EL COMBO BATANGA - Spanish Dogs - LP - Vinyl [JAN 23]

LP - Limited Edition Black Vinyl. First release since 3 x 7-inch singles with Lovemonk label in 2022. 

El Combo Batanga is a musical explosion at the intersection of Afro-Cuban rhythms and Latin funk. A group of powerful musicians who blend son, timba, Latin soul, and bogaloo for people to enjoy.

The band’s journey began in Havana, where vocalist Ale Gutiérrez originated before relocating to Madrid in the late 1990s. He was part of Habana Abierta, a pioneer of new Cuban music in Europe. In Madrid, several prominent musicians gathered at La Negra Tomasa for weekly jam sessions, which ultimately led to the formation of Los Chocolatinos. After hearing Los Chocolatinos, Ale Gutiérrez joined the group, which included Yago Salorio (double bass), Julián Olivares (guitar), Rodrigo "El Niño" (drums and pailas), and Pepe Prat (congas). This collaboration became the foundation for El Combo Batanga, connecting Cuban musicians in Madrid.

In 2018, Rodrigo "El Niño" assembled a band to support Joe Bataan on tour, bringing in additional musicians for a rich brass section and keyboard. Their combined talent resulted in a powerful live performance, catching the attention of record label Tucxone. Their first work, Who Cares, has become part of the Lovemonk Discos Buenos catalog.

Three new 7 "s will be released this year. The band has finally started playing gigs, starting at Transmusicales Rennes: an unstoppable train delivering groove and flavour.

Tracklist: 

A1. Batanga Caballero
A2. Spanish Dog
A3. Cocacho Mambo
A4. La Cuota
A5. Darling

B1. You Better Watch Out
B2. Galeno
B3. Straighten Up and Fly Right
B4. Esto Es Lo Que Hay
B5. Bruca Maniguá