Grupo Fantasma

Sonidos Gold

(Aire Sol/High Wire)

The artist formerly known as a symbol, and now, again as Prince, was so taken with Grupo Fantasma’s last release Comes Alive that he hired this Austin band to back him on several occasions and to perform at his Las Vegas nightclub, 3121. The band’s new studio recording confirms that the 10-piece Grupo is, indeed, one of the funkiest Latin groups around. Sonidos Gold is a boisterous Latin dance party that never stops grooving.

Consisting of three horn players, three percussionists, two guitarists, two singers, a drummer and bassist, this energetic troupe fuses cumbia, salsa, tejano, funk and psychedelic rock. Although it sounds like an inspired amalgam of Ozomatli, Santana and Tower of Power, Grupo’s catchy montuno vamps and pumping horns also owe deep debts to Latin trailblazers such as Pérez Prado and Tito Puente.

Guitarist Adrian Quesada quickly formed the group in 2000 after booking a show at an Austin nightclub without having a band in place. Most members are Texas natives, but Grupo’s senior figure is Nicaraguan percussionist Jose Galeano, nephew to original Santana conga-player Jose “Chepito” Areas.

With its Santana-like guitars, propulsive beats and full-bodied horns, Grupo generates a very big sound. Occasional Prince sideman Maceo Parker contributes honking sax to “Gimme Some,” a staccato Latin-funk tune with great crossover appeal. Legendary Fania All-Star keyboardist Larry Harlow and Prince/Parliament trombonist Greg Boyer appear on the more traditional “Rumba y Guaguanco.” Reggae-style dub effects work well on the guitar-fueled instrumental “Cumbia de los Pajaritos,” but similar effects are less successful when applied to vocals elsewhere.

Although fans of adventurous Latin jazz might find this music a bit repetitive, it’s also ebullient, brassy and funky as sin.

- Ed Kopp