Grupo Fantasma Nominated For Grammy

Dubbed one of the all-time great Texas dance bands by Pop Culture Press, the 11-man Latin music Juggernaut known as Grupo Fantasma is considered by many to be the most exciting group to emerge from the formidable Austin, Texas music scene in the last couple of years. This summer the band is touring North America playing Hispanic music festivals, Canadian Folk Festivals, rock clubs and alternative music venues in the US and Canada building audiences as broad and diverse as their music.

Who is Grupo Fantasma? The best band in Austin, says Austin Chronicle music critic Jim Caliguiri. The only other band I've seen get that kind of audience reaction was the Ramones. We're a hybrid of Latin dance music from old school to new school, explains primary songwriter and percussionist, Jose Galeano, displaying a hint of humility. A raucous horde of musical wizards and freaks, they transform traditional Latin styles of music with their skillful songwriting, inventive arrangements and exuberant live shows. They fuse afro-latin funk, cumbia, hip-hop, salsa, merengue and more into an intoxicating whole. It's a sound that demands audiences move - forget about chairs, don't even think of sitting down when Grupo Fantasma is in town.

Hailing from such far-flung places as New York City, Managua, Nicaragua, and Laredo, Texas, Fantasma consists of a versatile and talented cast of characters that includes a double rhythm section and four piece horn brigade. The band successfully obliterates the cliches that often plague the current Latin music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect. Since their second release the band has become even more adventurous, mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. A group of enthusiastic youngsters has grown into a monstrous and masterful ensemble that has sold more than 15,000 discs. Their chops and confidence continue to grow but the raw, boisterous attitude remains. Just flow. Dance how you want to dance, Galeano urges. If you don't dance to our music something is just not right. When in doubt, he adds with a grin, just follow the cowbell.