Finish & Expo

Ozomatli: The Bridge to Bridge Band for 2004

Ozomatli

The last time Los Angeles' beloved Afro-Latin-and-beyond style-mashers released an album, it was September 11, 2001. While most bands in the United States responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon by canceling their concerts, Ozomatli - a multi-racial crew who have never been shy about their commitment to social justice, progressive politics, and anti-war convictions - decided to keep their dates and keep playing.

"Music is the key to every culture, the beginning of an understanding," says the band's trumpet player and co-vocalist Asdru Sierra. "September 11 really pushed us to delve into North African and Arab music. For us, music is a language far more universal than politics."

"Street Signs", the band's first full-length studio album in three years, bears this new Middle Eastern influence out in typical Ozo style, by mixing it into their trademark blend of hip-hop and Latin styles.

"After eight years of being together," explains tenor saxophonist Ulises Bella, "our overall comfort level with ourselves and with our playing has really grown. The songs venture off to a lot of different areas. That's the beauty of Ozomatli, being able to do things really differently than everyone else."

Ozomatli's new album, Street Signs, is available now.

"It's difficult to label Ozomatli, a band that fits in bins as diverse as conscious hip-hop, Latin, rock and jazz. The easiest tack? Give up trying to pigeonhole this Los Angeles collective and just delve into the groove. Ozomatli's third album, "Street Signs", continues to blend traditional Latin rhythms with pop genres, but extends its sound further east...If any label suits Ozomatli, it's 'street party band' - with all the political and celebratory meanings that implies." - SF Chronicle