Cumbia cumbia, rica, sabrosa y caprichosa… from the balmy Colombian coast to the South West of England, Bristol based ‘Baila La Cumbia’ are set to rip up the dance floor. So flick your hair, swing your hips and “pon las manitos arriba haciendo palmas….”
The twelve-strong Cumbia band produces an incredible sound. Think sweaty Santa Marta and Barranquilla during the 1970s when Cumbia was dance hall track of choice. The rhythm is infectious; Baila put their own unique trippy tropical spin on a varied repertoire of Colombian classics, with a repertoire that also includes Fruko, Lucho Bermudez and Climaco Sarmiento. The line up is impressive, with a mix of upright bass, piano, accordion riffs, timbales and congas providing an authentic Cumbia sound. It’s fun and super ‘bailable’.
The group started out in 2010 as a twinkle in the eye of local musician Ben Muscat – the group’s double bass player. The band boasts an impressive line up of Bristol based Latin and Jazz musicians, with dynamic Ivan Moreno on percussion and lead vocals aided by newest member Algy Behrens with funky guitar riffs. Chris Apthomas adds keys and accordion providing an authentic Colombian flavour. The brass and wind section packs a punch, with Craig Crofton on tenor sax, Rachel Llewellyn on clarinet, Simon Strange and Liam Treasure on trombone and Joe Longridge on trumpet. Brenda Hockey shakes things up on the shekere, with Myke Vince on timbales and spicy Lisa Cherian on congas.
This year the band have delighted audiences at Glastonbury festival, Chai Wallahs at Shambala, and Passing Clouds in London, as well as storming gigs in Bristol, Cardiff, Oxford, Exeter and beyond.
With an album soon to be released, catch them this evening (17th January) at Leftbank in Bristol.
http://www.bailalacumbia.co.uk/index.php
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