Search - Pericos :: Mystic Love

Jazzy Spanish Reggae

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 11/15/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of reggae and jazz , are also Spanish speaking than you will undoubedly love this disc. Los Pericos have set the standard by which other groups have had to meet in order to be dubbed the best Latin American reggae band. It is not just the smooth vocals set forth by lead singer Bahaino that seperate them from the rest; it is the total package, the arrangements, the accompanying musicianship of the other seven members and the choice of songs. On this disc Los Pericos expand their horizons incorporating other instruments like violins, cellos, sitar, and many reed instruments including fluglehorn, trombones, trumpets, flute, baritone and tenor saxes. The result is a multi layered sound beyond the basics leaning towards the jazzy spectrum of reggae. They perform an interesting version of the Toots Hibbert , of Toots and The Maytals fame, song entitled "Monkey Man" in which they sing in English for a raucous jazzy interpretation. Although technically they are a reggae band they have strands of jazz elements running everywhere thoughout this disc. The music also has pop qualities, similar to say, a band like UB40. There is a certain sweetness to their music. It is that happy kind of music where you can forget the problems that may exist and sing along to the music. Another interesting song is "Ska Tijuana" that begins with a sort of retro sound that reminds you of the best works of bands like Madness or The Specials that introduced many to ska on the first checkered, two tone, black and white wave. A purely instrumental groove is established by the guitar and garage band drums beat for a fun song that is offset by saxes droping in and out. "Rata China" begins sounding like some type of old jazz number with guitar licks that could pass for Wes Montgomery. The song is another pure instrumental that sounds like a blast from the past complimented by flute and sax for an unusual entry on this "reggae" disc. There are two tracks written by P. Kendrick Randolph, "El Mejor Lugar"(Don't stay out late) and "Golden Love." Of the two, "Golden Love" is probably best and fits the formula best for a rock steady based album. "Monaco G.P." is a beautiful jazzy number complete with vibes and flugelhorn set to a back beat for one of those put your convertible top down and cruise with the breeze in your hair beside the ocean malecon(boardwalk) type of songs. The Curtis Mayfield composition "Keep On Moving" sounds very much like Bob Marley when Bahaino sings in English and is a stripped down number with only accoustic guitar accompanyment. His vocals move freely from Spanish to English throughout the song for a song that sounds quite free form. A different Los Pericos CD is the end result , with more jazzy overtones but nonetheless it is still very good though not as straight ahead reggae. The booklet has plenty of photographs of the members, some art work but no lyrics. The total recording time is 66:46 for your listening pleasure."

A breath of fresh air in Latin reggae

Shrimp City Slim | Charleston, SC USA | 11/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Delightful, memorable reggae-flavored album saturated with great melodies, fine singing & playing, and tons of positive vibes. Featured this one in its entirety on one of my Public Radio programs recently; super response."

KEEP THEM COMING- CARACAS was BURNING with MYSTIC LOVE

Shrimp City Slim | 10/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I hope these guys never change... Its mind blowing music I can listen over and over UB40 has met their match."