Bio Ritmo - 'La Verdad'

One of the year’s top Latin records, “La Verdad,” comes from Bio Ritmo, an eclectic 10-member ensemble based not in San Juan, Miami or Havana, but right up I-95 in Richmond. Celebrating 20 years, the band is reunited with co-founder/lead singer Rei Alvarez.

The group has successfully presented a progressive, alternative approach while adhering to Latino musical traditions. Its “post salsa” sound naturally incorporates Spanish lyrics, group chanting, a tight, blaring brass section and Afro-Cuban rhythms fueled by the group’s four percussionists.

But keyboardist Marlysse Simmons injects cutting-edge and hip retro sounds into the musical mix through use of not only piano but the plugged-in effects created by electronic keyboards and loops. Buoyed by razor-sharp horns, the sound also percolates with world music, modern rock, dance club beats and Afropop modes.

– Eric Feber, The Pilot

Download “La Verdad,” “Caravana del Vejigante”

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.