In continuing with Al Borde’s efforts to support the local talent of Los Angeles, we present to you, El Sonido Callejero (ESC) and their new single, their version of one of the most recognizable tunes in the Latin American song book, “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas”.
At first, one may think that a cover of “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” would be a bit of a departure for ESC, as they are better known for their brand of energetic cumbia fusion music with revolutionary lyrics, but the band was able to incorporate this classic song into the El Sonido Callejero style while still keeping the essence and feel of the original song.
The song begins with what sounds like a sampling of an old record, but it was actually recorded by the band as they wanted to give it that old time feel to it. After that creative introduction, the familiar sounds of ESC come in with Arturo “El Director” Hernandez’ accordion taking over the melody while the rest of the band take the song into overdrive with a cumbia/ska vibe only to slow it down as special guest vocalist, Santos De Los Angeles, comes in to give it that romantic feeling as the band takes the music down to a bolero style; during the chorus, the voice of Wonderfox, Isabel Valencia, lends her passionate heartfelt voice, which takes the song to a whole new plateau. As the song comes out of the chorus, the band takes the song to an energetic cumbia like rhythm accentuated by the beautiful trumpet and trombone work of another special guest, Pascual Montaño.
“Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” was written by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés back in 1947. Throughout the years, “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” has been covered by some of the biggest stars in music like Nat King Cole in 1958. Celia Cruz recorded her version of this song in 1965. The King of “musica tropical”, Rigo Tovar, came out with his version in 1973. Buena Vista Social Club and Jennifer Lopez have also recorded versions of this classic and most recently; Latin Grammy winner Gaby Moreno included this song on her album “Postales”.
After taking some time off from live performances, El Sonido Callejero concentrated on creating and recording new music and we can expect new singles to come out in February and March.
After a couple of explosive warm up shows at the King King in Hollywood at the end of 2013, ESC is working on getting back to the L.A. stages and are working on some dates for March and April and in May, the band is scheduled to do a 3 week tour of Mexico.
El Sonido Callejero is one of the most innovative bands in L.A. and their riveting live performances have taken them to share stages with the likes of Celso Piña, Panteón Rococó and Inspector.
“Quizas, Quizas, Quizas”, can be downloaded on iTunes and Amazon.com and it can also be streamed through Spotify.
