Jazz del Barrio
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Jazz del Barrio

Denver, Colorado, United States

Denver, Colorado, United States
Band Latin Funk

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"The Walnut Room to celebrate 2nd anniversary"

...This recently formed group is a welcome addition to the Denver music scene, but don't assume they play only jazz. Sunday their first tune was a cumbia like you've never heard before. Cumbia played "on the jazz" is a wholly different animal and one you'll want to know 'cause it swings. Picadillo, a salsa song, was similarly enhanced, reminding us of what it might sound like if Santana were to play this genre.
This is a jazz band that plays Lionel Richie and George Benson, as in Long White Light and Affirmation - a seamless musical assembly. Manuel Roybal has a midas touch on the electric guitar. (Vince) Vigil keeps them grounded, despite considerable lift, with rock solid bass. Keyboard player, Trent Hines, may be hard to hang onto, because a musician of his caliber is a hot item on the Denver scene. True congueros are supposed to be Cubano, but Puertorriqueno Nelson Soto smokes them skins. The drummer, Mark Aguilar, plays the kit like he was born with drumsticks in his hands.
Some songs they update and give the barrio touch. Marvin Gaye's What's Going On starts with "Mother, mother, mother..." This band sings it "Madre, madrecita..." with other changes as well. The group also pays tribute to Santana with Flor D'Luna and does it well. When Manuel plays guitar he stands almost motionless, his entire being focused on frets and fingers. Keep an eye out for your chance to see this great new band...
- Don Bain, La Voz Nueva, March 14, 2007


Discography

Jazz del Barrio has recorded a demo with two original songs. We have live recordings from performances available upon request, and a video of one of our songs with a guest vocalist. More original songs/recordings with new members coming soon.

Photos

Bio

Founded in early 2006, Jazz del Barrio has played numerous venues in and around Denver including City of Denver's Audio Picnic and Latino Rhythms, the Colorado Music Summit, Herman's Hideaway, The Walnut Room and the Chapultepec Too to name a few.

The band was started by Vince Vigil and Manuel Roybal, who played together in the group "Pasion" starting in 1999. From there they provided music for theatrical performances at El Centro Su Teatro, King Center at Auraria and Stories on Stage, working with Tony Garcia, Daniel Valdez, Dee Burlson, and Jose Mercado. With their increasing popularity, they decided to put together their own band with their own style of Latin jazz, funky jazz and original songs when Nelson Soto joined, a very experienced conguero originally from Puerto Rico.

Since Manuel left the band in 2008 to concentrate on acting, Vince, who has over 30 years experience, has taken control of the musical direction. Manuel has been replaced by James Hurtado who writes music and has an original project of his own. The band has since pumped up the high energy funk element while keeping the Latin and Jazz elements, creating a new Latin Funk/Jazz Funk dance music.

The group has played with various configurations by adding keyboards and various guest musicians. This band now works as a six to seven piece dance band with horns.