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Reviews

Brief Reviews from Newspapers, Radio and Magazine

"The return of Santerias, a band that it's all about synergy and fusion, they're fantastic."

– CBC Garvia Bailey (Big City Small World-January 2009)

"If Santerias were just another flamenco group, I wouldn't be profiling them here today. Toronto band Santerias plays flamenco, yes, but their brand is so much more vital and alive. Hot Salsa, and more...a potpourri of styles to create their own unique sound. There's a hunger for a sound and a band that puts a nice twist to flamenco".

– Toronto Sun, Errol Nazareth (Entertainment Section, July 2008)

"Flamenco may have its roots in Andalusia, Spain, but Toronto quintet Santerias opens up the style to the sounds of the world, incorporating elements of Brazilian tropicália, Colombian cumbia and Middle Eastern and South Asian rhythms... Fans of international sounds will find lots to like here: the songs are tight and melodic, and the band has a knack for keeping things catchy."

– NOW Magazine review (May 2008)

Chosen best Alternative Latin band by NXNE (North by Northeast 2007)

"Only in a multicultural centre like Toronto could a group like Santerias come alive and thrive, introducing us to their unique blend of Latin American, flamenco, reggae and jazz influenced sound. Language is not an issue, because the group's energy and inventiveness cut across all barriers".

– Downtown Toronto Jazz Magazine review (Cathy Riches 2007)

SANTERIAS – Toronto Latin ensemble fires up Flamenco Fusion!

Like the religion of Santeria their propulsive music is a mystical blend of old and new world influences – tribal rhythms expressing themselves in the gospels of popular song. Flamenco guitar runs along with electric bass while congas, cajon and timbales transport the rhythm to Afro-Latin locales. Sultry vocals breathe out Bossa nova tales that teasingly take each song to a mysterious musical place occupied exclusively by Santerias.

This Toronto quintet bring the influences of their diverse backgrounds (Chilean, Peruvian, French, Brazilian, Canadian) to the forefront of their sound in a way that has them often compared to Spain's Ojos de Brujo. Some songs bring in Middle Eastern and South Asian rhythms while some embrace a Brazilian Tropicália sensibility. Band members include: Juan Dino Toledo (guitar, vocals); Oriana Barbato (bass); Jay Guerriere (percussion, vocals); ; Irene Torres (lead vocals, percussion); Rino Manfredi (keyboards, percussion) and additional drums and percussion by Armando Borg.

Some live concerts also include Flamenco dancer/backup vocals Claudia Aguirre.

They have recorded two CDs: "Bosketches" and their latest release "Demonios" and have done two music videos one for Bravo and for the TMN channel. At the moment they have just begun working on their third CD and it promises to be full of new surprises, including more experimentations with Blues, Reggae and hiphop, fusing them with their blend of Latin rhythms, Flamenco guitars and will be introducing more Keyboards and a couple of instrumental pieces as well. So stay tuned, we'll keep you informed on the latest Santerias news.