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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Voice of the Border, May 3, 2000
This review is from: Renacimiento (Audio CD)
The b-Side Players are a local San Diego band who have been working the club scene for years. They have always been popular at home but there voice has spread throughout the southwest and beyond in recent years. With the release of their debut CD you have an instant solid effort. The music explorers a variety of genres including salsa, reggae, funk ,rock, you name it, aqui esta. With titles like "Can you dig it? you know there has to be some funk . The band members must have heard Tower of Power because they sure have that sound on certain tracks. Some of the members hail from south of the border, in Tijuas and the soul of Mexico shines brightly. Lots of percussion with congas and timbales and some very soulful horn playing. The band also explores elements of Latin Jazz as is displayed on "Mazapan". This is a catchy dance tune that has a chorus that says"jugo de naranja Jersey". A certain oj company picked it up and used it in its comercials south of the border. Latinos can sing about most anything, put a dance beat to it and you'll never know or care you're having a good time to an orange juice jingle! The lead singer Giovanni Mejia who hails from down Mexico way has a fine voice to compliment the sizzling salsa rhythmns. "Baila" is a very good tune that will have you thinking palm trees swaying in the breeze, cocktails on the beach, maybe flirting with romance but basically having a good time. On this track Mejia sings the praises of the women of San Diego and goes on to say how indiscriminate he is as "me gusta todos sabores y todos colores". He goes on international with "las morenas de Sinaloa". He's lke most guys, were easily pleased by attractive women. "Caminando por El Barrio" is a lovely track that sounds like Malo with a pure instrumental sound introduction that goes frentic an allows for the musicians to explore free form Latin Jazz with the ever present chorus. "The Death of the Matador" has a Gerald Wilson feel to it and sounds like songs of his Golden Sword" album. This song is almost 15 minutes long! I think the whole bullfight was fought during "La Muerte del Matador". IMO the song is too long and more fitting on a pure jazz CD. All in all this is a solid first effort. This is better than their follow up Cd, so start here. Discover what many locals have known for years, the B-Side Players are good musicians that have sabor, sabor se la frontera.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
CAUTION, February 28, 2002
This review is from: Renacimiento (Audio CD)
This is a amazing band that has been able to capture & combine all types of diffrent style's and elements into their music from salsa,cumbias,reggae,funk,and many other beats. Their diversity of music has started a new generation of music and people. If your someone who likes a mixture of all types of sounds this is a good cd to buy. My favorite song on this cd is souldier because the lyrics speaks the the truth. Only buy if you can handle it...
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Under appreciated Latin band!, April 21, 2001
This review is from: Renacimiento (Audio CD)
I wish more Latin music fans had access to this band and their two CDs. I love the socially conscious acid jazz feel to this disc. I'm a writer and whenever I'm in a slump I pop it in and it makes me sit up straight (and shimmy)and get down to business. Most of it is instrumental tunes, that's what I love about it. They are very similiar to Ozomatli, if that is any help. I have yet to check out the Players new recording, but I will soon. Look for them in your home town, I think they tour a lot.
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