A BITE FROM THE APPLE New York
Vicki Sola Latin Beat Magazine – Oct.2007 Vol.17 #8
New York Latin Rock group Seguida is back on the scene after 30 years with its
new CD Seguida III and its own specialized mix of funk, hip hop, rock,
R & B, salsa and jazz. The original group, composed of young, South Bronx-bred 2nd
Generation Puerto Ricans was hailed by The Village Voice as “ The Son’s of Santana”, after
The debut of their 1974 album , Love Is… Seguida. During that era, the music of artist
Like Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Larry Harlow, James Brown, Cream, The
Beatles came pouring out of apartments all over the South Bronx and beyond.
Santana, popular on the west coast, exploded on to the scene with its smash version of
Tito Puente’s Oye Como Va, inspiring a whole generation, including Angel Nater,
Who formed Latin Soul Inc. and the creators of Devoshun, Louie Perez, Carlos go-go
Gomez and Steve Adorno. Booth bands played the AM radio hits of the era,intergrating
Latin funk standards, an unusual approach. Rock Bassist ans arranger Randy Ortiz,
Searching for musicians who could actualize his concept of synthesizing the electric
Qualities of rock with a sizzling Latin rhythm section, found himself highly impressed
By Latin Soul inc. and Devoshun. Ortiz took things a step further, adding dual trumpet
And brass sections, reminiscent of the cojunto style. Seguida was born.Ortiz, Nater,
Perez and Adorno had created a new sound. A New York hybird of Rock and Salsa.
Seguida opened for many Latin Stars and subsequently signedc with Fania Records.
They received an invitation to open for that now infamous Fania All Star Concert at
Yankee Stadium, the one that ended when crowds rushed the field.
Seguida’s Yo Nunca Te Olvidare , is considered to be a watershed number,
With its salsa format that features English-language lyrics and then soneros that sing
In Spanish during the montuno and solo sections. The song received international
Airplay and acclaim, and is credited with paving the way for contemporary salsa
Crossover music. Now, in 2007,Seguida’s current bandleader/ producer Steve Adorno
Says, “ we’re still making Latin Alternative Music and thrilled to be releasing our new CD!
Hasta la proxima!
Vicki
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Seguida III carries forward the legacy of this pioneering Latin fusion band, remaining consistent with Seguida’s vision and yet pushing the music forward. The difference with the early Seguida albums is in the much more polished production of III. “We were kids then,” explains Randy Ortiz. Although the sometimes ragged productions of the early albums held an appeal to rock listeners, Adorno wanted a more sophisticated but still earthy sound. “I worked with recording engineer Jay Henry to create a great sound and to give audiophiles a bang for their buck,” explains Steve Adorno. “We worked on the mixing for three months.” The result is a well-crafted, tightly melded orchestration of sounds and moods.
Seguida III is a strong return to form of a band that has been absent too long and under recognized for its achievement. That may change however when Seguida will be featured on a PBS film documentary based on Jim McCarthy and Ron Sansoe’s wonderful book, "Voices of Latin Rock". While we await forthcoming gigs, we can sit content with Seguida III, a solid achievement, marking the exciting rebirth and continuation of the Seguida legacy.
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The music, the lyrics, voices of all the performers are absolutely outstanding. Have not stopped listening to this CD since it was purchased. Hands down the best CD I have purchased in a very long time!
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