Central California Latin ska reggae band MENTO BURU releasing new EP “East Bakersfield Christmas II” on December 15 |
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“They’re all familiar, heartwarming songs, and hearing them with upbeat ska/reggae rhythms should bring an extra smile to your face this skaliday season.”- Brooklynvegan |
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Mento Buru is a 7-piece band from Bakersfield, CA that combines an energetic blend of Latin alternative, Jamaican SKA and reggae sounds. Veterans of ska music’s hyperactive nineties third wave, the group has released music on the Moon Ska and Steady Beat record labels establishing their reputation as a genre-defying musical act around the globe. Now, the band is excited to announce the release of, “East Bakersfield Christmas II,” a six-song follow up to their hugely popular 2020 holiday ep. Titled in honor of the historic and culturally diverse neighborhood where the group formed and still resides, the ep is a sonic reflection of the culturally rich area that also boasts its own colorful musical history. “We had such an overwhelming response to our last holiday release,” said lead vocalist Matt Munoz. “There was no doubt in our minds that we had to keep this project going. We are so Thankful to KCSOS and our generous community sponsors for this collaboration and look forward to sharing this new collection of songs with our fans who’ve given us so much support all these years. Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad!” Recorded at Summit Studios in Bakersfield, the project was mixed by acclaimed studio engineer Reade Wolcott (We Are The Union, Fat Mike’s Fat Mic Podcast) and mastered by Dave Fore (Collie Buddz, The Lacs, N2Deep.) Over the years the band has also shared stages with musical heroes The Specials, The English Beat, Los Lobos, The Dirty Heads, Fishbone, Ozomatli, Buck Owens (of course!) and countless others in addition to performing at The Broad Stage, The Roxy, Whisky a Go Go, The Viper Room, BB Kings venues, and countless festivals. Made possible through a collaboration with Kern County Superintendent of Schools and generous community sponsors, “East Bakersfield Christmas II” will be available at Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Pandora and YouTube beginning Dec. 15. Stream the original song “Christmastime In Bakersfield” HERE: https://youtu.be/Qk3GxvZOmC0? |
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Track listing: “Christmastime In Bakersfield”: An all-new original holiday treat! Let us take you on a nostalgic trip back to the streets of Bakersfield with tumbleweeds for snow! Jump on the 99 and head to Woolgrowers for a Basque feast and Guthrie’s for the reunions we all love with a tip o’ the hat to Buck and Merle to boot. “Run Rudolph Run”: Chuck Berry’s 1958 rock n’ roll blazer, is transformed into a high-octane ska burner that will make you wanna skank around the Christmas tree! Featuring guest background vocals by the students from Mrs. Valadez 3rd grade class at Fremont School. “Winter Wonderland”: With booming, blazing drum beats and guitar stylings ala’ The Clash, this updated classic from 1934 rocks and grooves like never before with solos by keyboardist Jay Smith and guitarist Salvador Galindo. “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”: Brenda Lee’s 1958 classic gets the blue beat Two Tone ska swing treatment from Mento Buru with scorching solos by sax legend Paul Perez and trombone monster Justin Kirk. It’s skaliday madness! “Mi Burrito Sabanero”: Originally released in 1972 by Venezuelan composer Hugo Blanco, this holiday deep cut about the journey of a child and their donkey to Bethlehem to see the Baby Jesus has become a Latin music favorite for kids of all ages. Featuring guest background vocals by Fremont School teacher Mrs. Rosanna Valadez and students from her 3rd grade class. “Llego La Navidad” (Winter Wonderland): Bonus track featuring all-Spanish lyrics and vocals. |
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Mento Buru consists of Matt Munoz, lead vocals; Cesareo Garasa, drums; Caleb Moore, bass; Salvador Galindo, guitar; Jay Smith, keyboards; Paul Perez, saxophone; and Justin Kirk, trombone. Guest musicians: Brent Williams, trumpet; Chris Heasley, percussion; and Rosanna Valadez, Miranda Whitworth, Alisa Garasa, Robyn Dyer, background vocals; The Fremont School 3rd Grade Kids Choir, background vocals. Social: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Mentoburu Facebook: Facebook.com/mentoburu Instagram: @mentoburu Music Download Streaming at: Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mento- Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/ |