Gato + Palenke Music Co.

Gato & The Palenke Music Company's rhythms were nurtured in the Caribbean and matured in different lands across the Americas. Gato & The Palenke Music Company is an ensemble of cultures with a common interest in both the folkloric aspect of our music and a sense of innovation in the instrumentation and musical selections.

The character of the band is an energetic yet cultured display of their heritage. Musical rhythms include: Afro-Peruvian, Cumbia, Festejo, Son, Son Montuno, Cha Cha Cha, Salsa, Merengue, Descarga, Bolero, Guajira, Guaguanco, Guaracha and other latin rhythms.


- Smithsonian Jazz Cafe

Gato + The Palenke Music Company has a very refreshing and original sound that incorporates so many styles within the Latin music genre. First and foremost, the songwriting is very good. All of the songs are very catchy and memorable. The musicianship is way above average. The production and the quality of the recordings are excellent. I can only imagine how amazing this project must be “live”, as it sounds very much like a “live” band as opposed to studio project because of the wonderful organic sound, live performance sound and instrumentation. This band also has intelligent and humane lyrics that very much reflect real life, which is an important but often rare quality! The closest well-known band I can compare this band to is OZOMATLI. Gato + The Palenke Music Company has immense potential to make their mark in the Latin music market and with music fans beyond only the Spanish speaking.
- LATIN MUSIC ARTISTS

1. EL INCENDIO
The percussion in this song is outrageous. Musically it is so rhythmic all around that it makes it inevitable to captivate the listener. I really enjoy the vocal melody and vocal harmonies and they come in and out of the song just enough to keep it from being too instrumental. The musicianship in general is incredible as are the arrangements, production and the quality of sound/ the mix.


2. EL CUCUPA
This track has a bit more of a Merengue type feel although it is not even close to being traditional. It has a very original sound that would appeal to an older crowd as well as a more modern, unconventional music fan. Again, the playing / performance is way above average, as is the production and quality of the recording.


3. LA MENTIRA Y LA VANIDAD
This song has that smooth, sexy mid-tempo quality that is destined to win people over – whether they speak Spanish or not! There is more of a “song structure” in this song, which works very well, giving it a little more commercial potential.


4. LA OLLA ROTA
The thing that stands out beautifully in this track is the lyrics. The economic struggles in life that are being sung about in this song are something with which the general public can very much relate and identify. Musically, this is another wonderful sounding song.


5. ECHA PARA ALLA
Beautiful guitar work on this song. There are moments where the lead vocal has similar qualities to Jose Feliciano. The electric guitar that comes in later in the song has a great kind of 1970’s sound because of the octave sound. The acoustic guitar all over this song is amazing. This is a beautiful song…



6. EL COMEJEN
I like this song as it has fewer instruments and relies more on percussion and vocals giving it a more Tribal feel! This gives the person that purchased the CD a little break musically and can appreciate the beat and vocals.


7. LA SITUACION
Nice acoustic guitar on this song… This is a love song and done in a very fun way! Very smart lyrics – wow! Again the percussion and all instrumentation are incredible.


8. OIGA SENOR PRESIDENTE
This has a little bit of a similar sound as Carlos Vives. Very nicely done musically. Lyrically, it’s like a political love song – a very charming and wonderful track!



9. LATINO BLUES
LATINO BLUES has the more Santana feel with a Bluesy overtone. All of this combines with the intense Latin percussion, the vocals and the subject matter makes this a very original track!



10. SOL EN G
The rythym in this track has that 6/8 African feel which is different and adds another nice dimension to this CD. It is a fantastic song and production in every aspect.



11. SANGRE DE EMIGRANTE
Nice, mysterious intro on this one…Speaking about some “Real” issues on the perspective of “The Immigrant”, which is such an important topic. Important so others can see / understand their side of the story. Very nice song!



12. HONEY (ACOUSTIC)
HONEY (Acoustic) has very minimal drums, which gives a different twist to this record. The fact that it is in English is a fantastic angle to attract a more diverse crowd. A very “Acoustic” sound yet still sounds very complete!



13. HONEY
This has an obvious Reggae feel, which adds a nice touch of variation to the CD. The guitar is very reminiscent to Santana, which will appeal to the more commercial listener. Again, the fact that it is in English is a fantastic angle to attract a more diverse crowd.

- LATIN MUSIC ARTISTS