one day experience!).

However, the fact remains that the majority of what is today being pushed as music (especially Salsa,Soul and Hip-Hop-my loves)is pure trash.


But the funk didn't end in '79.


Today there is a revival of the original sound and flavor that was both salsa and boogaloo. As Fania Records and others, such as Latin Soul Records, continue to re-release the classics,a new generation is becoming aware and falling in love with the sounds of the OGs.

Today as well there exist a hand full of bands and musicians that are reviving the sound and energy of the 1960's and 1970's and once again producing incredible music.


Today I want to mention two in particular.

Bio Ritmo is a 8 piece band from Richmond VA that have been producing some of the heaviest salsa heard in a decades.Puro puro candela! Let me not bore you with words...peep the video:


On the boogaloo tip,which has become extremely hip and cool again, we have Spanglish Fly. They are a band coming out of Nueva Yol with tons of flavor. I definitely co-sign! Again, I could bore you with with words but Id rather have you check out their rendition of the Ray Barretto classic "New York Soul":

LEGENDARY

This clip is nothing but puro candela! Legendary performance of Tito Puente, Nicky Marrero and Kako at the equally legendary Village Gate!

BACK BACK TO ORLANDO

Its been some time but the Rice & Beans crew will be back in Orlando! Or as I call it, the 79th municiplality of Puerto Rico!

We will be celebrating the release of the homie Bles' "Blestrumental" CD. Bles is an ill producer who has done work with some of the elite Hip-Hop cats in Puerto Rico and more importantly he is incredibly good peoples! Speaking of Puerto Rico's elite,as part of the release celebration we have none other than Tek-Uno coming live and direct from the Island of Enchantment! He will be doing a special birthday guest mix!




As if that wasn't enough, that night we will be celebrating along with the FANIA familia their official re-release of the CLASSIC "Siembra"! Without a doubt one of the illest records ever produced!

Por la esquina del viejo barrio...oooff!