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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 bandŐs mailing list so
that they can hear more of SongoŐs unique blend of Latin-Rock.
After one year together, Songo entered the recording studio
to work on the bandŐs debut CD, ŇHavana SoulÓ, 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.
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