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Cat. No.: 312 3052 |
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Ozomatli's website OZOMATLI ARE: Ulises Bella, Tenor Sax, Clarinet, Vocals Los Angeles band Ozomatli always brings an artful touch to its mix of funk, rock, hip-hop, traditional Latin forms, Asian instrumentation and more. But the group's latest disc, "Don't Mess With the Dragon", was born out of a unique scenario - the art came before the music. With multiple laurels under their belts - including two Grammy awards, a Latin Grammy (and multiple nominations), two Billboard Latin awards and an Alma award, countless film, TV, commercial and game placements, and national tours with the likes of Santana, the Dave Matthews Band, Los Lonely Boys, Lenny Kravitz and many others - the band ventured into new terrain: a community art space in the heart of their hometown. "We did an art installation at Tropico de Nopal, a gallery near Macarthur Park in L.A.," recalls bassist-vocalist Wil-Dog Abers. "We stayed there for two weeks, writing; each member had a corner of the room, which we decorated ourselves. Visitors came in and each of us got a chance to show how we create music, individually and collectively. That environment gave birth to these songs. I think we created our most cohesive album yet." "Dragon" reflects the creative explosion begun in the art installation and carried to fruition in the studio with producer KC Porter. The band rocks the dance floor with pulsing reggaeton jams like "Here We Go" and "Creo," as well as the funky hip-hop of "Magnolia Soul" (a celebration of New Orleans spirit in the wake of Katrina) and the title track's Chinatown-meets-the-Dirty-South vibe. But the expansive disc also features the moving Spanish-language ballad "Violeta" (about the mortal thoughts of a soldier in Iraq), the driving, '80s-inflected rock-ska of "When I Close My Eyes" and much more. TOUR 6/4/07 - The Metro - Sydney |
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