How much does anyone really know about music if they don't speak the language of the musician that plays it? In listening to a Spanish speaking band I am privileged to know a good friend that I can go and visit who is fluent in the language and also a great player with a wide and professional back ground in music. When I need to know anything about any genre or form of music, I don't hesitate to ask him what his thoughts are.

There has been an incredible influx of Spanish speaking immigrants to this country over the last several decades and the proliferation of great Latin music continues unabated. The dance halls are still incredibly popular in the Latin community and I see the crowds standing outside the speakeasy during smoke breaks dressed to kill and looking for some action; the squeeze box, fiddles, guitars blazing down Lake Street on a hot July evening as the orange sun lurks just above the horizon.

"Latin music includes the music of all countries in Latin America and generally features elements of European, African and indigenous music fused." An emphasis on rhythm and the concept of syncopation are essential elements to the Latin music sound. The dances include such forms as the cumbia, samba, rumba, meringue, salsa, etc. The sound often includes plenty of acoustic guitar, horns, and lots of rhythmic percussion instruments with an emphasis on a particular vocal sound.

Llena la alma is hot, southwestern dance music and the members of this band are fueled by the Tabasco and tostada romance of traditional Latin rhythms. Nosotros(us) is busy establishing a niche for themselves in their genre. It is an original Southwestern sound that includes jazz, rock, some traditional Spanish sounds and is rich in the culture of our southern brothers.

The members of the band are David Diaz(Lead vocals, Flute, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax), Shane Derk(Electric Guitar, Nylon String Guitar, Steel String Guitar on Entrada/Salida), Randy Sanchez(Tres, Nylon String Guitar), Justin McLauchlin(Bass, Vocals), Dennis Jasso( Drums, Vocals, Steel String Guitar on Eres Tu' Quien Escojo), and Chris Trujillo(Timbales, Congas, Percussion).

The song Entrada(entreaty), a genuine southwestern sound with an infectious beat starts out the CD and it features some beautiful Spanish acoustic steel string guitar work. We are invited immediately to dance by the sound of tight professional harmony vocals.

Hermosa which translates "beautiful girl" is a salsa inspired dance tune; a "pan-Latin" genre born in New York in the 1970's in the Cuban and Puerto Rican communities and it includes a very soulful tenor sax intro and solo. The song features a blistering Santana-esque electric guitar solo bordering on jazz rock playing.

The song Mama Tierra(mother earth) is something of a departure from the usual romantic love ballad that comprises most of the material dance bands play as there is indeed a message here. It starts low and easy with a saxophone collage intro that reminds me a little of an avant garde jazz sound The rhythm section, drums and bass, is superb and on-time, not just here, but throughout the entire work. It's the same for the percussion work of Chris Trujillo and if this song doesn't get you to dance, you're dead.

No me digas(don't give me) the fellas drag out the horns for a song that reminds the listener familiar with such things of the sound of Deodato. Another fine electric guitar solo and it is indeed jazz rock guitar. For an old guitar player like myself this is pleasant listening to me. I like the sound here a lot.

Voltee la taza(swirl the cup, spin the bottle) gives us a glimpse of the Brazilian beach jungle samba and a pair of traditional flutes and a solo flute played well. I can see the straw hats. Again a strong nylon Spanish guitar with an interesting twist on the sound with the addition of a soprano sax solo.

Siempre siguimes(always we follow) contains a very hot techno latin intro and has a salsa feel to it. I love the sentiment of this song. In Spanish the lyric is: "Tienes que saber, De donde vienes, Asi puedes entender, Para donde vas." Translated to English it says: "You have to know Where you came from, That way you understand, Where you're going." Oh, really!

I guess music really is the universal language after all, cuz' I thinks I hears these cats loud and clear. I don't think there's any confusion about what these gentlemen are saying so roll back the rug, kick off your shoes, put the Llena la alma CD in the player because there's no way you're gonna get away from here without dancing.

Contact Nosotros - nosotros@nosotrosmusic.net