LATIN EXPLOSION is not your regular salsa band... it’s a LATIN band, in the wider sense; freely mixing salsa with jazz, funk and contemporary popular music styles to create an explosive mix of sounds... it’s a BIG BAND by its very nature; equipped with all of the credentials to make for an exhilarating live outfit - engaging vocalists, a burning hot rhythm section and a big fat brass section... With their critically acclaimed fusion of rhythms, LATIN EXPLOSION is one of the most exciting new projects to emerge on the UK Latin scene today.

LATIN EXPLOSION is a UK-based Latin band bringing you a one-way ticket to the music of the Americas. The 11-piece lineup (2 vocalists, 3 percussionists, 4 brass, piano and bass) lends itself to an expansive BIG BAND sound without losing the dynamism and spark of a small group, and combines sensuous vocals, sophisticated horn lines and explosive percussion solos... With their vision to unite the rhythms of the Americas, their music is uplifting, inspiring and unifying, celebrating the diversity of cultures that arose out of the African Slave Trade, whilst focusing on the Cuban, Brazilian and globalized SALSA sounds which have become significant musical languages and forms of solidarity and cultural exchange among communities throughout the world.

“Clave... To us the word goes beyond explanations and definitions. It means life, salsa, the food of our leisure time, the motion of intense rhythm, the emotion of 20,000 people simultaneously grooving to the natural sounds of life. It’s being played in beat, on key, on clave... It means to be on top of things, to be playing it right... Clave is history, it’s culture. African drums from far off places like Nigeria, Dahomey, and Ghana married the Spanish guitar to bring us clave. The seeds were planted in the Caribbean and now their grandchild is Salsa...” CLAVE MAGAZINE

“Our ethos has a universal meaning in many languages - it is all about dispersed peoples coming together, and the amazing musical fusions that this has created. Our sound has the spirit of salsa, but the swing of samba, and we combine these rhythms with jazz, funk and infusions of contemporary popular music styles from around the world - it is a real melting pot...” (Director)

LATIN EXPLOSION provides the ULTIMATE catalyst for an engaging live outfit, delicately poised between its infectious appeal among a wide range of audiences yet technically sophisticated sensibility. The original compositions combine influences as diverse as South American pop, Spanish rumba, nu-Bossa, funk and reggaeton with a lyrical interplay between love, musical intoxication and images from the natural world. The arrangements themselves are pretty simple, containing flexible open platforms that allow the band to really stretch out and explore their musical territory, punctuated with unifying sections that bring the band into triumphant moments of tightness and togetherness. LATIN EXPLOSION has become a real VIBE band; analogous to a single, living breathing organism, yet free and open at the same time, lending itself to bursts of collective spontaneity - clapping in clave, improvised vocal refrains and onstage swaying. The combination of its expansive 11-piece lineup and its diverse influences from Latin American, mainstream popular and world rhythms render LATIN EXPLOSION truly a musical carnival...

LATIN EXPLOSION blends sophistication with FUN and works equally well as an amazing party band available for hire. Whether it is cheesy commercial Hollywood hits, sophisticated Latin jazz, straight-up contemporary salsa dance music or old-school Cuban classics, it is completely up to you! And of course like all great bands LATIN EXPLOSION will judge what the audience respond to on the day and are prepared to change the set list ‘on the fly’...

HIGHLIGHTS:

• 11 to 5-piece Latin band
• Playing a diverse range of styles
• Covering a comprehensive range of songs (traditional and contemporary) as well as playing original tunes
• Special request songs learned
• Starring some of the UK’s finest musicians from the best bands around, and featuring a variety of guest artists
• Boasting over 20 brilliant reviews from some of the UK's top venues and clients
• Offering a flexible range of line ups and instrumental combinations to suit the budget and requirements of the occasion
• Offering a flexible range of support acts to further enhance the occasion
• Providing its own instruments and backline
• Excellent value for money

LATIN EXPLOSION comes 11-piece as standard, but it also breaks down into a range of smaller lineup options:

• 11-piece: 2 vocalists, Piano, Bass, 3 percussionists (traditional OR contemporary setup), 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)
• 10-piece: 1 vocalist, Piano, Bass, 3 percussionists (traditional OR contemporary setup) OR 2 percussionists (Latin setup, congas) + 1 extra vocalist, 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)
• 9-piece: Piano, Bass, 3 percussionists (traditional OR contemporary setup) OR 2 percussionists (Latin setup, congas) + 1 vocalist, 4 horns (alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet)
• 8-piece: 2 vocalists, Piano, Bass, 3 percussionists (traditional OR contemporary setup), 1 saxophonist / vocalist
• 7-piece: 1 vocalist, Piano, Bass, 3 percussionists (traditional OR contemporary setup) OR
• 2 percussionists (Latin setup, congas) + 1 extra vocalist, 1 saxophonist / vocalist
• 6-piece: 1 vocalist, Piano OR Guitar, Bass, 2 percussionists (Latin setup, congas), 1 saxophonist / vocalist
• 5-piece: 1 vocalist, Piano OR Guitar, Bass, 1 percussionist (Latin setup OR congas), 1 saxophonist / vocalist

TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY SALSA

• Aguanile - Willie Colón / Marc Anthony
• Besame Mucho - Consuelo Velásquez
• Bilongo - Guillermo Rodríguez Fania All-Stars
• Como Fue - Buena Vista Social Club
• Déjame Soñar - Tito Puente Tony Vega
• Dos Gardenias - Buena Vista Social Club
• El Cuarto De Tula - Buena Vista Social Club
• Fire Burns Below - Alex Wilson
• Gozando En La Habana - Charanga Habañera
• Gracias A La Vida - Joan Baez / Issac Delgado
• Guantanamera - Joseito Fernández
• Habana Del Este - Afro-Cuban All-Stars
• Hasta Siempre Comandante - Carlos Puebla
• La Vida Es Un Carnival - Celia Cruz
• Lágrimas Negras - Miguel Matamoros / Javier Garcia
• No Me Mires A Los Ojos - Issac Delgado
• Palabras Del Alma - Marc Anthony
• Pedro Navajas - Oscar D'Leon
• Silencio - Buena Vista Social Club
• Valió La Pena - Marc Anthony

LATIN POP

• Ain’t it Funny – Jennifer Lopez
• Arranca - Manzanita
• Bingo Bango – Bolivar / Basement Jaxx
• Caraluna - Bacilos
• Copacabana - Barry Manilow
• Cuba - Gibson Brothers Klimax
• Do The Conga - Black Lace
• Do You Only Wanna Dance - Mia
• Get Up Stand Up - Bob Marley / Ojos Brujos
• Guaglione - Pérez Prado
• Hips Don't Lie - Shakira / Wyclef Jean
• Hotel California - Eagles
• I Like It (I Like It Like That) - Pete Rodríguez
• La Bamba - Ritchie Valens
• La Bomba - Ricky Martin
• Livin' La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin
• Mambo no. 5 - Pérez Prado
• Midnight at the Oasis – Maria Muldaur Brand New Heavies
• Moondance - Van Morrison
• Primavera - Santana
• Satellite - Santana
• Smooth - Santana
• Something in my Eye - Corduroy
• Sway - Pablo Beltrán Ruiz / Michael Buble
• Whenever, Wherever - Shakira

LATIN JAZZ

• Boliviana – Irakere
• Cachao's Guiro - Israel "Cachao" Lopez
• Chucho - Jesús "Chucho" Valdes
• Claudia - Jesús "Chucho" Valdes Paquito D'Rivera
• La Cuna - Ray Barretto
• Linda Chicana - Tito Puente
• Mambo Inn - Mario Bauzá
• Manteca - Dizzy Gillespie / Paquito D'Rivera
• Nature Boy - Eden Ahbez
• Nica's Dream - Horace Silver
• Night In Tunisia - Dizzy Gillespie
• Ran Kan Kan / Oye Como Va - Tito Puente
• Reunión - Paquito D'Rivera & Arturo Sandoval
• Sabor - Cal Tjader
• Song For Bilbao - Michael Brecker
• St Thomas - Sonny Rollins
• Tanga - Dizzy Gillespie
• Tequila - The Champs

BRAZILIAN MUSIC

• Brasil - Ary Barrosso
• Flor De Lis - Djavan
• Mais Que Nada - Jorge Ben
• Mama África - Chico César
• Não Enche - Caetano Veloso
• Samba De Janeiro - Bellini
• Shine - Lanu feat. Christin Deralas

ORIGINALS

• Golden Section
• Mistico
• Moonlight
• Move to the Music (Live to 100)
• Time is Running Out

Andy & Clare, Wedding, Cheshire
Just wanted to say thanks again for playing yesterday - we had a brilliant time, and lots of our guests have been telling us how great they thought you guys were. Thank you! 

Prestwich Festival
LATIN EXPLOSION was exactly what was needed to bring the Prestwich Concert Series to a rip-roaring and stunning close.  Energetic, vivid, bright, bubbling with sun that was only too absent from the Manchester air, the standard of playing can only be classed as faultless, delivered with a professionalism that would I am sure leave a lot of similar bands standing. We were warned and it came true: people really were dancing in the aisles.

RT & EJ, Wedding, Oxford
LATIN EXPLOSION’s performance at our wedding reception was fantastic. We got married in Christ Church, our old Oxford college, a beautiful setting which nevertheless has very strict requirements regarding sound, volume and logistics. LATIN EXPLOSION achieved what seemed impossible at first - to meet to all the college's requirements AND provide a magical performance for our guests. Many of our guests had "Latin" origins - either from Spain or South America - and they were all equally impressed by the authenticity of LATIN EXPLOSION’s music which kept us dancing till the early hours. LATIN EXPLOSION is a very energetic, friendly and professional band that can produce the perfect music for any occasion. We recommend them strongly!

GW, Wedding, Lancashire
We were delighted with LATIN EXPLOSION. Everybody had a fantastic time dancing, and we received many comments about how excellent the band were. We would definitely recommend them.

GH, Wedding, York
We would like to thank you and LATIN EXPLOSION for an excellent set on Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed the music and have had a lot of favourable comments from our guests about the music! Please pass on our thanks to Rory and the rest of the band for their part in making it such a special night! 

Christie’s Coffee House, Upper Mill, Oldham
LATIN EXPLOSION were great! Fantastic entertainment from a great group of musicians. All the guests really enjoyed them!

Freak Music, Recording, UK
From the minute this band takes to the stage to the minute they leave, they are certain to compel you to dance to these fantastic beats. Latin Explosion is your one-way ticket to the sizzling, scorching sounds of Latin America and the Caribbean. If you are looking to create an event where the dance floor simply must be full then this is the band for you!

KRO Catering and Events, Manchester Christmas Festival, Manchester
The band really engaged with audience, which created a great vibe. Mixing classic songs with current music gave the band a wide appeal and had everyone up dancing all night. Great fun and would definitely book them for future events. 

Salsa de Cuba, Salsa events, Manchester
We've worked with and had the pleasure of enjoying the music of LATIN EXPLOSION on many occasions - a band of experienced and talented musicians. Whether the 5-piece or big 11-piece group, they never fail to bring a great performance of varied and popular Latin and Salsa numbers to the show.  From our point of view as dancers, we all enjoy the LATIN EXPLOSION experience, having us all on our feet all night!  They now have quite a following in the salsa scene - highly recommended!

Band on the Wall, Festival, Manchester
A bunch of young, hip and cool aficionados producing the slickest and most polished sounds in the city. Fronted by mesmerising vocalists, backed by a burning hot percussion unit and equipped with a tight pop horns train, LATIN EXPLOSION provides the perfect recipe for a fun-filled fiesta night out.  A zesty infusion of salsa and jazz influences, fat funky grooves and just about everything else south of the border, LATIN EXPLOSION is the ultimate tribute to Latin music in the UK. Absolutely stunning.

Edge Street Events, Manchester Food & Drink Festival, Manchester
LATIN EXPLOSION small band brought a fun fiesta feeling to the Festival Hub’s main-stage at the 2010 Manchester Food & Drink Festival. With their colourful interpretations of Latino classics mixed with their energetic, quirky spontaneity and delightful stage presence, LATIN EXPLOSION brought the sunshine out of all who came to attend. The performers really seemed to be enjoying themselves, which naturally fed into the enjoyment of the assembled crowds. This is a band definitely worth keeping an eye on!

Manchester Jazz Festival, Festival Pavilion, Manchester
LATIN EXPLOSION left audiences cheering and pleading for more after their high-energy performance at Manchester Jazz Festival 2010. Their dedication to the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian repertoire, which they deliver in such a vibrant and authentic way, was a treat for both the aficionado and the dancer out for a good time. With their punchy horns, colourful percussion and engaging vocalists, here is a young band set to ignite and inspire listeners and dancers wherever they appear.

Manchester Salon, La Soirée Concert Series, Manchester
To say I was 'blown away' by the evening's experience is a little bit of an understatement! LATIN EXPLOSION took to the stage and the evening really  'kicked-off'. LATIN EXPLOSION are an 11-piece band, billed as being 'one of the most exciting new projects in the contemporary UK Latin scene' and they did not disappoint. The acoustics are great and I was particularly impressed with Rory Duffy's haunting saxophone rifts, coupled with the vibrancy and clarity of the lead female vocalist. The sexy, up-tempo, Latin American beat soon had the audience tapping in tune, with an adventurous couple taking to the dance floor to show off their salsa style steps. This seemed to pave the way for the other experienced salsa dancers get in on the action. As a salsa virgin I was in total awe of the way they moved as one entity, synchronising their moves in perfect time with the music - as soon as the first beats of the next song were played they automatically knew what moves to make. I must admit listening to the fast paced music I just wanted to get up there and join in, but felt inadequate watching the footwork skills on show.  Wow, I want to learn how to do that, I have to take salsa lessons and strut my stuff; maybe it is the new 'Line-dancing' fad but it look so much fun and I want IN. The whole evening was one of the most entertaining and fun that I have had in a long time. The music, atmosphere and venue blended so well but unfortunately it was over too quickly.

Your Event Musicians, La Soirée Concert Series, Manchester
Our audience really enjoyed LATIN EXPLOSION’s performance at La Soirée Concert Series. Thank you for entertaining us.

Grevel Lindop, salsa critic and author of the bestselling novel 'Travels on the Dancefloor', Manchester Jazz Festival
It was a superb salsa workout last night as local Latin bands LATIN EXPLOSION and Mojito put on dazzling performances as part of the Manchester Jazz Festival. LATIN EXPLOSION (whom I hadn’t heard before) took us through a whole range of music including son and samba as well as salsa.  They’re a big orchestra – 11-piece as far as I could count from where I was – with emphasis on brass, piano and vocals. The style is Latin jazz, not unlike the Alex Wilson sound if you’re familiar with that: some of it just forced you to get up and move, and all of it was highly listenable. I hope to hear a lot more of LATIN EXPLOSION.

Cultural Collage World Music Festival, Platt Fields Park Centenary Celebrations, Manchester
LATIN EXPLOSION gave a performance that was both great fun, and well received by our audience - who simply didn’t want to stop dancing. Moreover, the band too seemed to be having such a good time, so much so that they didn’t want to stop dancing either! Well done, thanks for keeping us informed at all times during the booking process, and I am sure that, on the strength of such a successful gig, I will have little problem booking you for others! 

WPA Health Insurance, Annual Conference, Cardiff
In February 2010 we had the pleasure of LATIN EXPLOSION to entertain us at our annual conference. The band were kind enough to liaise with us well in advance to discuss our requirements and I am really happy that this was taken into account for our evening. As our guests had an age range from 23 to 73, I feel you provided a great party atmosphere for all, and the surrounding logistics was made easy by your professional approach. I would have no hesitation in recommending LATIN EXPLOSION to any corporate function should they desire an entertaining upbeat Latin style party. 

Matt & Phred's Jazz Club, A Night of Latin Jazz, Manchester
LATIN EXPLOSION are a hugely talented and energetic band who blew the roof off Matt & Phred's on their first ever gig at the club. The band of 11 musicians has a great natural fusion and the ease in which they commanded the stage was a joy to behold. This is a band we will definitely be booking again and again. 

Royal Northern College of Music, 'A Night in Hollywood' - rag week event in aid of Amnesty International, Manchester
Tight, professional, and above all, FUN, LATIN EXPLOSION blew us all away. Faithful enough to the traditions of Latin music to satisfy even the most diehard purist, but with enough energy and diversity for an amazing party band. I would recommend these guys to anyone.

LATIN EXPLOSION has performed all over the UK, touring concert venues, events both private and corporate, festivals, showcases and weddings. Previous clients include Band on the Wall, Cultural Collage World Music Festival, KRO Ltd Catering & Events, Manchester Food & Drink Festival, Manchester Jazz Festival, Manchester Salon, Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club, Prestwich Festival, Royal Northern College of Music, Salsa de Cuba, Salsa Direct and WPA Health Insurance.

LATIN EXPLOSION brings together a collective of musicians from all over the UK - including London, Manchester, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Lancashire. Its members are all experienced musicians who have played with some of the UK’s top bands within the jazz and world music circuit. Many of them are distinguished music graduates from UK music colleges and universities and from institutions around the world. LATIN EXPLOSION also brings in a variety of guest artists, further expanding their wide range of material.

Please note: prices advertised are approximate estimates for the 11-piece lineup only, and they include distances, transport expenses and PA. Since performance fees and transport expenses are calculated to the mile from either London (SW1A) or Manchester (M1); in 99% of cases actual quotes will be lower, especially for the smaller lineups (10 - 5). Please enquire for an actual quote.

LATIN EXPLOSION is priced per 1 time allocation of maximum 135 minutes (2.25 hours), divided into sets, with break(s) of 30 minutes between sets.

• 2 x 65 minute sets
• 3 x 45 minute sets
• 4 x 35 minute sets

Support acts are allocated a separate time allocation (unless performing as a guest with the primary feature).

Please Note: The fees indicated below are approximate and based on a central location for each county. They are intended to provide a rough guide only and exact quotes can only be given once the date and exact location of your event have been provided.