Album Reviews

Street Signs | Ozomatli

By Nirav ⋅ September 17, 2008 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

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Using over three languages to compose their verses and stanzas, Ozomatli sounds like an international band and rap group. But they are actually from our good ol’ state of California. The 10-piece band, composed of multi ethnic members, use their family cultures and languages to compose their music. Ozomatli to me is the best collaboration of rock, hip hop, jazz, funk, and salsa that I’ve ever heard in my life. And I’m generally not a fan when an artist even tries to mix 2 genres. If only latin influenced music sounded more like Ozomatli instead of reggaeton, how different would the world be?!?

Throughout the history of the band, they have always produced feel good music. Something up beat, something you can move to, and something with some deeper consciousness to it. If you enjoy the genre of hip hop but you can’t see yourself listening to the “harder” stuff (perhaps Nas or Immortal Technique) , then this is the type of music that helps to bridge the gap. And for those of you who are afraid to dance (umm… Dan), then this music can atleast get you swaying back and forth without so many drinks.

Here’s a great quote from a 2007 NPR interview with the band:

You drive down Sunset Boulevard and turn off your stereo and roll down your windows and all the music that comes out of each and every different car, whether it’s salsa, cumbia, merengue, or Hip Hop, funk or whatever, it’s that crazy blend that’s going on between that cacophony of sound is Ozomatli, y’know?

So what does a 10-piece band actually comprise of and how do they manage to put all that sound together so cohesively?  Well I can help answer the first question, but the second is beyond my mind. I see bands having a hard time coming together with just 3 instruments. 10 seems to be overkill in terms of number, but the sound that Ozomatli produced proves it is required to form their musical content. The instruments they use and are not limited to include: marimbula, guitar, percussion, trumpet, saxophone, tabla or cajon, drums, trombone, turntables, and of course vocals. 

Interesting fact: A founding member of the band was Chali 2na (pronounced Charlie Tuna) from Jurassic 5. He still participates in the group, but is not a full fledged member. You can catch him on the first track above.

Tags: funk, hip hop, jazz, rock, salsa