The story begins in the fall of 2006 when Manuel Rivas (El Negro) answered an online ad posted by bass player Jaime Sanchez. They exchanged e-mail and after a few online conversations they realized that there were some similarities in taste of music and ideas. After a bit of back and forth e-mailing, the two decided to get together and collaborate on some of their ideas. After a successful first meeting, it became clear that there was some musical chemistry between the two and they agreed to start putting a band together.
The next ten months were filled with hundreds of auditions and gruelling rehearsals as the two tried tirelessly to find the right people. After some long and dedicated hard work, a band started to take shape but didn’t seem to be working quite as well as the two had hoped. After months of frustrating rehearsals that were leading no where, Manuel decided that he wanted to go another route and announced that he would be stepping out to focus on his own music and DJ career. This of course led to the collapse of the initial band and everyone went their separate ways.
About six months later Jaime was introduced to Rafael (Rafa) Seco, a drummer originally from Havana, Cuba who mentioned his own interest in starting a band with the similar taste and style as Jaime had originally dreamed up. The two got together a few times to jam in Jaime's basement and were starting to like the raw sound coming from the collaboration. After a few months of trying to convince a sceptical Jaime (who had doubts from his previous failed attempt) to start a band, Jaime agreed and once again was on the hunt for able bodied musicians to share his dream. Jaime started looking for guitar layers, asked some friends, searched on the internet, but nothing was working.
It wasn’t until Jaime 22nd birthday in the fall of 2007 that El Negro mentioned his desire to return to collaborating and Jaime mentioned his new project with Rafa. Jaime invited Manuel to come out and jam down some ideas and the three hit it off. All was well but there were a few missing pieces. Being a Latin infused funk band meant that there was a certain feel they were looking for that just wasn’t present at that moment. They knew they need the Afro-Cuban percussion in order to make their sound work, but who?
Enter David Figliano (El Forastero).
Jaime met David a few years before at York University while enrolled in the York Escola de Samba and while playing with Samba Squad. Jaime approached David the night before a rehearsal and asked if he was interested in coming out just to add the Latin flavour they so desperately needed. David wasn’t sure what he was getting himself into, but he agreed as he figured it would be a fun time and would be able to show off his skills…and show off is exactly what he did. After a few jam sessions, the other three were so impressed that they decided to officially ask David to join the band. After a few more jam sessions, learning some covers and creating some originals, the foursome agreed to officially become a band and thus, Babalao Stereo Club was born.
Moving Forward
A new search is underway as BSC is looking for a keyboard player and a front man. The band has been trying out new people, but in the meantime BSC have been playing a few shows and recorded their first demo. Although the search is not over, BSC is in full swing and ready to hit the streets of the Toronto and the world. As they meld funk with other Latin and Afro grooves, BSC is sure to get your blood pumping, your body moving, your heart racing and your sweat pouring.
“There ‘aint no party like a Babalao party!”
Hola Chamos! como estan al parecer uno por aca solo se ve en verano...espero esten calentitos ! que frrriooo maybe sometime we can book a gig together! cuidense! cheers! Carla
The Psychotropical invasion in Toronto @ Lula Lounge!!!!! Don’t miss the chance to see two of the most innovative and original Latin bands of the moment. Psychotropical Orchestra from Montreal and Cumbia Queers all the way from Argentina!! 18th July 10 pm. @ Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas St. W For only 10 dlls.!!!!!!!
Pero bueno,algo de imagen y sonido por aquí pues. Vamos a activar ese Babalao Stereo Club. Mucho de lo bueno compadres. Un abrazo al Manu. Demetrio de Ccs
Un regalito pa los cuates! Pour les nouveaux amis! A little present for our new friends Checkeraut! Our very first video clip " Me quedo bailando" Pa mover el cucu!!! Pa les amis, amici, amigos and friends!!!!!
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