Cumbia River Band "RIO". Our main source of inspiration are Cumbia music and Riverside musics from different regions of Colombia. The way we play and orchestrate our cumbias might be different to what you are used to hearing these days. We use Tuba and the traditional Alegre drum found in Cumbia and Gaita ensambles, which give the music a different

Cumbia River Band "RIO". Our main source of inspiration are Cumbia music and Riverside musics from different regions of Colombia. The way we play and orchestrate our cumbias might be different to what you are used to hearing these days. We use Tuba and the traditional Alegre drum found in Cumbia and Gaita ensambles, which give the music a different flavor and an irresistible sound. We have a background in folkloric musics and enjoy the power and expressivity found in these instruments, they make you bounce! The clarinet and the accordion can interact and complement each other in many ways and their versatility allow us to feel at home around various genres and grooves. The electric guitar and the drum-set complement our sound adding "bite" and power to our ensamble. The comping parts we made for the guitar as well as the grooves designed for these songs are all carefully crafted to support and drive the band to even higher grounds of expressivity and inspiration.

So, what is Riverside Music? Well, besides Cumbia, there are many other genres to be found in Colombia's rural regions. In this album we feature rhythms such as: Currulao, Aguabajo, Porro Chocoano, Levanta Polvo, and Saporrondó, which are found along the Cauca and Atrato rivers in the Pacific coast of the country. We love creating melodies and grooves inspired in these rhythms and genres, and because we want to honor, play and share these sounds with you, we named the group Cumbia RIVER Band. :)

Here are both the repertoire featured in the album and the name of the rhythms we work with. Enjoy!

SIDE A: Pantera - Cumbia Aguabajo - Aguabajo En La Mar (Soledad) - Cumbia Gozar La Vida - Saporrondó

SIDE B: Cumbia Coqueta - Cumbia Canoa Rancha - Currulao Rio - Cumbia Danza En Tono Menor - Marcha & Aguabajo Rompe Hielo - Levanta polvo Cumbia Alegre - Cumbia

Martin Vejarano's (Chia's Dance Party, La Cumbiamba NY) brand new project draws from a festive repertoire of Colombian Cumbia standards. These all time favorite Cumbia hits and original hunting melodies will take you back to the golden years of the genre as well as inspire you to dance and contemplate the joy and energy that this Cumbia River brings along. Featuring tuba, accordion, clarinet, percussion and voice, the band delivers a captivating sound. 

“The performance of Cumbia River Band at our last  concert was completely explosive. As soon as they started playing, the entire audience stood up in unison and started dancing to  their irresistible rhythms and contagious joy.” Olivia Gazzarrini, The Sonic Room 

“The crowd loved the band so much that they were trying to block me from getting to the front of the stage to signal to you that it was time to go.  I feel lucky/blessed to have such amazing group perform during my first festival as the director of the partnership. I hope we can count on you again for next year “  Leslie A Ramos, Executive Director at 82nd Street Partnership. Jackson  Heights, NY.