Kool Katz: Press

Bringing in the New Year con Ganas!

Louie Parra & Thee Mad Latins featuring guest stars Ray Carrion, Tony Banda, and The Kool Katz together in San Fernando

By Frankie Firme ~ Contributing Editor
Published on LatinoLA: January 3, 2012


2011 is now just a memory...hope you had good ones!...I had a few, but the best one I will cherish is that our troops started coming home from Iraq

...thanks, guys!...and now for the next memory :

Ending the old and starting off the New Year with a most memorable performance of love, music, and showmanship, LOUIE PARRA and Thee MAD LATINS, joined by some very special guests, teamed up with Frankie Firme and the proud Veterans of the San Fernando American Legion, and put on one of those "Wow...you should have been there!..." kind of party nights.

Starting off with an all you can eat gourmet taco bar buffet with all the fixings in an elegant ballroom setting provided by the San Fernando American Legion Veterans, guests were treated to a music and dance show that started off with yours truly spinning the Oldies, Rock & Roll, Cumbias, and Old School as best I could, while my Gente wined and dined and warmed up their boogie chanclas....

..and everybody was dressed so fine, too! Some real nice big door prizes were handed out... and the bartenders were in a generous mood, if you know what I mean!

Then, it was time to bust it wide open and start the party, and the fabulous
LOUIE PARRA and his MAD LATINS came on the stage and packed the dance floor from the very first song.

Featuring special guests, master guitarist RAY CARRION (of AZTECA & EL CHICANO fame), TONY BANDA (PONCHO SANCHEZ Band), and horn men Gene Chavez (of COLD DUCK) at trumpet, Carlos Luna on trombone, with conguero Patrick Montes (of the TRIBE band), the music and sound was simply off the chain and the best you can get anywhere in Aztlan on this night.

As expected, the Mad Latins and their fiery brand of Rock & Roll soaked in spicy Latin Soul, and sprinkled with a touch of sweet Old School, made the night delicious, with a taste of everything the Gente wanted to hear and dance to, and I tried my best to keep it lively in between the cuts...and we all did OK !

A highlight of the night came when Art & Kelly Galvan of the KOOL KATZ stopped by to party with us for awhile en route to another gig. The Mad Latins invited them out of the audience onto the stage to sing a song, and Art & Kelly answered the crowds roar of approval with a hot dance tune medley that proved what a talented group of professional artists were up on stage, as the band covered them, blended, and moved thru the changes to each song like they had rehearsed that way 100 times...and the crowd danced on!

Of course, the night wouldn't have been complete without some impressive solos from the guest artists, and Louie doing his trademark "Sex Machine" routine, slipping & sliding on the floor like nobody's business como James Brown, drawing loud crowd roars y más camera flashes a madre!

Midnight was a fiery blend of music, cheers, hugs, handshakes, love & champagne, as we all welcomed the New Years together with Glen Miller 's versiojn of "Auld Lang Syne"...cookin', baby, we wuz cookin' !

Then Louie & the guys started 2012 off with more music till 1:30 am, keeping the Gente happy and dancing to the end.

We ended the night after the show all sitting down, enjoying some delicious hot menudo together, and sharing laughs, plans, and thoughts till 3am....while sharing a slice of life together in San Fernando in the first hours of 2012.

..hope your New Years was as fine as ours!

HAPPY NEW YEARS 2012 !

About Frankie Firme ~ Contributing Editor:
Frankie Firme is heard regularly everyday on World wide Internet radio station www.eastLArevue.com
Author's website
Email the author
http://latinola.com/story.php?story=10253

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

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Web Published 7.12.2007

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 in 1998 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.koolkatzband.com



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