Olindo Records proudly presents two fresh takes on songs from Raúl Monsalve y los Forajidos critically acclaimed ‘Bichos’ album by a pair of up-and-coming Venezuelan artists.
First up, Mexico-based drummer and producer Orestes Gomez revisits the album’s lead single, Bocón featuring Luzmira Zerpa, by passing it through a neo-soul and contemporary jazz lens alongside a cast of exciting sidemen, including bassist Daniel Briceño (La Vida Boheme) and flautist Eric Chacón (Tony Succar / Miguel Siso).
On the B-Side, Miami-based Venezonix aka Andres Ponce, fresh off fusing Afro Venezuelan rhythms instruments and with electronic music on his debut EP for Nacional Records, takes “La pulga” on a futuristic trip, adding a pulsating drum machine beat and synths to the original’s whirlwind of Chimurenga-inspired guitar and culo’e puya drums. The instrumental version is included in the digital release.
Raúl Monsalve and his all-star family of musicians received praise and support for their exciting fusion of Afro Venezuelan rhythms with Latin jazz, psych, funk and Afrobeat, from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Gideon Coe, Huey Morgan, Stuart Maconie (BBC Radio 6 Music), Jazz FM, NTS, Songlines, Bandcamp, Radio Nova, Le Grigri and FIP.
Orestes Gomez is one of the most recognized drummers in Latin America, whilst his production work fusing hip hop, jazz, and Afro Latin music has earned him international attention. He has travelled the world playing and collaborating with some of the most respected musical acts in Latin America, including Los Amigos Invisibles, Gustavo Dudamel, Caloncho, Mcklopedia, Apache, and Akapellah.
Venezonix is the passion project of Andres Ponce of the Miami-based band Elastic Bond. Ponce has spent the last 20 years in Miami after immigrating from Venezuela at 19 years old. Venezonix is a project he’s been cooking for years, collecting classic Afro-Venezuelan vinyl and sounds, often saving them from obscurity. The project puts his own producer-spin on traditional Venezuelan instruments with futuristic beats and electronic textures.
Out Friday 3rd September via Olindo Records. Order your copy here.