Bio Ritmo
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Bio Ritmo "Salsa Machine" is a salsa band based in Richmond, Virginia. The name Bio Ritmo is a Spanglish word play on the term Biorhythm, the hypothetical description for the rhythm of life.
The nine-member ensemble is known for a classic Nuyorican salsa sound from the 1970s that combines Afro-Cuban rhythms, samba, and electronica with a big band brass feel. The band's repertoire includes various kinds of Latin music including Son, Merengue, Bolero, Flamenco, Mambo, Cha-cha-chá and Latin Jazz.
Founded in the early 1990's, they started out as a part of the Virginia college band scene that included other, then indie, acts like the Dave Matthews Band and Fighting Gravity.
In November 2003, the Salsa Machine won the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series (IMWS) Northeast finals held at The Lion's Den in New York City and earned the title of "Top Independent Act in the Northeast." They were finalists in the 2004 Independent Music Awards – Latin Category.
Following their critically acclaimed 2004 self-titled release, Bio Ritmo is gearing up to launch its latest EP, Salsa System, produced by legendary engineer/producer and 18-time Grammy Award winner, Jon Fausty.
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[edit] The Band
- Gabo Tomasini: conga (original member)
- Giustino Riccio: timbal, clave (original member)
- Bob Miller: trumpet
- Marlysse Simmons: piano
- Rei Alvarez: vocals, guiro (original member)
- Tobias Whitaker: trombone
- Tim Lett: trumpet
- Matt Hall: bass
- Bryan Hooten: trombone
[edit] Discography
- Piraguero, 7" single, Merge Records, 1995
- Que Siga la Musica, Shamless Records, 1996
- Salsa Galactica, Permanent Records, 1997
- Rumba, Baby Rumba, Mercury / Triloka records, 1998
- Bio Ritmo (self-titled), Independent Release, Locutor Records 2004
- Salsa System, expected release in 2006
- Featured on international CD compilations: Latin Beat Magazine's 2005 Siempre Salsa CD of the best indie salsa; the Swiss release Ritmo Rico, and Holland's Latin Lounge Vol. 1.
[edit] Performances
Bio Ritmo has toured the United States extensively and has also performed in Canada and Puerto Rico. Recent performances include a New York Central Park Summer Stage performance with salsa legend Sonora Ponceña, Hot House in Chicago, SOB's in New York and the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.
Bio Ritmo has shared the stage with Mambo King, Tito Puente, as well as Poncho Sanchez, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Timbalaye, Tambo, Ozomatli, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Morphine, G Love and Special Sauce, Wilco and Southern Culture on the Skids.
January 14, 2006, Bio Ritmo performed at the Inaugural Ball for Commonwealth of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine in Williamsburg, Virginia at the College of William & Mary.
In July 2006 they will be performing in New York City at the Lincoln Center as part of the outdoor Midsummer Nights Swing series.
[edit] 15 Years of Bio Ritmo!
Summer 2006 marked the 15 year anniversary for Bio Ritmo Salsa Machine. The band celebrated with special performances in Charlottesville, Virginia (August 25) and Richmond, Virginia (September 5) featuring founding member Jorge Negron.
