Bio Ritmo - Asia Minor

Are you a fan of the sounds of 'Nuyorican' salsa? Not much for me to say about the amazing Bio Ritmo. A quick search online has yielded the following information about these dudes:

The Bio Rhythm "Salsa Machine" is a salsa band based in Richmon, Virginia formed in 1991. The name Bio Ritmo is Spanglish word play on the term Biorhythm, the hypothetical description for the rhythm of life.

The eight to ten member ensemble is known for a classic Nuyorican salsa sound made famous by the Fania All Stars in the 1970s that combines African Caribbean rhythms from son, bomba, plena, and samba with electronica and big band brass.

Founded in the early 1990s, they started out as a part of the Virginia college band scene that included other, then indie, acts like Dave Matthews Band and Fighting Gravity.

In November 2004, the Salsa Machine won the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series (IMWS) Northeast finals held at The Lion's Den in New York City and earned the title of "Top Independent Act in the Northeast." They were finalists in the 2004 Independent Music Awards – Latin Category.

Following their critically acclaimed 2003 self-titled release, Bio Ritmo released its EP, Salsa System, produced by legendary engineer/producer and 18-time Grammy Awardwinner, Jon Fausty. In September 2008, Bio Ritmo released their LP "Bionico", recorded by Lance Koehler and mixed and mastered by Jon Fausty.

In September 2011, Bio Ritmo released their latest LP, "La Verdad" on CD and Vinyl, celebrating 20 years of original salsa music.

One of the songs I'm totally listening to right now is 'Asia Minor' - strange name, I thought it refers to the key of the song (I'm not far off that theory). Have a listen by clicking on the YouTube link below:

Bio Ritmo - Asia Minor

As some of you might know, I'm a total sucker for big band, kinda Salsa Dura - and Bio Ritmo does not disappoint! They've got smooth licks and cool transitions in this song, at least. This is definitely one for the groovy dancers.

So what do you think? Would you dance to this? Do let me know!

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable wit the views stated above, you can bugger-off. The rights are reserved for the written article only, and I obviously don't own the song nor do I own YouTube, so don't be a dumb-ass. This article may be reproduced with permission from the author. If you intend to reproduce this article for the purpose of general mayhem, video proof is required for entertainment and administrative purposes. Unauthorized reproduction or usage of this article may result in prostitution to the full extent allowed by Malaysian law. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

La Sonora Libre - Pin Pum Pim Pam

It's been a while. The holiday season totally took a toll on me. I'm just starting to get back on my feet. This includes my little career as a Salsa DJ and lifelong music aficionado.

The 'Welcome Back' song I'm highlighting today is by La Sonora Libre. These guys are a Salsa Dura and Latin Jazz orchestra based in Barcelona, Spain. We’re going all over the world in our search for awesome Salsa music!

If the All-Knowing Internet speaks the truth, this orchestra is currently composed of ten very talented musicians who hail from awesome Salsa-filled countries such as Columbia, Venezuela and Ecuador. I think Argentina and Italy are in there somewhere. This band brings with it a fresh sound solidly infused with Latin jazz, Afro-Latin, Samba and World Music. You will find it tough to sit still with their catchy beats.

Additional useless information – the name ‘La Sonora Libre’ by definition indicates Freedom of Music and Expression. They don’t believe in restricting themselves to a formula or structure. Such is the culture. The Sonora is FREE because it expresses itself, says what it thinks, lives and sings about everyday things and what happens, from a sincere, critical, constructive, supportive and positive perspective. 

In June 2011, La Sonora Libre was awarded a sponsorship by the Ministry of Culture of Ecuador that helped them to begin recording their first album. In November of the same year, they began recording in the studio and produced 8 songs that unite Salsa Dura, Latin Jazz, identity and consciousness with great quality music and a strong urban sounds. The band’s debut album has been well received by the public as well as acclaimed by critics. 

Have a listen to one of their awesome songs, by cliking on the YouTube link provided below. The song is oddly titled ‘Pin Pum Pim Pam’:-

La Sonora Libre - Pin Pum Pim Pam

This is song is super energetic with an exciting feel to it. Typical modern Dura, the entire orchestra is utilized to good effect with strong trumpets and the piano tumbao reverberating throughout the song. The backup singers are pretty damn pleasurable as well.

What do you think? Would you like to dance to music like this in your regular clubs?

Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable wit the views stated above, you can bugger-off. The rights are reserved for the written article only, and I obviously don't own the song nor do I own YouTube, so don't be a dumb-ass. This article may be reproduced with permission from the author. If you intend to reproduce this article for the purpose of general mayhem, video proof is required for entertainment and administrative purposes. Unauthorized reproduction or usage of this article may result in prostitution to the full extent allowed by Malaysian law. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.

Jairo Ganan y Bata-Klan - El Senor De La Melodia

Happy New Year to anyone and everyone who is reading these simple posts of mine! That's it. I'm not the best at giving well wishes.

I've been really busy over the last 2 weeks, what with Christmas and the New Year celebrations taking place at the same day! Once that was done, I got really lazy for the past few days, which brings me to NOW.

If you weren't aware or didn't attend, I played a massive set together with the popular DJ Selva at the pre-New Years party organized by DJ Sam of Havana KL. I must admit the energy of the crowd that night was really addictive. I might get hooked on the Salsa DJ thing...

Over the course of my continuous research, I've come across many different types of Salsa songs, all with their unique feel and groove. It's not uncommon to find songs by seemingly obscure bands/singers but later on you realize that these guys are big from where they come from - just not (yet) in isolated Malaysia. Jairo Ganan is one such person for me. A quick check on the Almighty Internet yielded nothing much but a Facebook post entitled 'Salsa Stories' brought with it this caption (verbatim):-

"The singer caleno Jairo Ganan recorded this song in 2012. The flavor and the interpretive determination define the sense proposed in each line. The Peruvian pianist Alfredito Linares' arrangement retains the intention of the "hard" salsa for the dancer. Jairo Ganan identifies in its soneos the presence of new places and diffusing the salsa in the city of Cali. The outstanding percussionist Freddy Colorado and the trumpet player Luis Bravo, among others, participate in this recording."

For sure I'll be following this dude's music from now on. Have a listen by clicking on the YouTube link below:-

Jairo Ganan y Bata-Klan - El Senor De La Melodia

If you're wondering, I find this song medium energy to dance to, fairly straightforward and not many surprises in the riffs or breaks. I think it kinda sounds similar to the sounds of La Maxima 79, only with a dash more sabor and a few tablespoons on dura. Purely my opinion though. I think this song will be popular with KL dancers. They probably won't know what it is, but they'll enjoy dancing to it, from the relaxed, casual dancer, to the hardcore-heels-on-fire floor burners. I played this during my Friday set a few days before the pre-New years party and I heard it again by DJ Gary last Saturday.

Jairo Ganan should be staple in our dancing scene! Lemme know what you think of this song. Is it in compliance with your groove?



Disclaimer: The views published in the above article are the author's and the author's alone. If readers are not agreeable wit the views stated above, you can bugger-off. The rights are reserved for the written article only, and I obviously don't own the song nor do I own YouTube, so don't be a dumb-ass. This article may be reproduced with permission from the author. If you intend to reproduce this article for the purpose of general mayhem, video proof is required for entertainment and administrative purposes. Unauthorized reproduction or usage of this article may result in prostitution to the full extent allowed by Malaysian law. Thank you for reading this disclaimer.