MamboNegro is a seven member musical group composed of bass, guitar, piano, congas, drums, timbales and vibraphone. The unique sound of the band derives from the integration of guitar and trap drums into the traditional latin-jazz ensemble.
The band's origins date back to 1997 although key members whose participation would strongly define the identity and sound of the band would join much later. The shared interest and respect for the music and the desire to work out original ideas while also interpreting some favorite standard and classic songs brought the band together. The music can be described as a blend of Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Funk, and other styles.
Much of the original material is written by guitarist Charles Alletto and the standards include "Maria Cervantes," "Nica's Dream," "Round Midnight," "My Favorite Things,"and a nice medley of "Oye Como Va / Soul Sauce" The music has a melodic, acoustical style without heavily processed or synthetic sounds and some have described it as a blend of classic and modern elements that run hot and cool. Many artists have influenced the sound including Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Machito, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Barretto, Wayne Shorter and Dave Valentin who has been a guest soloist with the band several times.
Each member of MamboNegro has been fortunate enough to have studied and performed music for many years and also to have worked with many talented artists. Past members and guest soloists have included the late bass maestro Victor Venegas; flute and sax master, Al Acosta; congero Frankie Reyes and bassist Richie Sanquintin (both currently with Wayne Gorbea & Salsa Picante); master percussionist, Tomas Lopez; and bass masters Harvie S and Ratzo Harris.
The sound of the band undoubtedly benefits from the fact that the members are friends who have enjoyed long standing personal and professional associations with each other.
MamboNegro's premier CD, "First Impressions," features all original material and is a good introduction to the group. The band has recently completed their second CD, Midnight Mosaic which features original versions of classic, standard and popular tunes as well as original material. "First Impressions" and "Midnight Mosaic" are available at cdbaby.com and also through many popular digital downloading sites.
MamboNegro has performed at the Panasonic Jazz Festival, Paniagua Tropical Music Festival, and the World Beat Music Series at Flushing Town Hall as well as other New York area venues such as Sweet Basil, Kavehaz, Cabana and Trumpets. The band has been featured on two television shows - "First Impressions" and "Latin -Jazz Alive and Kickin'" and can also be heard on the soundtrack of the HBO Latino Film Festival film "Tumba & Tumbao." Mambo Negro performed recently at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week presentation of designer Nicole Romano in New York City.
For Bookings Contact: Glen J. Lowe, 718 639 7089 or [email protected].