Spring Break
Latin funk orchestra group Grupo Fantasma release solid third album
Texas band finds their inner 'golden sound' with an impressive resume and collaborators to back them up
Stephen Schelling
Issue date: 6/19/08 Section: Life
BY STEPHEN SCHELLING
THE PARTHENON
Austin, Texas-based Grupo Fantasma released their third album Sonidos Gold on Tuesday blending traditional Latin rhythms with funk and afro beat percussion.
The album's title, which translates to "Golden Sounds," isn't far from the mark.
The 11-piece group has been heralded for their live shows and well as their impressive collaborations.
They have been the backing band for indie rock group Spoon several times as well as performing as a more permanent fixture for Prince both at his Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and such appearances including the CBS Superbowl Bash and the ALMA Awards.
Sonidos Gold is full of every kind of energy. Whether it's the constant percussion or flamenco style of music (a Spanish music style with strong, rhythmic undertones), Sonidos Gold never really stops, but that is a good thing.
The first track, "El Sabio Soy Yo" kicks off with driving percussion followed by a blazing guitar riff. A strong brass selection carries the chorus and bridges to make a pleasant, but resonating strong first song.
While the album is largely classifiable as Latin funk, one cannot help but form the connotation of a Spanish noir film full of bebop jazz.
One can see a troubled protagonist, a mysterious, possibly dangerous woman and a corrupt syndicate with a nefarious agenda
Sonidos Gold slows down to a walking pace on "Rumba Y Guaguanco" then speeds up again on the same song with an increasingly frantic brass solo by trombonist Greg Boyer of Prince and Parliament Funkadelic fame.
"Bacalao Con Pan" lays down the funk with psych guitars and a 70's groove interlaced with the guitar melody. There's even a Yes-inspired piano solo funneled through a Latin funk lens.
"Cumbia De Los Pajaritos" sounds like it came directly from Kill Bill: Vol. 2, that esoteric, cowboyish drifter of a song. One can see Uma Thurman walking in slow motion through the remains of a bloody battle scene.
"Gimme Some," the album's only English titled track, features saxophonist Maceo Parker of James Brown fame. It's kind of like The Cosby Show theme, but with more soul.
The final track "Perso Fra I Mesquites" is a beautiful guitar-driven song, but it doesn't pack the punch felt in the rest of the album.
It ends Sonidos Gold on a slower note when a more energetic song should have been used.
Sonidos Gold is an album full of energy and certainly worth a listen.
On a personal note, I was able to see Grupo Fantasma live in concert just last week.
I had read about their live performances being intense and riveting, and I can now justify those claims.
From the moment they walked on stage and through the entire show, not a single member of the audience was standing still.
It was an amazing show that made me realize it's okay to expand your musical horizons.
Stephen Schelling can be contacted at schelling@marshall.edu.
THE PARTHENON
Austin, Texas-based Grupo Fantasma released their third album Sonidos Gold on Tuesday blending traditional Latin rhythms with funk and afro beat percussion.
The album's title, which translates to "Golden Sounds," isn't far from the mark.
The 11-piece group has been heralded for their live shows and well as their impressive collaborations.
They have been the backing band for indie rock group Spoon several times as well as performing as a more permanent fixture for Prince both at his Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and such appearances including the CBS Superbowl Bash and the ALMA Awards.
Sonidos Gold is full of every kind of energy. Whether it's the constant percussion or flamenco style of music (a Spanish music style with strong, rhythmic undertones), Sonidos Gold never really stops, but that is a good thing.
The first track, "El Sabio Soy Yo" kicks off with driving percussion followed by a blazing guitar riff. A strong brass selection carries the chorus and bridges to make a pleasant, but resonating strong first song.
While the album is largely classifiable as Latin funk, one cannot help but form the connotation of a Spanish noir film full of bebop jazz.
One can see a troubled protagonist, a mysterious, possibly dangerous woman and a corrupt syndicate with a nefarious agenda
Sonidos Gold slows down to a walking pace on "Rumba Y Guaguanco" then speeds up again on the same song with an increasingly frantic brass solo by trombonist Greg Boyer of Prince and Parliament Funkadelic fame.
"Bacalao Con Pan" lays down the funk with psych guitars and a 70's groove interlaced with the guitar melody. There's even a Yes-inspired piano solo funneled through a Latin funk lens.
"Cumbia De Los Pajaritos" sounds like it came directly from Kill Bill: Vol. 2, that esoteric, cowboyish drifter of a song. One can see Uma Thurman walking in slow motion through the remains of a bloody battle scene.
"Gimme Some," the album's only English titled track, features saxophonist Maceo Parker of James Brown fame. It's kind of like The Cosby Show theme, but with more soul.
The final track "Perso Fra I Mesquites" is a beautiful guitar-driven song, but it doesn't pack the punch felt in the rest of the album.
It ends Sonidos Gold on a slower note when a more energetic song should have been used.
Sonidos Gold is an album full of energy and certainly worth a listen.
On a personal note, I was able to see Grupo Fantasma live in concert just last week.
I had read about their live performances being intense and riveting, and I can now justify those claims.
From the moment they walked on stage and through the entire show, not a single member of the audience was standing still.
It was an amazing show that made me realize it's okay to expand your musical horizons.
Stephen Schelling can be contacted at schelling@marshall.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
Janet Reese
posted 2/21/09 @ 8:21 AM EST
Latin funk orchestra group Grupo Fantasma is very good, I love this orchestra.
Linda Eaton
posted 3/02/09 @ 9:01 AM EST
Good scene, interesting post, thanks.
Dawn Redden
posted 3/07/09 @ 9:40 AM EST
wow, this brings back some great memories! it seems like just yesterday i was watching all of these great shows, and more great shows. this homecoming theme has been so much fun!
Penny Alverton
posted 3/09/09 @ 2:16 AM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Rusian Girlfriend
posted 4/02/09 @ 11:31 AM EST
Thank you so much for posting this article! I found the link from sheroes, and I wanted to complement you because it is fantastic!
Rasche Benbrook
posted 4/15/09 @ 1:04 PM EST
What an awesome article! You must have spent a lot of time and effort on it-needless to say, awesome job!
Bartlett Saus
posted 4/19/09 @ 5:05 AM EST
This article is amazing. I'm going to spend so much time procrastinating on here. I'm not quite sure if I should be thanking you, or cursing you
Katrina Lipschutz
posted 5/22/09 @ 3:50 PM EST
Indeed an informative article.
Lanman Hudnell
posted 6/20/09 @ 10:32 AM EST
Great .Now i can say thank you!
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