Reviews

The musical discourse of La Banda Ramírez focuses on the performance of Latin Jazz with an organic and raw sound, almost live, creating an atmosphere that will be appreciated by both the dancer and the music lover.Cuban Butterflies, the title track, from the pen of Bill Jacobs, infects us with beautiful harmonies and a forward march, highlighting the performances of Carolyn Steinberg Ramirez in a masterful flute solo, supported, towards the conclusion, by one by Chacho Ramirez on the congas. 

One of the things that makes this band so delightful and unique from others is that it is not one thing, but a conglomeration of many musicians and styles. Look at the song authors and contributors to this recording: Bill Jacobs, Chacho Ramirez, Lenny Azzarello, Jack Glottman, Michael O’Brien, Carly Maldonado, Hector Martignon, and Carolyn Steinberg. It is an amalgamation of varied flavors and spices, and like a well-seasoned paella, its success is due to all the different ingredients added in just the right proportion and cooked to the correct temperature.

I’ve heard this group since its inception, and at each iteration, it is better and more refined, and yet has a gritty reality that is strictly a New York quality. 

The Arts Council of East Orange was completely pleased with the La Banda Ramirez. They played at one of our annual Jazz at the Plaza Concerts this summer. Our community is very diverse and the music La Banda Ramirez played was diverse with a variety of Latin music, including Palmeri and Tito Puente. The group was extremely professional and the sound was terrific.

"The future of music is in contamination," said Charlie Gillett, the famous DJ at the BBC, who recently coined the term “world music.” Never has an affirmation been more current, and Metrotang does nothing but decree its veracity with a sound that, starting from the street, has the strength to be heard with a powerful thrill at all latitudes. Music that is easy to listen to, not easy to play, designed to excite.

Metrotang added that WOW factor to Flower Mart. The South African Embassy was delighted with their music, the Bishop and Dean of Washington Cathedral were as well. And the audience were stopped in their tracks. Great group, great sound. We cannot thank them enough!