jibaro n. A Puerto Rican native peasant worker whose blood has derived from the colonial Spanish, local Indigenous, and African slave.
cosmic adj. Infinitely or inconceivably extended; vast.
Cosmic Jibaros have redefined the Latin rock band, building from Latin and Caribbean rhythms, adding funked up guitars and accordion flourishes to achieve a sound both cross-cultural and highly danceable.
The emphasis is on structured songs that build to pulsing, sweaty heights, performed by skilled musicians drawing on backgrounds as diverse as: gospel (drummer Christopher Stanley); latin pop and jazz (timbale/percussionist Tony Cintron); rock (bassist Juan Carlos Vega); funk (conga player Johnny Durkin); pop-rock (keyboard player/accordionist Tony Senes); and afro-beat, soul and jazz (guitarist Darian Cunning).
Laced with social and political overtones, the songs are primarily in Spanish. As lead singer, charismatic front man Ricardo Reyes performs with sincerity and tremendous stage presence, pouring his emotions into the songs to make the heart beat faster.
The irresistible pull of traditional bomba beats, inter-played between the congas and timbales, are mixed with modern deep drum and bass and effects-laden guitar. Accented by passionate vocals, stirring lyrics and floor-shaking percussion, the beats and grooves draw audiences forward to move their hips, whatever their age or ethnicity. The seven-piece group is equally at home performing in a rock venue, a festival stage or an intimate club in Spanish Harlem club.
Still grounded in rock, but with a hypnotic rhythm, partially sung in English and part in Spanish, The Cosmic Jibaros appeal to a wide audience who wants to feel, and not just hear, their music.
- Brita Brundage, Fairfield County Weekly
