***Recorded in 2006 and never officially released, this EP was engineered by the legendary JON FAUSTY of Fania Records and includes three original salsa classics: "Madrugador," "Orgullo," and "Tu No Sabes." This limited edition 10-inch also features bonus track "Bionic Boogaloo"— another classic BIO RITMO rework, this time featuring Oliver Nelson's theme for The Six Million Dollar Man 70's television series. The captivating cover art is by singer/ composer REI ALAVAREZ who meshes his two favorite folk cultures together in one: the Samurai Vejigante. Full-color jacket wrapped with Japanese-style obi strip that ties the whole package together under shrinkwrap. All killer and no filler from Bio Ritmo—easily one of the hardest, heaviest leaders on the current worldwide 'salsa dura' scene!
10" $21.95
12/09/2022
***Bio Ritmo is recognized around the world as one of the most intriguing and influential indie “salsa dura” orchestras of the last three decades. Their music is rooted in Afro-Caribbean rhythms mixed with retro big-band jazz, a little funk, and all things 1970s. The 10-piece powerhouse began in 1991 as an experimental percussion ensemble that grew out of the diverse local music scene of Richmond, VA, which also gave birth to GWAR, Honor Role, Sparklehorse, and Lamb of God, among many others. To commemorate the group’s 30-year anniversary, Merge and Electric Cowbell Records are reissuing Bio Ritmo’s 7-inch single “Piragüero” b/w “Asia Minor,” originally released on Merge in 1996. A-side “Piragüero” is an original track that features the soaring, soulful vocals of Rei Alvarez. The flipside is a mambo classic from the ’50s popularized by the great Cuban bandleader Machito, whom Bio Ritmo regarded as a major influence in its conception. This record is a snapshot of the raw essence of Bio Ritmo in its early years that laid the foundation for the band’s evolution and endurance.
7" $8.05
06/03/2022