Hola amigos, que tal? Generally I’m pretty happy with my life but every once in a while I get really, really, really bummed out about my lack of latin flavor. Luckily for me, the handsome chaps at Learning Secrets Music dropped sneak preview of the new masterpiece from Grupo Fantasma set to be released in early May and it’s been helping me work through my soul-envy.

Grupo is a 10 piece Latin Jazz Orchestra hailing from Austin, Tx. who has backed Prince and Spoon on a number of occasions and their last album, ‘Sonidos Gold’ was nominated for a Grammy for “Best Latin Rock or Alternative”. In this latest release, ‘El Existential’, the guys went the non-traditional/DIY route by renting a house out, stocking it full of the finest recording equipment and taking the entire recording process on themselves; from engineering, to production, to finances, you name it. They even had the Legendary Larry Harlow of the Fania All-Stars contribute his Piano skills along with guitarist Curt Kirkwood of the Meat Puppets. The ending product is truly a masterpiece; so much so, Nat Geo Music decided to take it under it’s wing for release (May 11th).

I’ll give you more as the release date approaches and I’ve had some time to let it properly soak into my duramatter – if you’re lucky I might even post some pics of my salsa moves… keep in touch my friends.