Lord knows I try to keep up with the local music scene, as well as what’s up and coming on the national scene. I read my Paste. I listen to Acoustic Cafe. I hit the local venues.
Yet somehow I’ve totally missed Grupo Fantasma. Not surprising, I guess, since they’re based out of Texas. But they’ve been getting a whole lot of attention that has somehow bypassed me.
Anyway, that’ll be corrected for me — and for you — on Jan. 30, when you go out to see these guys at the Rocket Club on Haywood Road. This, to me, is the must-see show of the winter.
I’m rarely blown away by musicians at first listen, but I have to say that I was instantly blasted into some kind of funky love when I gave Grupo Fantasma’s critically acclaimed album Sonidos Gold a listen.
These guys have the wall-of-sound power of an orchestra, with all the funky Cuban and jazz grooves you can imagine. You’re with them all the way, coasting up and down on the waves of sound. There’s a little rock, a little hip-hop, but it’s all so laid back, perfect for Asheville.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Cuban beats — I am a big fan of the Buena Vista Social Club (who’s not, right?) Grupo Fantasma takes the tradition and, while honoring it, moves forward. In the band’s words, the music features the “deeply rooted traditions of cumbia, salsa, funk, and pyschedelia.” To put it another way, according to a band member, “The sound is organic, live, while sonically it’s big and roomy with psychedelic and cinematic undertones.”
That about says it. Read the reviews. Go to the band’s web site. Read the reviews. Then go see them at the Rocket Club on Jan. 30.
I don’t gush very often, but this band as love at first sight for me. Grupo Fantasma hit my soft spot. These guys zeroed right in there and settled on the my big fluffy heart couch.
“Gimme Some” by Grupo Fantasmsa 1.5.09 from Aaron Brown on Vimeo.
4 Comments
Very nice
Great gush!
First time I’ve ever heard the phrase "fluffy heart couch".
: )
I like!
Thanks for bringing this band to my attention. I will definitely try to make this one. There is so much going on in Asheville – I thought winter was for rest!