CAVA
CAVA
A new configuration of Latin powered Jazz tinged with Peruvian soul, weaving in and out of Cumbia, Salsa, Afro-Cuban Son Taiko and Ska beats. L.A. Times wrote: "CAVA, a bawdy, boisterous and blistering singer-songwriter…."
CAVA
a.k.a
Claudia Gonzalez
Claudia is a Los Angeles native, raised in East L.A. She became familiar with the streets of Whittier, Lorena, Olympic and Soto St. Her parents from Guadalajara, Jalisco, exposed her to the traditions of Mexico through music, art and family customs. Claudia is the third of four siblings, the middle of 3 girls. “My father was an aspiring singer/musician, who forced upon us his dreams and passions.” She was only 6 when she made her first appearance on the main stage singing 3-part harmony with her older brother and sister. They backed by a full traditional Mariachi and dressed in homemade costumes. “I guess we would become what my father could not. ”
The downtown Million Dollar Theatre marquee read, Gabrielito y sus Hermanitas Martha y Klaudia! (It would not be the last time her name would be misspelled). On the other side of the marquee they were billed along side of Los Tigeres del Norte and legendary comedian Resortes. They appeared regularly at the Theatre headlining with some of the biggest artist from Mexico. That was only the beginning.
At the age of 8 Claudia landed a part on a prime time network, sit-com. Norman Lear’s “A.K.A Pablo” starring Paul Rodriguez. Claudia, along with her siblings, continued to appear in commercials, movies, and plays. She graduated from the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, majoring in Dance and was accepted to the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in New York, 1992.
In 2000 she released an Independent album with the Los Angeles based Son group that she helped co-found and name, Domingosiete. With Claudia at the head of the band they opened for such acts like; Compay Segundo of the Buena Vista Social Club, Ozomatli, and Los Lobos. In 2004 Claudia broke from the band to pursue a more progressive, innovative sound. During the transition she toured with, Beastie Boys keyboardist, Money Mark taking her through all of the U.S, all of Australia and New Zealand. She is featured on Money Mark’s albums; “Demo or Demolition” and “Brand New By Tomorrow”, released 2007. She also collaborated and appeared with Money Mark on the film “Along Came Polly” starring Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston. In 2006 She was asked to join the Texas based artist Michael Ramos on tour with his band Charanga Cakewalk, opening for Lila Downs. Claudia joined Lila at the closing of every show pleasing the huge, sold out crowds.
Claudia has been featured in local L.A. Magazine “Tú Ciudad” as the next up and coming artist to look out for. She has independently released her new album titled “CAVA” introducing the new configuration of Latin powered Jazz with a tinge of Peruvian soul weaving in and out of Cumbia, Salsa, Afro-Cuban Son and Ska beats. Only 2 years into the project and the reviews tell it like it is. L.A. Times wrote in a week-end Calendar Music Review, “ ‘But then came CAVA, a bawdy, boisterous and blistering singer-songwriter….‘Cava takes the stage like a gang claims it’s home turf.’…. ‘It’s a shot in the arm for East L.A.’s moribund music scene.’ ”
Now performing under the name CAVA, Claudia is ready to be released out into the world under her name, her sound, and her rules.
Cava is a combination of sounds unique to a Mexican-American upbringing. The musical influences range from legendary artists such as, Celia Cruz, Chayito Valdez, Benny More to Nina Simone, John Coltrane and Billie Holiday. The young, musicians together create a jazzy blend of traditional son, cumbia, ska and salsa. The ensemble features Piano, electric-Keyboards, Bass, Trumpet, Drums, Timbales and Japanese Taiko drums! Her original compositions speak of the struggles of human emotions, our experiences and desires, the frustration and beauty of motherhood and life.
*To read L.A Times review got to www.calendarlive.com/printedition/calendar/cl-et-rubias21aug21,0,1106356.story
Latin: Son