THE KOOL KATZ BAND: Press

The Kool Katz with a style all their own

The Kool Katz
Me Gusta Como Bailas
Ank Records
Kool Productionz

Who are the Kool Katz, you ask? Well let me introduce them to you. The Kool Katz is a new exciting band from that traditional hot bed of trend setting music, the Bay Area. The Bay Area has long been known for turning out the best and hottest groups especially, in regards to Latin music. Groups like Malo, Sapo, Azteca, Cal Tjader, Pete Escovedo, Tower of Power and of course the legendary Carlos Santana. The Kool Katz in my opinion are destined to follow that distinguished list of names. Based in San Jose, CA this group of seasoned musicians together with their creative original sound will quickly garner much deserved attention. When I first heard their music from a promotional 2-song disc I was blown away.

Having been in the music scene for many years I have seen many bands come and go. A lot of groups had the desire to succeed and for whatever reason did not follow through. Others lacked the organization and dedication necessary to succeed. Others even though were very good did not create a name for themselves due to a lack of creativity. The Kool Katz however, bring to you a style of their own. They mix the cool sounds of Jazz, hot driving Latin rhythm and Rock n Roll influences to create what they call Latin Razz. Call it what you may, Latin Jazz, Chicano Salsa or Latin Razz, this is exciting musica. They create irresistible and infectious rhythms that will satisfy the most discriminating listener. What makes their music so appealing is that it is all original material. Founded by Art Galvan, a seasoned guitarist and composer, Art's intention in forming the Kool Katz in1998 was to be one of the best Latin groups recording and performing original music. I firmly believe Art and the Kool Katz have accomplished this. Check out the beautiful vocal work by Kelly Galvan. You will be reminded by the smooth sounds of Gloria Estefan and Selena who happen to be her strongest musical influences. Throughout this exciting CD "Me Gusta Como Bailas" you will hear superb musicianship by talented and experienced performers.

The horn section along with driving Latin percussion makes this group swing! All original material is what impresses me most about the Kool Katz. They create moving melodies and toe-tapping arrangements. Art Galvan's solid guitar licks keep the music soulful. Kelly's expressive and dynamic vocals will delight you and will make you feel her passion. The tunes all speak for themselves and have such a rich appeal. Not since the Malo's classic hit "Suavecito" or Sapo's barrio favorite "Can't Make It" has there been a tune that mixes the sounds of R&B, Latin and Soul to create a Chicano Love anthem.

I firmly believe the tune "I Will Do Most Anything" will become a classic recording and put the Kool Katz on the Latino music map. Written by Art and Kelly, this song is simply amazing. The kind of tune that you will want to make note of what you are doing when you hear it for the first time. Additionally, "Style of our own", "Dazzed and Confused", "Me Gusta como Bailas", with it's touch of West Coast Salsa and "Please Stay With Me" showcase the group's versatility and solidifies that they have indeed found a style of their own.

Another favorite is the infectious cha cha "Your Love Just Moves Me"--WOW! This tune will definitely remind you of the early Chicano sounds of the groups Tierra, Malo, Sapo and El Chicano. Listen to the tight arrangement of the horns complimented by the very sabroso guitar--nice, very vice. Two other gems that I know will be crowd pleasers are the soulful "I Can't Let Go" and the cool "Kool Summer." Talk about Latino soul! The Kool Katz are oozing with Latin soul and have created their own thing.

I just wish all bands had the swing, sound and creativity that the Kool Katz do. I can't recommend this fine recording enough. Introduce all that you can to the Kool Katz sound. After all, they do have a style all their own. It is without a doubt so sabroso!

For more information on the Kool Katz visit them at their website at http://www.thekoolkatz.com



By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
Eastlarevue.com

..> ..> .. Story Text --> The Chicano music world is alive and well in Aztlan, I'm happy to report.
From New York to the midwest state of Kansas to San Diego, California, all the way north to the Oregon border and beyond, Chicanos are rockin' & rollin' and connecting!

This Cinco de Mayo weekend was evidence of a new day and a new way. All over Califas, from L.A. to the San Francisco Bay area, celebrations were happening, being celebrated by everyone, and people were connecting.

....and everything was not just Mariachi, Ranchera, soccer, and beer!

All over L.A., gigs were happening, and the much touted (possibly over-flouted) De La Hoya ~ Mayweather fight drew record numbers to sports bars and backyard bar-b-ques all over Aztlan, and a group of California Chicano kids from Concord High school became the first high school thespian group in the country to perform Luis Valdez's "ZOOT SUIT" play.

Even L.A.'s police chief Bill Bratton got in on the spirit & action by publicly chastising and demoting 2 top white police commanders for ordering the traditional hitherto accepted brutality of minorities in L.A. during last week's May Day march.

Orale, Bill! This Corona's for you! Gracias for finally seeing what we've been saying for years. A wrong is starting to get right! It's a new day, baby!

That being said, I took the opportunity to join friends Steven Chavez & Chico Manqueros as we traveled to northern Aztlan in search of our musical brethren outside of the Land of 1000 Dances and celebrate the moment.

As guests of Art & Kelly Galvan of the heavy hitting KOOL KATZ Band de Califas, we took part in a righteous Chicano celebration that had us celebrating Art's 50th birthday, Cinco de Mayo, and the connecting of some of Southern & Northern California's Chicano music lovers & artists.

The Avalon Club in Sunnyvale was the exquisite setting for the gig on Friday night as myself, Chico Manqueros, Steven Chavez and our Ladies were wined & dined like royalty courtesy of the Galvan's and about 500 of their closest friends & family, and 5 bands from areas like San Jose, Sunnyvale, Tracy, Stockton,the San Francisco-Oakland Bay area and beyond. Real good people...real BROWN!

Opening up the festivities was a group called MIDNITE BREEZE, who mellowed everybody out with their smooth Latin Jazz sound as the sun started to go down, and a feast of a dinner was served.

Then, Chico Manqueros and I, serving as co-hosts & MC's, introduced the SUENOS/LOVE TAXI Band, who got the house rockin' with their hot salsa sounds and mellow boleros. The dance floor got full when they hit their classic tune "Oh little girl", and it stayed that way.( My apologies to the band for earlier stating they were from the east coast in one of my shows. These guys are West Coast Califas veteranos all the way! Real gentlemen and a Lady as well)

Next, the KOOL KATZ came on stage 13 strong, with hot brass and dazzling stage moves that had me going "Damn! I wanna dance!" Kelly Galvan was simply sparkling, and would be right at home on any L.A. stage, hitting them high notes, vocal rolls, and belting out the tunes with serious moxie. When she got the whole band to start siding on stage during "Fantastic voyage", I knew she had the whole place eating out of her hand.The dance floor was packed and undulating. Knowing that Steven, Chico, and myself have been witness to some of the finest Chicano guitar players of our time in the Land of 1000 Dances, Art Galvan let loose with some serious axe choppin' of his own , ripping some very impressive solos that I KNOW veterano guitarist friends of mine like Rudy Salas (TIERRA) and Chris Reserva (SATISFACTION BAND) would have said "Damn! Home-boy can play!".

It was Art's 50th birthday, but he sang, danced, and played guitar on stage like he had just turned 18! The KOOL KATZ were in "da zone" tonight. (I highly recommend you pick up their CD)

Their finale was a birthday fantasy come true for any artist: Singing on stage with his wife, his children, his band, in his hometown, in front of a packed hometown crowd on his birthday, and SOUNDING GOOD with the Gente dancing and having a ball! The screams of delight were deafening!

Chico & I couldn't fight the feeling...we had to get the crowd to join us in singing happy birthday to Art after the finale...and they all did!

Next, the JAMMIN' BAND came on and kicked it even higher with their hot top 40-Tex Mex-Oldies-R & B set that had everybody dancing and sharing the mood as Chico announced on stage that it was midnight and officially Cinco de Mayo. Another large group of 12 members, the JAMMIN' BAND represented Nothern Califas in style, that got my serious attention when they hit their Oldies medley.(...what can I say?) They were smooth as a Chicana's smile in the moonlight.

The final act of the night was the legendary pride of the San Francisco Bay Area, SAPO, featuring RICHARD BEAN.

Introducing them on stage, Chico and I felt honored to be among some of Aztlan's best, and they didn't disappoint, opening up with their trademark "Ritmo de Corazon" that had the dance floor full of Gente just standing in awe and snapping pictures, as SAPO simply went off the chain and proved why they deserve their place among the West Coast's Chicano Music Pioneers roster. They closed the show in masterful style, brass to the bone, and Richard proved he hasn't lost a thing since his "Suavecito" days.

In between all 5 bands, DJ Jimmy Jamm rocked da house big time!

What a party! Steven video taped portions, Chico recorded portions, and you can catch some of this on www.eastLAevue.com . Take a look at the north, Mi Gente! They know how to have a party!

...."we WILL be bringing the KOOL KATZ down to our part of Aztlan. L.A. needs to hear these guys & a gal..." Steven and Chico happily told me.

...I can hardly wait! You know LatinoLA will be there!

note: For info on any bands mentioned, contact Steven Chavez or Chico Manqueros via the East L.A. Revue Internet Radio Jukebox webpage. (www.eastLArevue.com)

Frankie Firme is the Al Capone of the microphone & the Hitman of West Coast Chicano Soul.
website:www.frankiefirme.50megs.com

..>..>
Web Published 7.12.2007

The Marines, Love and a Great Party
A proud group, their ladies, and some of the finest music on the West Coast make Valentine's Day 2009 memorable
By Frankie Firme~ Contributing Editor
Published on LatinoLA: February 16, 2009






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How do you mix love, gourmet dinner and drinks in the same caldo with the world's finest and proudest warriors... and end up with a great romantic party?

...like an old saying says "...Tell it to the Marines!..."

And with that said, Commandant Bennie Najar Jr. and the San Fernando Valley Detachment of the Marine Corps League Detachment # 1277 did just that...and what a caldo of love it was!

"The San Fernando Valley has taken some major hits this past year," Commandant Najar says, "We've had a major train crash, two devastating fires where people lost their homes, an earthquake, a freeway tunnel explosion, one of the highest home foreclosure rates in California, three large companies based in the Valley have laid off a large number of people, we pretty much led the state with the price of gas at more than $5.00 a gallon last summer, and unfortunately, our country is still at war in two separate other countries, with the San Fernando Valley's sons & daughters once again highly represented in the ranks of the military as they have been for decades." The former L.A.P.D. officer and veteran of eight years in the Marine Corps states, "There needed to be a break in all this hardship...there needed to be a break in all the bad news...there needed to be some love shared and a party had... and I knew just who to turn to".

"As veterans, especially Marines, we still feel compelled to join together as a band of brothers to serve a mission of helping & serving our community, honoring our military veterans as well as active duty Marines now serving in harm's way, while keeping the proud 233 year military history, traditions, and honor of the United States Marine Corps alive...while trying to make it fun and enjoyable for all involved," Commandant Najar says, "That's just the way we are, and it is what it is."

"We've been involved in parades, job fairs, community events, we're organizing a youth program for troubled youth, we've had a color guard detachment formed for public events and funerals, helped out during the recent fire evacuation efforts, and last year, our first efforts & involvement in the Toys for Tots program saw us collect and distribute over 1,000 toys to needy children...not bad for a few good men and women who barely formed, organized and chartered less than two years ago," he states proudly.

As if by divine intervention, good luck, outside respect from the community or a combination of the three, the SFV Marines were recently welcomed to move from cramped quarters at the famed "Richie Valens" San Fernando American Legion post to more spacious accommodations at the newly-remodeled Reseda American Legion post.

"The guys at the American Legion Post in San Fernando were great, and they welcomed us with open arms like family, but being a well-known and busy veteran's group themselves, we were starting to crowd their space with our growing detachment membership and competing need for the hall for events. Not wanting to ever cause bad feelings with brother veterans who had done us so kindly, we began looking for a new building to have our meetings and events at, when the Reseda American Legion Post became available. The membership voted to move, and we officially made it our home in January. We had been planning a Valentine's Day Ball for our biggest and best supporters ... our LADIES ... since last November, as we had originally thought of just renting the larger hall, but now I saw a great opportunity to turn it into something bigger & better now that it was our home base."

Meeting with his board of officers and membership, Najar and his Marines recruited their wives and girlfriends, and organized entertainment and fundraising committees, and planned a formal, dinner-dance black tie gala affair the likes the Valley had never seen before from a Veteran's group, save the annual Marine Corps Balls held in November across the country.

Detachment volunteers helped with such details as finding and securing a caterer, building a detachment closet and storage space, designing and printing tickets and promotional flyers, selling those tickets, passing out those flyers, getting public advertising, securing entertainment, cleaning and decorating the large dance hall, seeking and securing public sponsorship, donations, and contributions, developing a funds management team to oversee the budget, organizing raffles and prizes sub-committees, securing and transporting banquet tables, getting "word of mouth" information lines open, and the dozen or more other details needed to put on a good show and large party....all the while living their daily lives with their families & jobs, while managing to e-mail, telephone, and meet with each other regularly, and almost daily.

In less than six weeks, the SFV Marines pulled off a successful mission that would make any military commander or concert promoter proud!

With all the experience and dedication on these committees, the Marines pulled off an elegant & eye opening event for less than half the cost of a contemporary wedding, quinceañera, or fundraising event...and if you live in L. A., YOU KNOW we're talking some serious bucks and headaches here!

With less than six weeks to go, most of L.A.'s top talent was booked for the Valentine's Day/President's Day weekend...but the Marines would not be deterred...they're not known for giving up or just settling for anything.

Like calling in for heavy artillery or air support, "name" bands were searched, and the Goddess of Ritmo blessed the Marines by finding some top talent from Northern and Central California available and more than willing to support a great cause in the Land of 1000 Dances.

From San Jose, popular recording artists THE KOOL KATZ, featuring Kelly "The Kat" Galvan , a music group that has made some serious splashes in Los Angeles and the southwestern United States over the past couple of years, braved the rain, sleet, and snow of California's notorious
I-5 "Grapevine" and came into L.A. ready to play for the Marines.

From Santa Barbara, famed LaCima Music recording artist PEPE MARQUEZ, the "Soul Man of Santa Barbara", and proud father of a U.S. Marine scheduled to return for a second tour of combat duty in Iraq, drove through heavy coastal rains and came prepared and ready to rock the house.

One of the San Fernando Valley's most respected, well-known, and popular banquet caterers, MONA LISA CATERERS of Northridge provided, prepared, and served a gourmet three course dinner complete with coffee & dessert while turning the Reseda Amercian Legion dance hall into an elegant ballroom fit for royalty....and U.S. Marines!

With over 80% of advance tickets sold, and with generous public sponsor contributions from such well known entities as ALLIED WASTE SERVICES of Sun Valley, the offices of U.S. Congressman HOWARD L. BERMAN, State Senator ALEX PADILLA, State Assemblyman FELIPE FUENTES and others, along with media sponsorship from LatinoLA, The Lost Memories and East L.A. Revue Internet Radio Stations, the event was well attended by good-looking, well-dressed Marines and their Ladies, and a grateful community which also included honorable members of the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Besides being a proud member of the SFV Marine Corps League Detachment # 1277, I was indeed honored when asked to serve as Emcee and host.

After a delicious dinner and personal welcome from Commandant Najar, the Kool Katz hit the stage hard and heavy, filling the dance floor from the very first song. Like I've seen more than a dozen times before up & down the state, Kelly "the Kat" simply endears herself to her audience with her dynamic performance and stage presence, blending her marvelous singing talents with wit, humor, and charm while hubby and bandleader Art Galvan was simply masterful at lead guitar and backup vocals. The KOOL KATZ made a lot of new friends and fans on this night, as their performance was flawless.

Calling up Pepe Marquez during each of their three sets, the "Soul Man of Santa Barbara" first giving a heart rendering story about his love for his son, a U.S. Marine, which drew a loud applause) joined Kelly & the Katz in heart pounding song & dance routines, keeping the dance floor full, and the people happy.

Kelly, Art, and Pepe all harmonized perfectly together, drawing many compliments from the crowd all night long.

With a combination of Cumbias, Oldies, Funk, R&B, Soul, Latin Soul and Rock & Roll, the combination of The Kool Katz and Pepe Marquez was mesmerizing and quite an enjoyable experience, as Marines showed off their snappy dance skills, along with their beautiful dates.

The highlight of the night, especially planned for the Marines on Valentine's night, was an exceptional romantic Oldies slow dance medley that had Kelly and Pepe taking turns at lead vocals, causing some smootching (yeah...me too!) on the crowded dance floor. Kelly melted hearts with her sensual crooning of the "grinders", prompting a couple of single guys to ask me "Is she married?" (I let them know the lucky guy was up on stage with her!)

When Pepe took it a level higher by going bi-lingual in Spanish in mid song, the girls in the crowd screamed their delight, and many couples simply stopped dancing to watch from the dance floor as Kelly & Pepe "showed their stuff " for a most grateful and appreciative audience.

Standing in the back of the ballroom, smiling and taking it all in like proud papa's and uncles of a first-born child, Commandant Najar and his officers could only congratulate themselves and the committee members for a hectic six weeks of "battle planning" that lead to a most well earned victory of success in their first event in their new home....

...and resulted in a wonderful night of love and enjoyment for the Marines and their Ladies!

SEMPER FI , and Happy Valentine's Day!!

Note: Any and all interested Marines or Navy Corpsmen interested in joining the SFV Detachment of the Marine Corps League are encouraged to contact Commandant Bennie Najar Jr at: USMCsgt7@aol.com ] or Vice Commandant Sam Castrellon at: Castrellon5@yahoo.com

About Frankie Firme~ Contributing Editor:
Frankie Firme is the "Al Capone of the microphone and the Hitman of West Coast Chicano Soul" heard daily in Internet radio, a proud Marine Corps veteran, and is a regular contributer to this fine web magazine
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