Swanvesta Social Club were founded in St Albans, and are a British Cuban-influenced group.
Contents |
They released a salsa version of "I Predict a Riot" in 2008, on their first CD release the mini album, Never Mind the Bongos, which featured a mixture of traditional Cuban songs, originals and Latin reinventions of contemporary pop songs.[1] According to the St Albans Review newspaper they model themselves on the Buena Vista Social Club.[2] The line-up includes actor Simon Grover on trumpet.
They are most noted for their lively outdoor performances. Ray Cooper described them as "one of the most interesting live bands I have seen in ages!".[3]
In 2007 they headlined the Exmoor Folk Festival and were described by folk journalist Rob Hopcott as "monumental",[4] and appeared at the fringe of the St Albans International Organ Festival. In 2008 they played alongside Oysterband at the Two Rivers Festival. In 2009 they played at the Two Rivers Festival, again alongside Seth Lakeman; The Leamington Peace Festival along with Attila the Stockbroker, 3 Daft Monkeys and Togfest at Bradwell Abbey.
In July 2009 they released an EP, "Songs from the Latin Quarter", which included a cover version of the Max Martin song "...Baby One More Time" which was the featured song on Radio Verulam between 26 June and 2 July that year.[5]
In July 2010, they played at the Rhythms Of The World Festival in Hitchin, along with Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Glen Matlock and Hugh Cornwell. They returned to the festival in 2011 and launched the mainstage playing alongside Ska Cubano and The Selecter [6].
their first album "The inauthentic sound of Cuba" was scheduled for worldwide release on July 24th 2011 featuring versions of Guantanamera, Hasta Siempre and I gotta feeling [7].
The band has twice topped the world Cuban Chart on the Soundclick social website. In November 2007 with Ella Muchacha [8] (Number 13 in the World Latin chart); and in June 2009 with Quema (Number 23 in the World Latin Chart)[9]