Austin – If I could deviate from the strict title that we must use for search engine purposes, I would call this Gary’s Latin day/night party. The problem with calling it such is that I will sink to a new low and stop writing, since these two concerts were really meant to be seen/experienced. I’m not too proud, however, to beat my own records. So here it goes: Ozomatli and Bajofondo as painted by the camera.
You won’t believe the crowd I had to fight to get this shot…
And it’s obvious what dance he was doing. This hombre and the rapper dude was dancing in sync for most of the set.
Moments of solo clarity were rare. But there it is nonetheless. Now imagine what that the audience thought of the command to jump.
Ozomatli’s sound was a mix between salsa and rap. Easy to headbang/dance to.
And of course nothing can beat the pink rabbit. How this guy managed to even walk in here unscathed is beyond me. What’s even more amazing is that I never noticed him until he was called on stage.
Bajofondo Tango Club is a different beast, however. They are a 9 piece band with various instrument. Including a bandoneon, violin, sync/macbook, multiple bass, guitars, keyboard, etc. It’s like watching a Spanish version of Ra Ra Riot on steroids. I wasn’t even going to see them because I had just finished a Chilantro burrito (ie. shredded pork + french fries + kimchi + wrap + butter + whatever three white dudes think is Asian). If you visit Austin you must try it. But then I had a change of mind.
So I initially thought they were an electro-flamenco-type band… boy was I wrong.
Paul was more on the money: disco. Everyone dances. Except the stuck-up, tight-assed, middle-aged photographers sitting right at the front who even confiscated the beach ball that people were tossing around because they might lose shots… I hope they lose their credentials next year.
I could only reasonably see and photograph the band during moments when the stage lights come on… they loved to start with dimmed lights and a mysterious atmosphere that explodes into some amalgamation between a hydrogen bomb and a flash mob.
I can only guess how heavy that thing is. Every one of them has antics on the stage – the violin fights with the jumping guitar, the bassist dares the synth girl to rock out. The hidden bassist will shift to the front of the stage periodically like some weird figurine in an ancient clock.
There was a song I guess everyone (who’s Latin American) knew. I was left just nodding my head and smiling sheepishly. I wasn’t even going to pretend to know the music. But whatever they played it created an energetic atmosphere.
And what a way to wrap up my SXSW 2013!