Inspired by a 36-string Veracruz harp, Ventura, California natives Rey Fresco will release The People on Oct. 27 (Eight O Five), a remarkably fresh debut album that fuses the four band-members' varied heritages with their shared SoCal cool.
Drawing on classic "Harder They Come"-era aces (though perhaps with a dash of "D'yer Maker"-style irreverence) and the traditional music of Veracruz (Son Jarocho) utilizing a 36-string harp as a lead instrument, Rey Fresco's sound defies easy categorization. The band, which has been generating quite a buzz along the West Coast with several sold-out performances, has quickly become known for its unique sound -- soulful vocals, pumping basslines, and booming drum sounds resonating from a kit built out of surfboard fiberglass.
Just two years ago, Rey Fresco was born out of a marathon jamming session (with breaks for surfing) with drummer Andrew Jones and his friend, harpist Xocoyotzin Moraza (a.k.a. Xoco, pronounced sho-ko).
The People kicks off with glimmers of Paul Simon's "Mother and Child Reunion" on "Fairlie." Singer Roger Keiaho draws on his Fijian heritage honoring the sacred shark on "Sailor," a tale about the king of the sea set in a minor key with ska percussion and fuzz guitars. There's also a cover of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan," a popular Cuban song sung here by Xoco. Other highlights include the reflective "Precious Time," a rock instrumental, and fan favorite, "All in Awe."
Xoco brings a wealth of musical knowledge to the group not only from the degree in ethnomusicology he earned from UCLA but also from years of studying Son Jarocho. On The People, he plays guitar, requinto jarocho - a traditional Mexican four-string instrument strummed with a bullhorn - and the beautiful harps handmade by his father. Andrew also plays original handmade drums he crafts using techniques borrowed from surfboard making. Roger and bassist Shawn Echevarria bring a Caribbean flavor to the mix from their experiences in local reggae bands.
Xoco explains, "Everyone contributes in their own way and it's the unique elements and the way they come together that are the core of The People."
