Harry Denton's Rouge: A Night of Sauza and Songo

A corner is the perfect spot for Harry Denton's Rouge-a place where you can sample musical entertainment and cocktails while experiencing the latest in lighting technology and elegant décor-because it is a true meeting place. It is a location where seemingly contradictory combinations succeed and where tested blends thrive. Walking through the entryway, your eyes are greeted by deep red walls that bounce and dance with crystal chandeliers and mirrored support beams. And, the openness of the floor plan leaves you as close to the bar and dance floor as you are to a comfortable booth. In fact, the goal of the staff is to achieve flexibility and comfort and that goal has been met. In its short one-year existence, Harry Denton's Rouge has made a habit of bringing people and style together on the corner of Polk Street and Broadway, and on October 25 it did so through a combination of Latin rhythm and flavor.

The Sauza family has been making tequila for 130 years and in an effort to create what it describes on its Web site as "a full Latin experience combining music, food and tequila tasting" it has hit the road with Sauza "After Hours" Parties. For tequila lovers, the star of these events is the Tres Generaciones collection of fine tequilas offered in both the Anejo and Plata versions. You can sip these testaments to the art of tequila making in souvenir shot glasses or in specialty mixed drinks like the Tres Cosmo. However, the event would not be a Sauza party at Harry Denton's Rouge without music, and for this all-important ingredient, Sauza enlisted the help of San Francisco's own Latin, Jazz and Funk outfit Songo.

Songo has been stirring up the Latin-Rock scene in the Bay Area ever since its first performance in 1999 and enhanced the Sauza party with an hour of skillfully blended vocals, rhythms and beats. Behind the tested vocals of Hector "El Spider" Quintana, veteran guitarist Carlos Palomares, and a host of other talented musicians that includes Mark Armenta on bass, and Brian Andres and Stan Ginn percussion, the group moved through a number of tracks off its album Havana Soul and a medley of tunes traversing Santana, Prince and the Eurythmics. During the upbeat songs "Never Seen," "Con Quien," and "Walking on Water" the dance floor was full of Salsa-inspired couples taking advantage of the atmosphere. Performances of "Revelations" and "Strange Clouds" allowed the crowd to settle into the Latin groove, embrace the full body of the tequila, and hopefully grab a passing tray of hors d' oeuvres.

Harry Denton's Rouge, Sauza and Songo were the perfect blend; a combination of proven nightclub experience, award-winning tequila and the future of Latin-Rock. Sauza "After Hours" Parties and Songo are poised to take on the rest of the country, but as has been the case for some time now, you can taste, hear and do it all right here in San Francisco.

Songo' release "Havana Soul" (Mo-Bana for "Motown in Havana") is a fusing of Motown's classic soul with Cuban rhythms. This band is making an impact on the Latin soul scene with tracks "Revelations", "Strange Clouds" and "Con Quien", Highlighted by bandleader Carlos Palomares' guitar style and Hector "El Spider" Quintana's vocals.

Right away, El Spider's voice knocked me off my seat. That's the singer's name. El Spider. Just bear with me. He fronts the San Francisco Latin rock/funk band Songo with a powerful, strong, sexy voice. Then the music reaches out of the speakers and just seizes you.

This band sounds like a street party. If you¹re into Santana or any kind of Latin rhythm, you will love this. "Never Seen," in particular, sounds like a musical celebration of life and music, despite the gritty lyrics about how rough life can be. There's something about this music that gets into your bloodstream and makes you want to move.

My favorite track is "Con Quién," which is sung in a mix of Spanish and English and is pure musical heat. The singer demands to know who has taken his place in his woman's life, and my windows started steaming up. Later, the outstanding percussion on "In The City" almost made my smoke alarm go off. The percussionist (it's either Brian Andres or Stan Ginn) just bangs away on anything he can get his hands on. If these guys ever come over to your house, lock away the breakable stuff.

Another favorite of mine, "Walking on Water," features some great backing vocals by guest artist Kathleen Myers. She sings with spirit and soul, which matches the song¹s theme of trying to find one¹s spiritual path. I love these lyrics:

"I took a crosstown bus to see my shaman. He told me he saw a snake, a rat, and a lion¹s den. He said 'you've got the choice, listen to your inner voice,' so I turned it up to ten, all I got was static. Then a little whisper turned into a loud yell, things I haven't heard in years, like 'Pick up this damn mess,' 'This is our little secret,' and 'Only you can prevent forest fires.' What did all that crap mean anyway?"

These songs belong on the radio. Through the slower, jazzier numbers like "Tu Sabor" and the cool, suave, sophisticated sound of "Strange Clouds," we get grooving guitar work and a growl in the vocals.

And what a growl. Damn, that boy can sing.