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Compadres came about three years ago when a group of friends living in Bristol decided to get together and fuse their different musical tastes and influences to form a band that blends cultures and diversity. With musicians from Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and England, the band brings together latin music in general, salsa, Brazilian rhythms, reggae, funk, jazz, flamenco and also hip hop.
We are a live band and that is what people see every time we play. Our crowds may be quiet at the beginning of the gig but they cannot help tapping their feet. By the end of the performance everybody is on the dance floor enjoying the party!
We also have quiet songs and mellow moments, giving the audience a chance to relax, have a drink and enjoy the grooves, before we pick up the pace again.
Our songs are in Spanish, a beautiful language shared by millions of people around the world. They speak of the little things that touch our souls but also the big challenges that humans now face. Of course, we also sing of love and passion – after all we are Latin people!!
The name of the band came when we were deciding how to define what we stand for. More than anything this is a band that believes in the people that play in it. We think that everyone has the right to develop and share the music we play and at the same time thrive and learn from the others. Compadres means ‘mates’ and this is the leitmotif of the band. Throughout our journey together we have always trusted in the strength of the bonds we have established. So if you want to get up and dance to Rumba, Salsa and Brazilian rhythms mixed with a strong funk beat, “Compadres” will get you grooving Latin Style!
The people Raul Bass & Main Vocals Sean Guitar & Backing Vocals Ed Drums Raimundo Piano & Backing Vocals Sandra Backing vocals Raul plays bass and provides the main vocals in the band. Having performed in his home country of Uruguay, as well as in Spain and the UK, he plays a wide range of styles from Tango to Rock and Salsa to Funk. In the UK he has performed with Orquesta Montpelier, Mankala, Nick Roll and KeChevere . His own material is the platform from which Compadres is launching its work this year - a mix of salsa, Brazilian rhythms and ‘candombe’ - a Uruguaian groove that had its roots in Africa before travelling to this South American country. Sean was born in England. He lived in South America for over 20 years, and draws on this experience when playing a funk/latin style guitar. He has played in different bands in Chile and his knowledge in rock and latin music makes him the bridge between the two cultures. Ed is from Bristol and his love of latin percussion and rhythms make him the perfect drummer for the band. Musicians like Steve Gadd y El Negro Hernandez are always present in his rhythms. He has also played in several bands in Bristol. Raimundo joined the band after his arrival directly from Colombia. Within hours he became the latin backbone of the band. His piano “tumbados” give the band a strong latin flavour and having a background in latin music, jazz and classical he is able to provide all the energy that the formation needs. Sandra was born in Chile and brought up in the UK. Her eclectic influences, like the British culture, bring a mix of colours and spaces that when mixed together, give the songs the delicate touch of a unique and special voice that would be difficult to imitate. Our vibrant sound brings the latin spirit to every occasion and we look forward to hearing from you soon! Compadres Copyright © 2007 Compadres |
