La Bandera by ESENGO

Banderas, a band formed in 2014 in Tokyo, Japan, launches its debut album La Bandera (P-Vine Records / Zainas) with a quite suggestive sub-title: Salsa Classics and Destroy. With classical music musicians, as well as musicians of funk, reggae, typical Cuban music, salsa and afrobeat, Banderas creates a collective that possesses surprising power and energy. The initial track “Tema De Banderas” proves it. An effervescent and forceful sound is discharged with the outstanding performances of Naohito "Temjin" Yomoda on the trumpet, Ichirou on the saxophone, Masayuki Nakayama on the trombone and Takeshi Ogawa on the timbales. “Turn Your Lights Down”, originally recorded by Bob Marley & The Wailers, is a romantic salsa with powerful arrangements designed for dancer. “Kangaroo Boogaloo”, one of the catchiest tracks of the album, amalgamates cha-cha-cha and boogaloo. “Dejala Que Siga”, a classic salsa popularized by Hector Lavoe, is re-interpreted from a Japanese point of view with a lot of flavor and its own touch. “Luna” is an explosion of timber flavor and successful solos by Naohito "Temjin" Yomoda (trumpet) and Takeshi Ogawa (timbales). “Ay Joe”, a lilting cha-cha-cha, is vocalized in Japanese and highlights Ichirou on the saxophone, while “Solo Mi Arte” builds bridges between Cuban rumba and electronic sounds. Although with more than 8 minutes of duration, the cut “Hasta Manana” is very danceable and never becomes boring, with the prominence of Masayuki Nakayama (trombone) and Masaaki Otomo (bass), as well as catchy choirs. “Banderas Mambo” is a concion for the perfect ending. It is a brilliant and solemn conclusion. 

Banderas has a key and ingredients to cook the perfect recipe