Rey Fresco
Like many people my taste in music would be considered random. I won’t rattle off a list of artists in different genres to demonstrate that fact but I will say that the common factor is good writing. A song that begins well on paper is usually guaranteed to make it onto my playlist. For example, Go On, by Jack Johnson – a beautiful story told by a father seeing the world through his child’s eyes.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not a music snob who needs to feel an emotional connection to every song. And I don’t reference bands most people have never heard of to give the impression of some sort of underground music expert. I like songs that make me want to get up and move just as much. I even break out some sweet dance moves for Bye, Bye, Bye on occasion. Go ahead and laugh… I’m not ashamed. So when I find artists that fall into both categories – that’s even better.
I was listening to Radio Milwaukee (read: Milwaukee’s best radio station) recently and heard the song, Precious Time, by Rey Fresco. The most literal interpretation of the line “all we’ve got is precious time” is pretty incredible. I loved it so much I bought their album, The People, and haven’t been able to turn it off for days. Rey Fresco, Spanish for King Fresh, is a four piece band that took over the California music scene in 2009.
They describe their music as “a wholly original sound that blends their mutual love for rock, reggae, soul, world and Latin music.” The band is made up of lead singer and Fiji native, Roger Keiaho, drummer Andrew Jones, who builds his drums based on techniques learned as a surfboard maker, bassist Shawn Echevarria and harpist, Xocoyotzin “Xoco” Moraza, who plays a 36 string harp. That’s right, I said harp – it’s incredible.
The band plans to tour nationwide in 2010 to build on the overwhelming success they found in California last year. I think they’re going to be welcomed across the nation and hope they come to Milwaukee. If they do, consider me there. Check them out on reyfresco.com or myspace.com/reyfresco. Enjoy!
