Wednesday, November 11, 2015

CECILIA NOEL - REIMAGINING 80S CLASSICS THROUGH A CUBAN LENS



Havana Rocks Cecilia Noël - 140 g. VINYL EDITION 
Compass Records, 2015 (revue)

Lima, Perú-born, L.A.-based Renaissance woman Cecilia Noël continues to push boundaries and delight fans with her original and ground-breaking take on Cuban-derived Latin dance music. On her latest release, Havana Rocks, she brings authentic, made-in-Havana instrumentation and arrangements to her own refreshing reading of classic 70s/80s rock, New Wave and pop tunes. However, unlike some Latin pop salsa romántica with English lyrics, Ms. Noël’s interpretation of how to cover gringo rock tunes differs from your Ricky Martins and J-Los in that Havana Rocks does just that: it rocks out! And way down in its soul, the record’s still resolutely Cuban too. Noël describes her style as “hard-core salsa” and feels she is more of a “punk salsa singer” so it’s quite fitting that she revisits the punk and New Eave era for this outing.

With Havana Rocks Noël and her fun-loving band make truly hybrid music that feels honest, real, and playful at the same time. At first glance, skeptics might balk at AC/DC done as salsa – is this some sort of hipster exercise in irony, a corny nostalgic gimmick to cash in on Buena Vista’s coattails, or just an embarrassing continuation of the Yankee Imperialist project to dilute “pure” Cuban music? One listen will silence critics as they start to move to the familiar melodies buoyed along by the infectious tropical grooves. The amazing thing is Ms. Noël fully integrates the contrasting elements of Latin and rock in a bi-cultural, organic union that is both pleasingly danceable and satisfyingly confident, where similarities and affinities are highlighted to cunning effect (it helps that the tunes are bi-lingual and that snippets of equally classic Cuban songs are melded seamlessly onto the Anglo tunes). A case in point is her imaginative re-working of Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” that fits her hard-core son cubano treatment like a leather glove. Yet the question of cultural imperialism with Havana Rocks, if there is any, is more around an interesting reversal of sorts – the viewpoint is resolutely looking outward from the island at the larger “90 miles” world beyond the “Mango Curtain,” where the rock element is merely a jumping off point for something deeper (literally in the instance of her brilliant version of Van Halen’s “Jump”). When Brit synth-pop icon Gary Numan’s originally ennui-infused “Here In My Car” is done within the context of Cuban history, it takes on a whole other meaning, enriching the album with sociological layers that belie the notion that salsa is only for the feet. Perhaps it is Noël’s own outsider immigrant perspective that facilitates this richness. Whatever the case, her special blend goes together like Havana Club rum and Coca-Cola.


In a time of ever-warming relations between Cuba and the US, this release is indeed timely and hopefully is a harbinger of our putting a more positive, collaborative spin on our shared past history and future destinies. As a vinyl fan and DJ who only plays wax, my own desires were answered when Noël’s label heeded the public’s petitions and came out with this vinyl edition in October, 2015. In a way it’s only fitting since the tunes covered on the album originally came out in that very same timeless format. (Hey label folks, any chance Cecilia’s 2009 release, ¡A Gozár! will be reissued on vinyl?!?). My advice is snap Havana Rocks up while you can and shake all night long, or as we say in Cuba, ¡Sacúdanse toda la noche!

—DJ Bongohead

Listen to song samples here:


Gettin' ready to rock tha house at New City Brewery's After Work Vinyl Hang, Easthampton, MA

From Compass Records' press release: 
“If you’ve ever wanted to hear a boogaloo version of “Whip It”,” a timba chart of “You Shook Me All Night Long,” or salsa-dance to “Cars,” then Havana Rocks is definitely the album for you. Seriously, this is more fun than should be legal.” –WRIR’s Global A Go-Go

(Nashville, TN) October 21, 2015 — CECILIA NOËL's newest album, HAVANA ROCKS, is now availble on vinyl LP. Havana Rocks is a Latin-infused collection of pop/rock classics recorded in Havana, Cuba which recently won the 2015 Cubadisco International Award (the first American album to win this award). Together, Noël and crew combine elements of salsa, soul, jazz, funk, and Afro-cuban music to deliver infectious Latin takes on MTV-era mega-hits. The album includes covers of Devo’s “Whip It,” Gary Numan’s “Cars” andACDC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” along with hits from her husband Colin Hay's 90's hit machine Men At Work, Thin Lizzy, David Bowie, Van Halen and more–all propelled by deep percussive grooves and Noël’s rich and appealing alto vocals.
Originally from Lima, Perú, Noël was discovered by Stan Getz and moved to New York City where she briefly performed as a dancer with Jo Jo’s Dance Factory and Menudo. In 1989, she relocated to Los Angeles and became involved in the local music scene. She formed Cecilia Noël and The Wild Clams, a James Brown meets Pérez Prado type band, which received frequent bookings at the House of Blues and the Playboy Jazz Festival and instant acclaim for their explosive live shows. In 2009 Noël released A Gozár! (Compass Records), an infectious set of playful ‘salsoul’ grooves for which Noël is known and which earned Noël a spot on Putumayo’s critically-acclaimed Latin Party release in 2010. In addition to her band, Noël also performs and records with husband and former Men At Work front man Colin Hay and has produced Los Chapillacs. She is currently finishing production on Cuban tres master San Miguel Perez's first solo album.

Monday, November 2, 2015


THIS Thursday, there's some funky vinyls a-brewin' - so come on down after work, November 5th, 2015, and get down - or just chill with a brew!

The Peace & Rhythm DJ crew (Andujar, Bongohead & Studebaker Hawk) will be spinning records at New City Brewery in Easthampton MA for an evening thing this Thursday. We’ll also have P&R releases and t-shirts for sale.
We’ll be spinning a wide range of styles , including funk, soul, rock, dub, cumbia & afrobeat, all from vinyl, from 5-10 pm. We will also be previewing forthcoming releases from our test pressings! There is no admission fee. Come and hang, drink some fantastic New City brews (including the gluten-free alcoholic ginger beer) and check out this brand new taproom! They also have non-alcoholic ginger ale.
180 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA 01027



Psychedelic Cumbia Reaction, via Rolando Bruno & His Mighty MIDI Orchestra!
Some of the jams we played last time 


Afrosound 45 goodness!


Andujar re-fuels with Guayaki


Paris DJs on the decks


THE AFROSOUND OF COLOMBIA - Big Box Of 45s!


Thursday, there's some funky vinyls a-brewin' - come on down after work, October 22, 2015!

The Peace & Rhythm DJ crew (Andujar, Bongohead & Studebaker Hawk) will be spinning records at New City Brewery in Easthampton MA for an evening thing this Thursday. We’ll also have P&R releases and t-shirts for sale.
We’ll be spinning a wide range of styles , including funk, soul, rock, dub, cumbia & afrobeat, all from vinyl, from 5-10 pm. We will also be previewing forthcoming releases from our test pressings! There is no admission fee. Come and hang, drink some fantastic New City brews (including the gluten-free alcoholic ginger beer) and check out this brand new taproom! They also have non-alcoholic ginger ale.
180 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA 01027




Thursday, there's some funky vinyls a-brewin' - come on down after work, November 5, 2015!

The Peace & Rhythm DJ crew (Andujar, Bongohead & Studebaker Hawk) will be spinning records at New City Brewery in Easthampton MA for an evening thing this Thursday. We’ll also have P&R releases and t-shirts for sale.
We’ll be spinning a wide range of styles , including funk, soul, rock, dub, cumbia & afrobeat, all from vinyl, from 5-10 pm. We will also be previewing forthcoming releases from our test pressings! There is no admission fee. Come and hang, drink some fantastic New City brews (including the gluten-free alcoholic ginger beer) and check out this brand new taproom! They also have non-alcoholic ginger ale.
180 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA 01027







Sunday, May 17, 2015

VISUAL CLAVE comes to The Bronx and Brooklyn, Summer 2015!




VISUAL CLAVE
50 Years of Latin Album Cover Design

Visual Clave documents the little known evolution of ‘Salsa Graphics’ and the expression of Latino identities through the prism of album cover art over half a century of music packaging and graphic design.

This exhibit explores the evolution of Latin music album cover art over the last 50 years,paying critical attention to issues of identity and aesthetics through depictions of Hispanic people and cultures, with an emphasis on historical context and the unsung graphic artists who helped present Latin music — and its attendant socio-cultural themes — to the world. Visual Clave’s premise is that the record jacket is not just an ephemeral mass-produced object to be relegated to the trash heap of a bygone era, but rather a unique 12 by 12 inch window onto a culture’s soul. 
The concept of “clave” is essential to understanding Afro-Antillean popular music forms and the dance culture that surrounds it, and is therefore a perfect metaphor for describing Latin album cover art. Clave is the African-derived 2-3 or 3-2 beat used in almost all genres of Latin music. In addition, the claves are the wooden percussion sticks used to mark these syncopated time signatures and as an instrument date from the time of slavery and colonialism. Therefore both the beat and the instrument can be seen as a potent symbol of Hispanic cultural identities and practices. Clave as a concept is the ‘key constant’ through all these different genres of music and different national narratives, and this exhibit is the vibrant visual manifestation of this cultural heritage, full of variety and consistency at the same time, just like Latin music itself.
ONE EXHIBIT, TWO SHOWS
New York City, especially the area of Spanish Harlem and the boroughs of Brooklyn and The Bronx, are all locations central to the type of Latin music known as salsa so it is fitting that Visual Clave is being exhibited in two of these locations. Each gallery features original album art (paintings, photographs, sculpture, and layouts) as well as LP covers from the golden era of Latin vinyl. But each show is also unique and concentrates on different facets of the music and history, with an emphasis in each on the particular location of the gallery. Be sure to see both! Openings feature DJs playing rare Latin records followed by special events: live music, lectures, and discussions.
Here are some pics from the Bronx opening:








Classic work by Charlie Rosario

Bobby Sanabria and Izzy "Mr. Salsa" Sanabria


Izzy and his Dalíesque painting for Ray Barretto
                                  
Bobby Sanabria and Orlando Marín

Lee Marshall (rt) talking about photograhing for Fania


Benjy Meléndez of The Ghetto Brothers

Charlie Rosario with his work


The Ghetto Brothers (2 generations)


Izzy saved this painting from the closet at Fania HQ.


And here are some shots from the Brooklyn opening:

Izzy "Mr. Salsa" Sanabria

Audience watching Izzy Sanabria's presentation
Yogui Rosario, Charlie Rosario, Jason Youvert
                       

Charlie with the sculpture he made and set on fire for Orquesta Cimarrón.


Charlie Rosario shows off his covers all in a row.


Yogui points to one of his collage pieces (Uptempo by Tito Rodriguez).

Chico Álvarez and Jason Youvert

Johnny Pacheco by Jorge Vargas


Album cover section titled "Raíces / Roots" (inkjet on roll)


Izzy "Mr. Salsa" Sanabria with former Latin New York magazine staffers


Héctor Aponte, Chuckie López (RIP) Pablito Rosario, Jason Youvert (RIP)


Pablito directs the "Brooklyn Salsa All Stars" descarga session


Chembo Corniel


Bongohead and Jose Conde


Brooklyn Salsa All Stars


John Zervos, Charlie Rosario and Karen Joseph
For more information go to: www.bronxmusic.org and www.pf-gallery.com or visit: peaceandrhythm.com or visit them on Facebook.


VISUAL CLAVE: BRONX
BRONX MUSIC HERITAGE CENTER LAB
1303 Louis Niné Boulevard, Bronx NY 10459
OPENING: June 5, 2015 - 5:00 PM
Featuring a Multi-Media presentation by “Mr.Salsa” Izzy Sanabria, and DJ Turmix, Andujar and Bongohead playing classic Latin vinyl.
Also:  August 14, 6:00 PM: 
Lecture on the history of Fania Records by Joe Conzo, Sr. 
August 14, 7:00 PM: plus concert by salsa orchestra (TBA).
Exhibition dates: June 5 - August 15
Gallery hours: 

 Monday – Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM;   Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM



VISUAL CLAVE: BROOKLYN
PICTURE FARM GALLERY
338 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn NY 11211
OPENING: June 6, 2015 - 5:00 PM
Featuring MC “Mr.Salsa” Izzy Sanabria and live music by Ola Fresca “Unplugged” with Jose Conde, followed by Pablito “El Indio” Rosario and the Brooklyn All-Stars, plus DJ Turmix, Andujar and Bongohead playing classic Latin vinyl
Also: June 13, 7:00 PM: 
A Multi-Media Presentation by “Mr.Salsa” Izzy Sanabria, performance by Charlie Rosario and Los Rumberos Callejeros and guests
Exhibition dates: June 6 - July 5
Gallery hours: 

Monday – Friday: 11:00 – 6:00 PM; 
Note: week-night viewing hours can be scheduled per need, supervision and office availability.
All events are FREE and open to the public. 
Made possible by The Bronx Music Heritage Center and Picture Farm Gallery.

Izzy "Mr. Salsa" Sanabria


Pablito "El Indio" Rosario


Jose Conde


Charlie Rosario