The world rhythms of Los Amigos get crowds moving wherever they play and have given them a reputation for upbeat, energetic shows. The band draws influences from both the international sounds of artists like Manu Chao and Afro Cuban All Stars and the sing along style lyrics of Canadian rockers like Joel Plaskett and Sam Roberts. Singer/songwriter John Welsh got his musical inspiration while living in Guatemala where he was influenced by the lively rhythms and sounds of Latin America. He met band members Nate Larsen(drums) and Judy Kucysnka(sax) while jamming to Bob Marley tunes in Abbotsford, British Columbia. With Chris Welsh on bass, the band began gigging around the Vancouver area as the Welsh Brothers and developed a strong following based on their lively, danceable reggae/latin tunes. Their shows have featured special guests such as Miguelito Valdes(Afro Cuban All Stars) and Nigerian drummer Courage Eigbike. In 2006 the Welsh Brothers played New Music West and were selected by the North Vancouver Arts Council to play several showcases as well as the 2006 North Shore Folk Festival. In the same year the band opened for Tamara Nile at the Railway Club, and several times for recent Peak Performance finalists Familia. In August 2006, former Ben Harper collaborator Tom Freund joined the Welsh Brothers for a show in their hometown of Abbotsford BC, his first solo Canadian performance.
In 2007 Chris Welsh left the band and John embarked on a six month solo tour through Southern Europe, Australia and New Zealand. While in Melbourne, Welsh met one of his musical influences, Canadian rocker Joel Plaskett and gained new inspiration listening to the stories behind Plaskett's songs. Returning to BC with a fresh collection of new songs, Welsh recruited bassist Brian Holt and guitarist Gilles Morneault who brought a new energy and sound to the music. In 2008 the band(renamed John Welsh & Los Amigos) headlined the 2008 Abbotsford Berry Festival and opened for reggae rocker Daniel Wesley in front of 2000 fans at UFV Disorientation. In 2009 Los Amigos released their third album, a six song EP of new material which recieved praise in the UFV Cascade as well as airplay on CIVL radio. Paul Falardeau, music critic for the Cascade, writes "Their worldly sound makes these white kids from Abbotsford sound like a grizzled bunch of street performers, fresh off the corner of some foreign capital. My ears couldn't be happier." The band was recently selected by the Abbotsford Arts Council to play the Envision Concert Series showcase.
Los Amigos will be touring hard in the coming year so be sure to catch them at a venue near you.
For booking and band info contact [email protected]
