Formed in early 1999, Songo has steadily built its following since it's first gig on August 7, 1999 at Bimbo's 365 Club, in San Francisco. At each show, new fans have been signing up on the band¹s mailing list so that they can hear more of Songo¹s unique blend of Latin-Rock. After one year together, Songo entered the recording studio to work on the band¹s debut CD, ³Havana Soul², which was released on the Mo-Bana Records label in September 2000. Tracks from the CD have made it onto radio stations KCSM, KALX, KPFA, KZSU, KPOO, KSJS and KCSF.

Carlos Palomares began writing the music that would eventually become Songo in 1997. After about a year and a half of searching for a vocalist/lyricist to collaborate with, Carlos' patience paid off when he meet Hector "El Spider" Quintana, who's writing and vocal style fit with Carlos'. Both yearned to play original music that would draw from the vast musical influences and Carlos' Cuban and Hector's Mexican heritage. Hector and Carlos began collaborating right away and felt they were on to their own musical statement. As they put ideas on tape a new Latin-Rock sound began to emerge fusing elements of Latin, Rock, Soul and Jazz.

Prior to forming Songo, Carlos taught guitar and played in many bands over the years, most recently in the San Francisco 70's Disco/Funk tribute/parody band, Superbooty. Hector had a successful theater career including performing several parts with Beach Blanket Babylon in San Francisco from 1995-98.

An experienced group of musicians rounds out Songo. Mark Armenta, a versatile bass guitar player who splits his time between jazz, big band, blues, and salsa gigs, is a veteran of the San Francisco music scene. Some of the Latin bands he has played with include Orquesta Borinquen, Carlos Godinez, and Gary Flores Trio. Brian Andres and Stan Ginn are the versatile Songo percussionists. Each is comfortable on the drum kit, timbales, congas, bongos, as well as other percussion instruments. New to the Bay Area, they played together for 3 years in Bailando Desnudo in the Ohio Tri-State area. Brian also performs with Dr. Loco's Rockin' Jalapeno Band, Danilo y Orq. Universal and Cubanacan. Both Stan and Brian play in Guachi Guara. Newest edition Al Conde joins Songo on piano. Also a veteran of the San Francisco music scene, some of the bands Al has played with include Rendezvous, Harana, and Casual Elegance.