I'll be blunt: Latin rock doesn't get any better than La Ventana (http://www.laventaband.com). Originating from the arts waterfall and cultural explosion of San Francisco, La Ventana cruise to a Spanish-flavored mix of pop, rock, and soul.
On the surface level, they might remind some of Santana, whose influence can definitely be felt here, especially in the scorching guitar solo in "Te Estoy Buscando." However, La Ventana have their own colorful vision, one that is loaded with instruments! Every track here percolates with a big arena sound. Having an eight-member line-up can certainly boost a group's power, but nobody overshadows the other.
Somehow with everything going on La Ventana are able to stay focused, letting each musician push the beat forward instead of dragging it into another direction. On "Te Estoy Buscando," jumpy congas, soaring sax, and even a silky bed of keyboards never call attention to themselves; instead, they blend together flawlessly, raising the spirits with a spectacular party atmosphere. It'll leave you breathless, especially if you were dancing the whole time.
|
"Mira Mi Vida" introduces English lyrics to the mix, but whether or not the words are in Spanish or English it truly doesn't matter. These are songs that are felt through the pulse of its musicianship. Like "Te Estoy Buscando," "Mira Mi Vida" utterly booms, and the female back-up vocals give it an added sexiness.
"Un Dia En El Mar" has a slower groove, showcasing La Ventana's soulful side, while "Pledge Allegiance (Regresa Mi Amor)" touches on reggae. La Ventana will be opening up for Greg Rollie of Santana at the "Voices of Latin Rock" show on January 13th at the Fox Theater in Redwood City, CA, and I can see why. This record represents the state of art in Latin music.
|
