GRINGO: a derogatory word of southwestern Hispanics for an Anglo; a stranger, someone who doesn't speak Spanish. Etymology remains unknown.
EL GRINGO: Country Funk Punk. Sexy Hick Music. Badland Brain Tablet Gospel. Horse Fuel. Desert Storm Rock. Rockabilly Honky Tonk. Jungle Boogie on the Farm. Rider's Songs. Tequila Tunes. Mountain Man Jam Band.
El Gringo, as known today, formed in early 2004. That's when the concept for this record began. From day one it has been about recreating the music we hear in our heads. Playing it with heart and having fun. Four guys, two guitars, a bass, and a drum kit.
This record is completely independent. No outside help or influence. A big label sound without the committee watering down the vibe. Fresh unadulterated indie roots music. No apologies. No compromises. No session musicians were used on this record. You hear our real voices. No professional studios were used in tracking. Recorded in Wakefield , Shrewsbury , Somerville , Newton , Boston , and OZ.
That's it. We worked with what we had and are damn proud of the effort. Hope you are too. See you at a show, and thanks for supporting independent music.
El Gringo
February 2006
Press Reviews:
Performer Magazine February 2006:
El Gringo describes their sound as “Country Funk Punk†and “Sexy Hick Music.†Whether this was a goal they set out to meet, or a style that just evolved, there is hardly a better description. El Gringo opens with “Radiator Coming,†a funky, twangy track with definite hick influence (what other demographic would sing about their radiators?). The sound morphs throughout the album from a sweet melody with prominent lyrics in “Two Lanes,†to rambling electric guitar and slick tempo changes in “Cordoba.†They don’t commit to one formula, but always stay safely within the bounds of their self-determined genre.
The vocals have a rootsy, tinny, far-off quality on some tracks, yet on others meld lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm into a cohesive whole. El Gringo has forged a record that alternately soothes and rocks. Despite some raunchy Hendrix-esque guitar, they aren’t afraid to show a softer side. The quartet features two guitars, bass, and drums, all utilized to hone their honest, no-nonsense sound. Their grassroots vocals are engaging atop the minimal productions that highlight a clear instrumental tone. El Gringo is a testament to the band’s synergy, tight and carefully engineered. (Licensed to Horse Fuel Records)
-April Wachtel
"I was pleasantly surprised when my father popped in the El Gringo CD. Alt-Country Rock Folk melodies combine with great hooks and catchy lyrics to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. I played a bit of 'Two Lanes' today--a great pick me up to end the show" --Jane Linholm, Marketplace Director & Associate Producer, National Public Radio
"Bob Moon, lead guitarist for the Boston-based band El Gringo, holds nothing back" 2/3/2005 boston.com
"The songs on this disc combine roots music with poetry, sensible pop melody, New Orleans grooves and take into account lightness as a credible influence as bands such as Phish and Guster have done.
I love the sparsness of the record. There's tons of space for the lyric to sit comfortably and the harmonies of Sam and Greg's voices together are amazing."
--Lucas Reynolds, Blue Merle
"I think your verses are very strong melodically. Lyrically it's fresh, and the groove, very original"
--Jason Blume
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.elgringomusic.com
Track List:
1. Radiator Coming
2. Barnbee
3. Two Lanes
4. Being Wrong
5. Alabama Moonstruck
6. Estas Loca
7. Traffic
8. Cordoba
9. Nice To Meet You
10. Take The Rest of Me
11. Scary Things
12. Gringo In Limbo
13. Glasshouse
14. Head
15. Sweet Day
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
EL GRINGO: Country Funk Punk. Sexy Hick Music. Badland Brain Tablet Gospel. Horse Fuel. Desert Storm Rock. Rockabilly Honky Tonk. Jungle Boogie on the Farm. Rider's Songs. Tequila Tunes. Mountain Man Jam Band.
El Gringo, as known today, formed in early 2004. That's when the concept for this record began. From day one it has been about recreating the music we hear in our heads. Playing it with heart and having fun. Four guys, two guitars, a bass, and a drum kit.
This record is completely independent. No outside help or influence. A big label sound without the committee watering down the vibe. Fresh unadulterated indie roots music. No apologies. No compromises. No session musicians were used on this record. You hear our real voices. No professional studios were used in tracking. Recorded in Wakefield , Shrewsbury , Somerville , Newton , Boston , and OZ.
That's it. We worked with what we had and are damn proud of the effort. Hope you are too. See you at a show, and thanks for supporting independent music.
El Gringo
February 2006
Press Reviews:
Performer Magazine February 2006:
El Gringo describes their sound as “Country Funk Punk†and “Sexy Hick Music.†Whether this was a goal they set out to meet, or a style that just evolved, there is hardly a better description. El Gringo opens with “Radiator Coming,†a funky, twangy track with definite hick influence (what other demographic would sing about their radiators?). The sound morphs throughout the album from a sweet melody with prominent lyrics in “Two Lanes,†to rambling electric guitar and slick tempo changes in “Cordoba.†They don’t commit to one formula, but always stay safely within the bounds of their self-determined genre.
The vocals have a rootsy, tinny, far-off quality on some tracks, yet on others meld lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm into a cohesive whole. El Gringo has forged a record that alternately soothes and rocks. Despite some raunchy Hendrix-esque guitar, they aren’t afraid to show a softer side. The quartet features two guitars, bass, and drums, all utilized to hone their honest, no-nonsense sound. Their grassroots vocals are engaging atop the minimal productions that highlight a clear instrumental tone. El Gringo is a testament to the band’s synergy, tight and carefully engineered. (Licensed to Horse Fuel Records)
-April Wachtel
"I was pleasantly surprised when my father popped in the El Gringo CD. Alt-Country Rock Folk melodies combine with great hooks and catchy lyrics to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. I played a bit of 'Two Lanes' today--a great pick me up to end the show" --Jane Linholm, Marketplace Director & Associate Producer, National Public Radio
"Bob Moon, lead guitarist for the Boston-based band El Gringo, holds nothing back" 2/3/2005 boston.com
"The songs on this disc combine roots music with poetry, sensible pop melody, New Orleans grooves and take into account lightness as a credible influence as bands such as Phish and Guster have done.
I love the sparsness of the record. There's tons of space for the lyric to sit comfortably and the harmonies of Sam and Greg's voices together are amazing."
--Lucas Reynolds, Blue Merle
"I think your verses are very strong melodically. Lyrically it's fresh, and the groove, very original"
--Jason Blume
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.elgringomusic.com
Track List:
1. Radiator Coming
2. Barnbee
3. Two Lanes
4. Being Wrong
5. Alabama Moonstruck
6. Estas Loca
7. Traffic
8. Cordoba
9. Nice To Meet You
10. Take The Rest of Me
11. Scary Things
12. Gringo In Limbo
13. Glasshouse
14. Head
15. Sweet Day
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- ROCK: Roots Rock
- ROCK: Jam-band
- MOOD: UPBEAT