Picoso
Seattle, Washington, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"The urban Latin flavor in Seattle is championed by Picoso... [they] are not afraid to stretch beyond what is comfortably known as Latin or world music. The vibe is urban and very street, without losing the relationship to the ancestor sound." -- Darek Mazzone, host of 90.3 KEXP's "Wo' Pop", for Seattle Sound Magazine, March 2006. - Seattle Sound Magazine
...(Picoso) brings more energy to its live shows than most of Seattle's indie bands combined. While its sound is rooted in tradional Cuban and Caribbean melodies, Picoso often infuses street funk and jazz flourishes into the groove. Look for Picoso to live up to its name (Picoso is Spanish for "hot to taste)... - Seattle Magazine
The Picoso song "Papa Jardinero" Was chosen to appear on this compilation of the hottest unsigned latin groups from around the world. - Tune Tank
Discography
In 2010 Picoso has stepped up their game yet again, in Mas Picao, their third release. A fine example of live Latin crossover, the album smoothly shifts between a classic salsa vibe reminiscent of the golden era of the 70s (think Fania) into a more modern yet organic take on cumbia, a refreshing live perspective on reggaeton that hints of bomba, and then takes it back to the roots of son and even a little rumba guaguanco to bring it home. Mas Picao is a party from start to finish, and Picoso has done a fine job bringing the fiesta that is their live show into the studio. With 9 original tracks, it is a pleasure to see this fiery young band continue to mature and to bring both innovation and tradition to the genre.
In 2007 Picoso released Vamonos Pal Mole. The CD receives consistent airplay on many radio stations all over the west coast.
Photos
Bio
With one foot in the Son Montuno of Eastern Cuba and one foot in the fertile Jazz-Groove scene of Seattle, Picoso satisfies the demanding music aficionado, gives the groove-junky his rhythm fix and keeps the people dancing all at the same time. Says Seattle world music guru Darek Mazzone:
“The urban Latin flavor in Seattle is championed by Picoso… [they] are not afraid to stretch beyond what is comfortably known as Latin or world music. The vibe is very urban and very street, without losing the relationship to the ancestor sound.”
By fusing the rhythms of Cuba and Puerto Rico with the unique musical personalities of it’s band members, Picoso writes a few new lines in the ongoing story of Afro-Cuban music. Come prepared to dance.
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