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Grupo Fantasma
Latin / Funk / Other

""SONIDOS GOLD" coming JUNE 17, 2008! - ON TOUR NOW"

AUSTIN, Texas
United States

Profile Views:  154592




Last Login:  7/25/2008
View My: Pics | Videos

   Contacting Grupo Fantasma

 MySpace URL: 
  http://www.myspace.com/fantasmatics  

   Grupo Fantasma: General Info
Member Since5/28/2006
Band Websitegrupofantasma.com
Band MembersAdrian Quesada - guitar
Johnny Lopez - drums
Jose Galeano - vocals, timbales
Gilbert Elorreaga - trumpet
Beto Martinez - guitar
Kino Rodriguez - vocals
Greg Gonzalez -bass
Joshua Levy - saxophones
Matthew "Sweet Lou" Holmes - congas
Leo Gauna - trombone

Management & Texas Booking:
David Lobel
Diaspora Music Group, LLC
dslobel@diasporamusicgroup.com


Booking (out of Texas):
Phil Ballman
Mondo Mundo Agency
phil@mondomundo.biz

InfluencesFania, Discos Fuentes, Aniceto Molina, James Brown, Santana, War, Malo, Irakere, Fruko y sus Tesos, Eddie Palmieri, Cortijo y su Combo, La Tropa Colombiana, Andres Landero, Earth, Wind and Fire, etc etc
Sounds LikeGRUPO FANTASMA
Sonidos Gold
OUT JUNE 17th (PRE ORDER HERE!)

"Their best LP to date" - Austin American Statesman

GRUPO FANTASMA
Bacalao Con Pan/Arroz Con Frijoles 12" VINYL (BRAND NEW!!!)
BUY IT HERE!!!
""Bacalao Con Pan" is a massive jammer with heavy drums and lots of riffing guitar" - Dusty Groove

GRUPO FANTASMA
Comes Alive
BUY IT HERE!
"One of the finest live albums to come out of the ATX" - Austin Chronicle

GRUPO FANTASMA
Movimiento Popular
Available Now!
Our second studio effort, an instant classic..
"The future of latin music" - Knowtheledge.net


GRUPO FANTASMA
Self Titled
Availalbe Now!
The album that started it all, raw and uncut early GF!
"One of the finest releases in any genre this past year" - Houston Press
Record LabelAire Sol Records
Type of LabelIndie








   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jul 25 2008 5:00P
Waterloo Records In-Store Austin, Texas
Jul 26 2008 8:00P
Antone’s Austin, Texas
Jul 28 2008 10:30P
Pole Pole Festival Gent
Jul 29 2008 8:00P
Jazz Cafe London
Aug 1 2008 10:30P
Cambridge Folk Festival Cambridge
Aug 2 2008 9:00P
Riverside Festival Nottingham
Aug 3 2008 9:45P
Dranouter Folk Festival Dranouter
Aug 4 2008 5:30P
Farmleigh Affair Dublin, Dublin
Aug 6 2008 8:00P
Long Center Austin, Texas
Aug 7 2008 8:00P
Long Center Austin, Texas
Aug 9 2008 10:00P
Hal’s Landing Laredo, Texas
Aug 16 2008 8:00P
Nutty Brown Cafe Dripping Springs, Texas
Aug 26 2008 8:00P
PRIVATE Austin, Texas
Aug 30 2008 9:00P
Lucy’s San Marcos, Texas
Sep 12 2008 8:00P
PRIVATE Austin, Texas
Sep 18 2008 8:00P
Krannert Center for Performing Arts Urbana, Illinois
Sep 19 2008 8:00P
Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee
Sep 20 2008 8:00P
Levitt Shell @ Overton Park Memphis, Tennessee
Oct 1 2008 8:00P
PRIVATE Austin, Texas
Oct 2 2008 8:00P
PRIVATE Austin, Texas
Oct 3 2008 8:00P
Sundance Square Fort Worth, Texas
Oct 4 2008 8:00P
PRIVATE Austin, Texas

Grupo Fantasma's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

SONIDOS GOLD review in San Francisco Bay Guardian  (view more)

Sonidos Gold Drops Today!  (view more)

Austin Chronicle Cover Story/Bonnaroo  (view more)

GF Horns Rock Coachella with Prince!  (view more)

GF HORNS ON JAY LENO WITH PRINCE TONIGHT!!  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About Grupo Fantasma


COMING JUNE 17th, 2008

--------------------------------------------

BIOGRAPHY

--------------------------------------------

Known as the funkiest, finest and hardest working latin orchestra to come of the United States in the last decade, Grupo Fantasma's trademark sound has translated comprehensively on their new album Sonidos Gold - it's an incredible and animated performance interwoven with mature and intelligent songwriting that is equally at home with the classic 1960s Fania All-Stars sound AND the progressive benchmark set by artists such as Manu Chao. Guided by the deeply rooted traditions of cumbia, salsa, funk, and pyschedelia this masterful ensemble band has forged a fresh new standard of excellence in latin music.

Special guests on the album include legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker, Fania All-Stars pianist and arranger Larry Harlow, trombonist Greg Boyer (Prince, Parliament Funkadelic), and a bonus track/remix by producer Toy Hernandez (Control Machete, Juanes, Alejandro Sanz). Recording and mixing on the album was executed at Stuart Sullivan's Wire Recording facility in Austin, responsible for notable projects by Sublime, Meat Puppets, and Butthole Surfers.

There is no doubt that Sonidos Gold will be remembered as an instant and timeless classic. From the epic and head bobbing entrance of "El Sabio" to the textural violin and peyote-laden conlusion of "Perso Fra i Mesquites" the record's dozen tracks are as pertinent to the past as they will be influential on the future.

"It's the definitive Grupo Fantasma album, the one we've wanted to make since the beginning" declares Adrian Quesada, one of the band's guitarists, co-founders and head producer. "The sound is organic, live, while sonically it's big and roomy with psychedelic and cinematic undertones. It pays homage to the forefathers of this music yet is forward thinking at the same time." When asked about working and recording with Larry Harlow and Maceo Parker, Quesada states "These guys are musical institutions. When you feel like maybe you're losing steam and someone like Larry or Maceo is schooling you and stressing the importance of carrying the torch, you can't help but feel re-energized and part of a larger, more important picture in the scheme of things."

The momentum of an enormous 2007 has clearly set the stage for another fruitful year for Grupo Fantasma. From their critically acclaimed performances with Prince in London this past August (their first trip overseas playing in front of 20,000 people) to a national airing on PBS's "Austin City Limits," the band continues to expand their musical horizons and deliver earth-shattering live shows. Other significant accomplishments include NPR features on Latino USA and Song of the Day, recording of a BBC Radio session at the infamous Maide Valle Studio in London, the Fantasma horn section performing at clubs and festivals with indie-rock stalwarts Spoon, licensing of albums for distribution in Europe, and several guest spots on international releases. This spring and summer will see them performing at highly regarded events such as New Orleans Jazz Fest, Bonnaroo and Montreal Jazz Fest.

The endorsement from Prince was a huge highlight for the members of Grupo Fantasma. Jose Galeano, the band's elder statesman (and nephew of the infamous percussionist "Chepito" from the original Santana band) was especially moved by the experience. "Prince's seal of approval sends a message that the band's music and performances are of the highest quality, and that we can conquer anything we put our minds to. It was quite an accomplishment. Even if the masses don't know it yet, he believes that we kick some serious ass!" The band's relationship with the legendary artist began with a two-month Thursday night stint at the musical giant's Las Vegas nightclub 3121 and a hip-shaking performance at his mega-celeb filled Golden Globes after party. Fantasma opened for Prince in front of 8,000 fans in Miami, Florida and served as his backup band at several high profile events including the CBS Superbowl Bash in South Beach, the ALMA Awards (aired on ABC) and an exclusive private party in their hometown of Austin, Texas.

"The only other band I've seen get that kind of audience reaction was the Ramones" confesses Austin Chronicle and Village Voice music critic Jim Caliguiri. "With all of their releases the band has become even more adventurous - mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. This group of enthusiastic youngsters has grown into a monstrous and masterful ensemble that has sold more than 25,000 discs independently. Their chops and confidence continue to grow but the raw, boisterous attitude remains. The band successfully obliterates the clichés that often plague the current music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect."



AWARDS
• 2007 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Latin Rock
• 2007 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2006 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Band
• 2006 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2006 Austin Music Awards: Best Horns
• 2005 Premios de Musica Latina (Univision Awards) Best Latin Rock
• 2005 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2005 Austin Music Awards: Best Horns
• 2004 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2003 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band
• 2002 Austin Music Awards: Best Latin Band


QUOTES
• “Real Musicians playing real music”. Prince

• "The grassroots success of Grupo Fantasma marks them as one of the decade's most important independent artists in the Latin genre." - All Music Guide

• "This freight train of a Latin band could easily hold its own in a sweaty bandbox in the Bronx...they'll knock you down with the grooves." -The Village Voice

• "One of the all-time great Texas bands.........Their catchy sounds straddle so many musical genres that putting them in a particular niche seems pointless." -Pop Culture Press

• "One of the sickest live bands ever." -The Philadelphia Weekly


   Grupo Fantasma's Friend Space (Top 16)
Grupo Fantasma has 6089 friends.
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Grupo Fantasma's Friends Comments
Displaying 50 of 701 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Marcy!





Jul 23 2008 10:22 PM

You are the best live band I've ever seen. I happened to catch your show in Burlington, VT by luck after hearing about you on NPR. Then... to my amazement, my trip to Austin for a work conference coincides with your homecoming weekend and CD-signing! How cool is this?! I love you guys and are dying to hear you play on Saturday. thanks for playing.
The Illest





Jul 22 2008 5:52 PM

Hey! I caught your show in New Orleans @ Tipatina's! You guys are awesome! Keep it up with the great music! :)
Jennifer





Jul 21 2008 11:17 AM

The show in New Orleans was amazing. It just keeps getting better and better...although, it felt different to see you on a stage instead of on the floor at the Hippo.
I hope to see you again soon!
Fiona





Jul 17 2008 1:31 PM

Hey guys, you were absolutely great at North Sea Jazz!!! It was a downright party, people dancin'..
I just love Sonidos gold, you've definately made a new friend!
Thanks for a wonderful performance, come back to The Netherlands someday.
Cheers!
Candygarden





Jul 17 2008 3:25 PM

Greetz from a lazy fan! I love your music!
Ralph DC, LIVE JULY 26 (Saturday)





Jul 9 2008 8:15 PM

Thanx guys, the quebec show was too f***g hot.

You rock.

I've made so much publicity and the night of the show people who saw me buy your albums, asked me which one buy...I told them : everything...and they buy it.

I'll be a propagander for you !!

Stay groovy !!

Ralph DC from quebec city.
free cube





Jul 11 2008 10:01 AM

Hello, thank for the add!
All the best.
Nice sound!

free cube
Los Vicios De Papa





Jul 15 2008 8:21 PM

1st texfest
ChUbBy BuNnY





Jul 12 2008 3:37 PM

OMG!! MY FAV SONG IS CHOCOLATE!!
Woohoo! Rp





Jul 9 2008 7:01 AM

Thanks for the addy! Hope to see a show soon.
Ruth
Candy





Jul 8 2008 7:32 PM

I love your music! Me encanta las cumbias, and your cover of La Boa is amazing! When are you coming to California?! I need to see you guys live!!
Don Loope





Jul 7 2008 5:11 PM

diggin' the tracks u got up!
CHRIS BOTTOMLEY & BRAINFUDGE





Jul 4 2008 8:39 PM

Hi all,
Had a blast meeting y'all in Toronto last week.

peace eh!

Chris
Hoover s Cooking





Jul 3 2008 7:58 PM

Happy Fourth Of July
to one very cooooool band....
"re-s&-'prä-s(&-)tE


Is Online


Jul 4 2008 12:32 PM

Thank you for visiting Columbus, OHIO!!! We love you!!!

Come back SOON!!!

PAZ
the Misplacements





Jun 29 2008 8:27 PM

Thanks for the add folks!
MICHAEL SAN MIGUEL





Jun 29 2008 9:33 PM

Mentiras, love it! One of my favorite songs.

MICHAEL SAN MIGUEL, you know me.
_Juliette_





Jun 30 2008 3:26 AM

=)
CHILLLLAX





Jun 27 2008 11:00 AM

GREAT SHOW LAST NIGHT AT THE IRON HORSE!!!!!
Mike





Jun 28 2008 4:07 PM

Thanks for the add! You guys need to come back West, Phoenix or Tucson.
Hope





Jun 26 2008 12:49 PM

You guys were AMAZING in Boston last night.
I am so glad I got to see you in person!
Tricia





Jun 27 2008 12:24 AM

Just wanted to let you know....We loved you at Iron Horse!!
Bryan Vargas & Ya Esta





Jun 25 2008 8:36 AM

Guys- I'm sorry I will have to miss the SOBs show, I have my own gig uptown that night.
BUT ROCK THE HOUSE!!! The new album sounds GREAT!
jacob





Jun 24 2008 9:12 AM

Que pasa, grupo fantasma! muchas gracias por el add. Me gusta tu musica mucha. Puedes poner 'Soy El Hombre' en tu pagina...? lo queiro en mi pagina!
Villa Esperanza





Jun 22 2008 6:17 AM

flyer
SPLIT KICK