Music
Press
El Taxista is a 15-minute film that is one of many entries for your viewing pleasure at this year's Cinesol Film Festival. The film begins with a pair of long legs in high-heeled boots and then we meet our first character, Norma, who enters a taxi driven by Ricardo. A few tears and a sad story later Ricardo becomes involved with Norma's life in more ways than he can imagine, and the taxi is running the meter along the way. The film is entirely in black and white but the actors use the shadows in an effective way like a Rembrandt painting; what is important is what is highlighted. The acting is not bad, even though Ricardo is sometimes a bit like Freddie Rodriguez. The story is a tad predictable with the obligatory sex scene but it is not boring. In fact, the film's 15 minutes may be best for the story and setting, but more films based on the adventures of el taxista may be a promising indie series. On an interesting note this is the first film made by McAllen native Luis Robledo who also stars as el taxista Ricardo. When I say he made this film I am not exaggerating, Robledo was also the director/editor/writer/executive producer/production designer and sound editor. It is the little facts like this that make an indie film more desirable.While this is not a trail blazing indie film it has the makings of a cult film. All I can say is not bad for a first attempt. --- Jasel Cantu
- The Monitor Newpaper-McAllen, Texas
El Taxista is a 15-minute film that is one of many entries for your viewing pleasure at this year's Cinesol Film Festival. The film begins with a pair of long legs in high-heeled boots and then we meet our first character, Norma, who enters a taxi driven by Ricardo. A few tears and a sad story later Ricardo becomes involved with Norma's life in more ways than he can imagine, and the taxi is running the meter along the way. The film is entirely in black and white but the actors use the shadows in an effective way like a Rembrandt painting; what is important is what is highlighted. The acting is not bad, even though Ricardo is sometimes a bit like Freddie Rodriguez. The story is a tad predictable with the obligatory sex scene but it is not boring. In fact, the film's 15 minutes may be best for the story and setting, but more films based on the adventures of el taxista may be a promising indie series. On an interesting note this is the first film made by McAllen native Luis Robledo who also stars as el taxista Ricardo. When I say he made this film I am not exaggerating, Robledo was also the director/editor/writer/executive producer/production designer and sound editor. It is the little facts like this that make an indie film more desirable.While this is not a trail blazing indie film it has the makings of a cult film. All I can say is not bad for a first attempt. --- Jasel Cantu
- The Monitor Newpaper-McAllen, Texas
Discography
Black Widow (currently playing in the film "El Taxista" at film festivals)
Song for Lenora (slated to be in the film "The Whistler" this fall)
Breaking Free
Sunday
Breathe In
Photos
Bio
BAND COMPRISED OF FILMMAKERS WINS TOP AWARDS AT FILM FESTVIAL
Sorry, Nelson walks away from INDIE FEST USA 2008 with Best Band and Best Short Film awards.
Anaheim, CA-August 15, 2008-“-“I’d always thought my music days were over,” said Luis Robledo, bassist for lyrically based band, Sorry, Nelson. Far from being over, it seems that the music is just beginning for these friends who decided to form a band after being offered several gigs at an open mic night.
Over the crackling fire and with a mic hooked up to a laptop, these four friends started writing music as a way to expand their creative capacity beyond that of filmmakers. With a few songs developed, they decided to try a local open mic night at El Cid in Silverlake and proved to those watching that their unique sound was worth promoting. They were offered continuous gigs at El Cid, 14 Below, Tangiers, and Universal Bar and Grill as well as an opportunity with online record label, myrecordlabel.net.
With the belief to “live the dream,” these working actors; who now count themselves as award winning filmmakers after their short film took Best Short Film honors at INDIE FEST USA 2008, utilize all of their talents to the best of their ability. Taking several steps beyond the usual triple threats, it is not uncommon to see them on a film set as actors, directors, producers, assistants and voice-over artists.
While most bands mull over lyrics and each song for months at a time, the members of Sorry, Nelson have found the formula that separates them from all others. The boys; comprised of Jeff Hohimer on guitar, Luis Robledo on bass, and Geoffrey Rhue on percussion, play a series of progressions and chords while singer/songwriter, Marisilda Garcia develops the melody and lyrics on the spot. This formula has enabled the band to write over 60 songs in less than 6 months.
Their eclectic use of musical genres allows them to accommodate a wide variety of listeners. From jazz and salsa to Texas folk songs and ballads, it is easy to see why Sorry, Nelson appeals to both the Spanish and English speaking markets. So few bands bring the fresh quality of sound and dynamic storytelling through music quite like Sorry, Nelson.
Their win at INDIE FEST USA 2008 marked their first entry into a contest as well as their first win. They closed out the film festival events by being offered and encore performance at the coveted House of Blues at Downtown Disney where the film festival was held.
It’s been less than a year since these friends decided to form the group that has taken LA by storm. In this short time, they have gained recognition that most bands pursue for years. While most say that the members of Sorry, Nelson must be busy non-stop; Sorry, Nelson says, “we’re livin’ the dream.” And what a dream it is to witness.
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