Afrocubists

The Afrocubists provide an urbane, sophisticated dance music that combines the rhythmic complexity of Afro-Cuban music with club beats and progressive harmony. Inspired by such diverse musicians as Orishas, Santana, Chick Corea, and even Chopin, every track on their soon-to-be-released debut CD offers a different flavor from their tonal palette.
The Afrocubists' principal songwriter and keyboardist Andrew Goodloe self-consciously attempts to produce “brain food for the soul”, with accessible melodic hooks complemented by unusual twists and turns in many of the songs. He's not afraid to throw straight-up dance tunes into the mix, however, and his main collaborator and drummer/producer/DJ Neil Chastain knows both sides of the fence. Having met in local Cleveland salsa and Latin groups like Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project, both are familiar with both popular and folkloric Latin music. Neil's hard-driving drum sequences, dance music production skills and authentic acoustic percussion flavor give the band the sort of edge that has gained interest everywhere they are heard.
It's not just about the salsa, though. The group is cherry-picked from some of Cleveland's finest ensembles; not only do all the members of the band work full-time as freelance musicians, but they represent everything from the world of Nighttown jazz to the Lakewood metal scene. Their varied styles and knowledge always serve the groove, and they never fail to get their listeners out on the dance floor. The Afrocubists is considered on the vanguard by those that know in markets like New York, Miami, and San Juan; they are a unique up-and-coming force in Cleveland. This is the band to hear in 2006.
Composer, arranger and keyboardist Andrew Goodloe is well versed in salsa, jazz, funk, and classical music. In the Afrocubists he throws traditional Cuban-styled piano playing alongside wild, effect-distorted acid funk and noise. He graduated from Oberlin Conservatory and works in numerous award-winning Cleveland bands like Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project. He also plays jazz weekly at Nighttown, and is the house jazz pianist at Pickwick and Frolic's.
2005 Cleveland Free Times Drummer of the Year Neil Chastain is known for his eclectic range of musical endeavors. He co-directs SAFMOD, an experimental performance company fusing dance and music, and is a founding member of Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project. He also creates electronic music as Pureplex and can be heard DJing around town frequently. Cited as one of the 30 most interesting Clevelanders by Cleveland magazine, he's as much a fixture in the club scene as he is on the Latin circuit.
Rounding out the quintet are Keegan Wood, Joe Miller, and Ed Stephens. Wood, recently back from studying Latin music in Puerto Rico, can be heard with Sammy DeLeon y su Orquestra and in other productions ranging from symphonic work to funk/ska. Joe Miller, a local legend on trumpet, has played in countless musical theater productions in Playhouse Square, as well as with the Grammy-nominated band Liquid Soul. 2006 Free Times bassist of the year Ed Stephens' multifaceted and versatile playing has landed him in some of Cleveland's most sought-after bands. Equally at home in funk, jazz, salsa, and rock/metal, Ed is involved in Abdullah, winner in the 2006 Free Times Best Metal Band category, Roberto Ocasio's Latin Jazz Project, and many other local acts. Ray Cintron studied percussion in New York City with the likes of Charlie Palmieri, and was offered a spot in Joe Cuba's band. He now freelances in Cleveland.