Future Rootz Radio Playlist (March 10, 2023) featuring music by Ranil y Su Conjunto Tropical, Chicha Libre, Ghost Funk Orchestra, Orquesta Akokan, and Combo Chimbita, among others…
This was a fun selection for me. While I prepared my music for Future Rootz Radio, I was also getting tracks ready for that weekend’s cumbia night. Being on the radio was the perfect way to rekindle that cumbia vibe.
These bands, producers, and artists need to be heard.
Their art is pure beauty to behold.
Their energy is supreme.
It’s my pleasure to share their music and some of their history.
“Baila Bonito” by the Peruvian group Ranil y su Conjunto Tropical starts the set. Ranil (Raúl Llerena Vásquez) was not only a cumbia psicodélica musician and band leader but also an entrepreneur who began his own label, Producciones Llerena, set in the Peruvian Amazon. Ranil recorded 14 records during his career and was a passionate ADVOCATE for a unique cumbia style that was influenced by carimbó, rock, and vals criollo. You can find his music on Analog Africa.
“Que Bonito” by Bomba Estereo follows but it’s the Mediopicky remix. I like how loud and bold the song goes because of Mediopicky’s styling and you can find it here, somewhere.
I love compilations and that’s where I found this gem by Fresa Juvenil de Tarapoto. The song is on the Peru Salvatico double album released by Analog Africa (again, I know!). I was only able to find a little bit of information about Fresa Juvenil de Tarapoto. I brief description says, “Fresa Juvenil is formed as a rock group, with Dalmace Ríos at the head. Later it becomes an Amazonian Cumbia orchestra.” I chose “Cumbion Universal.” Their second track on the compilation is “La Palmerita.”
“Number 17” plays after that cumbión. It’s by Chicha Libre and, well, Chicha Libre son heavy. Incomparable. They are true chicha champions with a delectable sound highlighting the psychedelic side of cumbia. This song is from their album, Canibalismo (2012).
Orquesta Akokán is one of my big band favorites. Latin jazz is this group’s jam and their mambo is electrifying. My introduction to Orquesta Akokán was with the song “Mambo Rapidito.” It’s fun, fast, and exhilarating. For this radio show, though, I chose “Mi Conga es de Akokán.” That horn intro is cinematic.
During the rest of the broadcast, there are a few premieres that I speak about in the show. These are by Lester Rey, Alper Tuzcu, Gabacho and Hermanos Flores. After my conversation with Musas, the playlist continues as follows…
I don’t know how I came upon the music of Ghost Funk Orchestra but I love their song, “Blood Moon” from their album, Night Walker. The huge group is led by Seth Applebaum but it started as a one-man band.
Breakdown Brass appeared in my search for brass bands. I had a specific event that required some brassy sounds and this track popped up. A funky brass and Dr. Dre instrumental? Yes, thank you. “Next Episode” is a hit.
Nubya Garcia’s song “Source” begins as a medium to deep meditation. Its inclusion of other powerhouse collaborators, with their unique contributions, creates an even greater source of enlightenment. Featured artists are Ms Maurice, Cassie Kinoshi, and Richie Seivwright. The topper on this is that the version I chose comes remixed by Dengue Dengue Dengue.
“Babalawo” is a great example of Combo Chimbita’s powerful sound. They perform at Thalia Hall in April and I had to remind myself, and you.
This time around Dengue x3 appears with their own composition, “Pliegues.” Artist Prisma makes an appearance.
Finally…
Santi & Tuğçe’s music is electro-ethereal. Her voice is magnificent and his synthy, hypnotic creations blend beautifully along. “Zaman Zaman” is an excellent new track, and all of their music is beyond, but my personal all-time favorite is “Kuyu” from their 2020 EP, A Twice Told Tale. It’s ooof!
Future Rootz broadcasts live from Chicago every second and fourth Friday of the month from 4:00–6:00 p.m. CST on Lumpen Radio, 105.5FM WLPN.
