There is no way you can see this band live and not feel it in your bones, that rattle in your soul, and that overwhelmed feel of joy that only live music can bring. Almost from the first notes that come bouncing from the stage your toes start tapping. It moves up til your knees start twitching and your hips are swaying to the beats of this 11 piece latin funk orchestra from Austin, TX. Fresh off their summer tour which began with their first grammy win for best latin rock or alternative album, for 2010's "El Existential" the boys have never sounded better.
You may think you have heard latin dance music before, but if you haven't heard or better yet, seen Grupo Fantasma live, then you are missing some of the best dance music in the world! These boys will get your heart pounding, and your whole body surging to the infectious grooves of the ghosts.
This is not your abuela's latin dance party.
The band blends styles from funk, reggae, rock, and of course a hot, spicy, nasty salsa style that will surely set your senses on fire. Even for a non spanish speaker like me, it's a fantastic show. For what you can't understand from not knowing the words, the music makes you all but forget that you don't know espanol fluently. If you're still hesitant, just wait. After a little water break at the show, it was hot and I was sweaty I returned to my dance team while the band was on a short break. When they begin to play, something is strangely familiar. I know this song, I mean it sounds a little different, but I know it. What is it? Oh it's plaguing me, then here comes the chorus, "Burning Down the House!" I knew it! Well sort of anyhow. I hadn't recognized it to this point for they were singing all the lyrics in spanish, except when they got to the chorus which they triumphantly shouted in english.
If you like what you hear and would like a little more funk in your disco, then be sure to check out Brownout, Grupo's psychedelic hydra that features eight members from the band.
Formed in 2000 from the merger of two Austin acts, The Blue Noise Band and The Blimp, the band emerged with a sold out show at the former Empanada Parlour in Austin. The band is best known for their exuberant live shows and their recent association with Prince and his 3121 Club in Las Vegas. The band has backed Prince on numerous occasions, including his performance on the ALMA Awards in 2007, and often perform at his afterparty jam sessions. The ensemble has sold more than 20,000 albums independently.
Grupo Fantasma has twice played the Austin City Limits Music Festival and taped an episode of the popular Austin City Limits TV Show on PBS, which first aired November 17, 2007. They have also performed at such festivals as the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Calgary Folk Music Festival and have headlined numerous SXSW showcases in their career. The also played at the inaugural South Padre International Music Festival in 2007. The band performs relentlessly, regularly doing over 150 performances a year. Their horn section has also made various appearances on worldwide releases and has recently been performing with indie rock band Spoon. Grupo Fantasma's music was featured prominently in the NYC Cable Public-access television cable TV show, The Unbelievable Show from 2001–2004. The group's album Sonidos Gold was nominated for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album for the51st Grammy Awards.
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