Published on Jul 15, 1998
I don’t often listen to it, but any time I get a chance to
listen to some good Latin music, I immediately get hooked by the
rhythm of the vocals (even if I don’t know Spanish – proof you
shouldn’t listen to your high school guidance counselor) and the
natural hooks of the beat. Whenever I need a quick pick-me-up, I
head right into the Pierce Archives and grab a Gypsy Kings disc.
Fifteen minutes later, my blahs are cured.
Add another group to that quick-cure list: Richmond, Virginia’s
Bio Ritmo, a wonderful little aggregate of musicians who crank out
a wicked style of salsa and rumba music that will have you tapping
your foot within seconds. Their latest release,
Rumba Baby Rumba!, was my first taste of this band, and it
sure won’t be the last.
Led by Rene Herrera, a native of Cuba, Bio Ritmo not only
strives to bring the joy of this style of music to the masses, but
also to make it more accessible with occasional vocals in English.
Their sense of humor is evident on the English tracks, such as on
“Ugly” and “You Killed My Love”. The single, “Call Me Up
(644-7215)”, isn’t as strong as some other tracks, but the beat
quickly locks you in and doesn’t let go. (For anyone contemplating
calling the number: If you call it – using the Richmond area code,
I assume – you will reach a number where you can book the
band.)
But where
Rumba Baby Rumba! succeeds is in its attack and presentation
of salsa music in its own natural state. From the opening notes of
“Yo Soy La Rumba,” it’s evident that there is sheer magic in this
music. (What might be surprising to some people is the almost
complete absence of guitars; I only heard a little Spanish guitar
on one track.) Simply put, this is party music to the Nth degree,
the album you put on when it’s time to really let the fun
loose.
How can you not be tantalized by the driving beats of “Bin Bin,”
the unique take on “Tequila” or the rhythmic poundings of “Una
Palabra” and “Sientate Ahi”? Simple: resistance is futile. You
can’t help but get caught up in the flavor of this album, and
you’ll find yourself disappointed when the last notes of “Night
Music” ring out. (The latter track is intriguing: a salsa spin on a
Mozart work. Hmm…)
But in Bio Ritmo’s strength lies its weakness: the fact that
many people won’t want to give
Rumba Baby Rumba! a fair shake, ’cause it’s not something
you’d hear on Casey Kasem’s countdowns. One word: cowards.
Rumba Baby Rumba! is not just an album of world music, it is
a celebration of the universal language of music, and is an album
that should be experienced and savored (if not danced to). Think of
this album as a different type of dance music; while it might not
fit into the next rave party, it helps to show the roots of
danceable music.
Rumba Baby Rumba! is an album that should be discovered by a
group that should be revered in the circles of Latin and world
music. If there were any justice in the world, Bio Ritmo would be
rewarded with an album that was in the top half of the charts. If
enough people give
Rumba Baby Rumba! a fair shake, justice might be served.
Undoubtedly one of the best albums I’ve listened to all year.