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Latin and Rock en Espanol

Holdsg

Father of Pugs
Gold Supporting Member
Sep 10, 2009
39,443
90,238
Mesquite, NV
As a resident of So California, I see many want ads for bassists that can play Latin styles (cumbias, norteno, bachata, merengue, etc.), including rock en espanol.

to me, a 59 year old white guy, rock en espanol is "Oye Como Va" and "Corazon Espinado". But I am sure there is much more to it than that.

It's a new year, so I'm making a new goal for myself this year. I'm wanting to get a bit more experienced in this kind of music, to round out my repertoire. So I'm asking for recommendations of key artists or songs that someone should know if they wanted to be fluent in this type of music.

YT links are appreciated, but not necessary. I will be doing my own research, but thought I'd ask here too.

Key Latin style artists, or songs: go
 
One of my favorite Latin rock/metal artists is Puya. They're a Puerto Rican band that combines several genres. I especially love their song "Oasis." (I know this song and the album it's on, "Fundamental," came out in 1999, but I still think it freaking rocks!

music video:


This lockdown vid doesn't have the best sound, but you can see what the bassist is doing:

I also think a huge part of Latin music is in its unique rhythms. Even within various genres, be it cumbia, samba, merengue, etc. there's variations in the rhythms. Just listening to Latin drumming and just playing one note over them to really get the "feel" of the rhythm in your whole entire body (not just your head) will help strengthen that bass groove.

If it helps, here's "Oasis" just the drums:


Oh, and another Latin/nu-metal band from that era worth checking out is Ill Nino:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeth5ikBXfY8IYuHyhwA8Pg
 
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