The combination is not just a signature dish, but a symbol representing our people and culture as a whole.  As reggaeton seems to be the only Latin based form of music receiving attention, three individuals have joined forces to preserve and reintroduce Latin soul to the masses.  The trio's existence was the product of a brainstorming session for a local fundraiser.  The founder Christian “Cool Out” Mártir says, "Rice & Beans is the result of a need to return to who we are and to move the culture forward. To paraphrase Willie Bobo, 'we do what we think a cat in Spanish Harlem would dig'".

Through several community based projects, Mártir realized the need for Rice & Beans in local markets but also nationally and worldwide. Another reason to continue on with Rice & Beans was the local impact and reaction to a series of pre-recorded mixes and podcasts developed by the trio which were spearheaded by member, Hector Garcia.  Garcia states, “Through my online boutique, Post Renaissance, I was looking to introduce the Puerto Rican experience to anyone, and these CDs did just that.  The reaction was overwhelming so we had to keep it going.” With this very momentum, the trio began to bring the music to the forefront with live deejay-sets including hosting their own Latin-soul based nights at local lounges and anywhere that responded positively to their brand of audible cuchifritos! They have been fortunate enough to have played in New York, Florida and Washington, DC thus far.  

The third and final member Dean “Rod-Uno” Rodriguez began to notice the crowd’s smiles and chants. Rodriguez briefly explains, “As a musician and a performer it’s my responsibility to please my audience and it’s extremely gratifying to see the people love and appreciate what we love, the bomba, salsa, plena, guaracha and mambo rhythms aren’t only what we were raised on but are equally what Rice and Beans is and what we stand for.”  

Their preservation and enthusiasm for Latin soul is infectious and it’s obvious they won’t stop.  The mainstream audience must acknowledge the greats: Colon, Lavoe, Rivera, Cuba, Cortijo…and so many more.

http://riceandbeanssound.blogspot.com/

Tracklisting:

1) Joe Cuba-"Do you Feel it?"

2) Ray Barretto-"Acid"

3) La Lupe -"Fever"

4) Joe Cuba-"Gimme Some Love"

5) Bobby Matos-"Return To Spanish Harlem"

6) Ray Barretto-"Que Viva La Musica"

7) Ismael Rivera-"La Conspiracion"

8) Roberto Roena-"Avisale A Mi Contrario"

9) Ray Barretto-"Indestructible"

10) Mon Rivera-"Karakatiskis"

11) Willie Colon con Hector Lavoe-"No Me Den Candela"

12) Cheo Feliciano-"Anacaona"

13) Eddie Palmieri-"Puerto Rico"

14) Hector Lavoe-"Mi Gente-Louie Vega EOL Remix"

SALSA DURA AND BOOGALOO