Straight No Chaser / Latest Releases / Vamos Conversar by Quetzal Guerrero
Vamos Conversar
Quetzal Guerrero
Release
date: 2-6-07
Label: Yoruba Records
An actor, dancer, violin virtuoso, and vocalist, Quetzal Guerrero brings one of the most unique musical blends we’ve ever seen. His concoction of hip-hop and latin jazz, as well as his pop sensibilities have made him something special since he began his classical music training at age four. Having already jammed with the likes of Tito Puente, Jorge Santana, and Lalo Guerrero, as well as opening up for latin pop superstars such as Los Barrio Boys, Los Ilegales, Fey and Christian Castro, Quetzal Guerrero is definitely one of the artists to look out for in 2007. Quetzal brings his first official offering to Yoruba Records with his “Vamos Conversar” EP which shows his capabilities as a both vocalist and instrumentalist.
His pop sensibilities are in full swing with the opening track “Where Are You”. This guitar driven song, with its synthed out bass serves a very cool vibe as Quetzal sings about wondering where his soul mate is.
“Caballo” is a pure Latin jazz workout. This luscious instrumental sees some merengue-influenced rhythms, along with Quetzal’s heavenly violin playing serves as proof as why he is the violin virtuoso that he is. Some nice flute work, some melodic acoustic guitars, and some subtle Rhoades work accompany the rhythm section perfectly.
Quetzal then enters to more if his Brazilian influences with “Rumba a Yemoja”. In the same carnival spirit as “Raimunda”, this heavy percussion song brings a very celebratory mood and spirit accompanied by some nice warm, latin-esque keys and guitar playing. Quetzal here chants about the dance and celebration as we march to Yemoja, the female Orisha of the Yoruba Pantheon of Dieties. Yemoja, the owner of all marine flora and fauna, is essentiall life, because without water, there is no life. So this is Quetzal’s call for everyone to live again.
The EP concludes with “Vamos Conversar” which is an intimate conversation with Quetzal and another woman. This brings out more pop sensibilities from Quetzal over a smooth R&B/ Latin-tinged groove.
Quetzal’s first offering for Yoruba is a memorable which will only have you asking for much more. Expect big things from this man in 2007
