Artist description "Songo- Latin Funk, Jazz and Soul – Veterans of the San Francisco music scene when these six finally joined to produce their unique sound; the result was an explosive, electrifying link of their life experiences and Cuban/Mexican heritage. Their Performances are high energy, tight, groove laden, percusion driven conctions of latin, funk, jazz, and soul…" Blake’s press release July ‘00

Music Style Latin-rock, Latin-Soul, latin Funk, Latin Jazz

Musical Influences Santana, Tito Puente, BB King, Los Van Van, Cubanismo, Buena Vista Social Club, Stevie Wonder, Motown

Similar Artists Santana, Stevie Wonder, etc

Artist History Formed in early 1999, Songo has steadily built its following since its first gig on August 7, 1999 at Bimbo's 365 Club, in San Francisco. At each show new fans have been signing up on the band’s mailing list so that they can hear more of Songo’s unique blend of Latin-Soul. After one year together, Songo entered the recording studio to work on the band’s debut CD, "Havana Soul", which will be released on the Mo-Bana Records label in late August 2000.Carlos Palomares began writing the music that would eventually become Songo in 1997. After about a year and a half of searching for a vocalist/lyricist to collaborate with, Carlos’ patience paid off when he meet Hector "El Spider" Quintana who's writing and vocal style fit with Carlos’. Hector and Carlos began collaborating right away and felt they were on to their own sound and their own musical statement. As they put ideas on tape a new Latin/Funk/Soul sound began to emerge. Prior to forming Songo, Carlos has taught guitar and played in many bands over the years, most recently the San Francisco 70's Disco/Funk tribute/parody band, Superbooty. Hector had a successful theater career including performing several parts with Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco from 1995-98. Yet both yearned to play their original music that would draw from the vast musical influences and their hispanic heritage.An experienced group of musicians now rounds out Songo. Mark Armenta, a versatile bass guitar player who splits his time between jazz, big band, blues, and salsa gigs, is a veteran of the San Francisco music scene. Some of the Latin bands he has played with include Orquesta Borinquen, Carlos Godinez, and Gary Flores Trio. Brian Andres and Stan Ginn are the versatile Songo percussionists. Each is comfortable at the drum kit, timbales, congas, bongos, as well as other percussion instruments. New to the Bay Area, they played together for 3 years in Bailando Desnudo in the Ohio Tri-State area. Brian is also now playing with Dr. Loco's Rockin' Jalapeno Band, Danilo y Orq. Universal, and Cubanacan. Both Stan and Brian play in Guachi Guara. Newest edition Al Conde joins Songo on piano. Also a veteran of the San Francisco music scene, some of the bands Al has played with include Rendezvous, Harana, and Casual Elegance.

Group Members Carlos Palomares-GuitarEl Spider-VocalsBrian "Bacalao" Andres- Trap Drum, TimbalesStan Ginn- Congas, Bongos, other hand percusionMark Armenta-BassAl Conde-Keyboards

Instruments Guitar, Voice, Drums, Percusion, congas, bongos, timbales, bass, piano, keyboards

Albums Havana Soul

Location San Francisco, CA - USA

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