The Best of Soul Music and Funk from Mexico

Looking for some great soul music and funk from Mexico? Look no further than this blog! We’ve got all the best tunes from south of the border, perfect for getting your groove on.

Introduction

When most people think of Mexican music, they think of Mariachi or traditional Norteño music. However, there is a whole other side to Mexico’s musical history that is often overlooked – its contributions to the world of soul and funk.

The 1960s and 1970s were a golden age for soul and funk music in Mexico, with a number of artists emerging who blended these genres with traditional Mexican sounds to create something truly unique. While many of these artists have since faded into obscurity, their music has been rediscovered by a new generation of fans and is finally beginning to get the recognition it deserves.

So, if you’re looking for something a little different from your usual Mexican music fare, check out some of these classic soul and funk tracks from Mexico’s golden era. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

The History of Soul Music and Funk in Mexico

The origins of soul music and funk in Mexico can be traced back to the 1920s, with the likes of Trio Matamoros, who blended Cuban rhythms with Mexican folk music. In the 1940s and 1950s, artists like Lucha Villa and Roberto Cantoral began experimenting with soul and funk, and by the 1960s, these genres had taken off in Mexico. In this article, we’ll explore the history of soul music and funk in Mexico, from the early pioneers to the modern stars.

The Origins of Soul Music and Funk in Mexico

Soul music and funk began to take root in Mexico in the late 1960s, thanks to the influence of American soul and R&B music that was being played on the radio. Mexican musicians began to experiment with these new sounds, infusing them with traditional Latin rhythms to create a unique hybrid style.

The 1970s saw the rise of several Mexican soul and funk bands, such as CALAVERAS, SANTANA, and LOS FABULOSOS CADILLACS. These groups found success both at home and abroad, helping to spread the popularity of this new musical genre.

Soul music and funk continued to evolve in Mexico in the 1980s and 1990s, as more and more artists began to experiment with the sound. Today, there is a vibrant soul and funk scene in Mexico, with many talented artists keeping the sound alive.

The Development of Soul Music and Funk in Mexico

The origins of soul music and funk in Mexico can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the country was undergoing a period of social and political turmoil. Mexican artists began to experiment with new sounds and styles, incorporating elements of soul, funk, and rock into their music. This new type of music came to be known as “funk mexicano.”

Funk mexicano was a radical departure from traditional Mexican music, and it quickly gained popularity among young people. The genre continued to evolve in the following decades, blending with other styles such as hip hop and electronic music. Today, funk mexicano is an integral part of Mexico’s musical landscape.

The Best of Soul Music and Funk from Mexico

The best of soul music and funk from Mexico can be found in a variety of places. There are many great soul and funk bands in Mexico that have been influenced by a variety of different genres. This article will explore some of the best of these bands and their music.

The Best Soul Music and Funk Artists from Mexico

Since the 1950s, Mexico has had a thriving soul and funk music scene. While the genre is not as popular as it once was, there are still many great soul and funk artists making music today. Here are some of the best soul and funk artists from Mexico.

The Trek-O-Logical Sounds of Mexico is a seven-piece band that plays a mix of soul, funk, and R&B. The band is led by trumpet player Humberto Duarte, who has been playing music for over 50 years. The Trek-O-Logical Sounds of Mexico has released two albums, “Trek-O-Logical” and “Funkophonic.”

Eddie Palmieri is a world-renowned pianist and bandleader from New York City. Palmieri was born to Puerto Rican parents in 1939 and grew up in the South Bronx. He began playing piano at a young age and went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music. In the early 1960s, Palmieri formed his own band, La Perfecta, which combined elements of Cuban music with American jazz and R&B. The band achieved great success, releasing several hit albums including “The Birth of Latin Soul” and “ Harlem River Drive.”

Milton James is a bassist, composer, and arranger from Mexico City. James has worked with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Machito. He has also released several solo albums including “Mambo Nights” and “ electric Mambo.”

ISMAEL Rivera is a Puerto Rican singer who was born in Ponce in 1936. Rivera began his career singing with various bands in Puerto Rico before moving to New York City in the early 1960s. He found success with his band La Mighty Sparrows, which released the hit album “ En New York.” Rivera went on to have a successful solo career, releasing dozens of albums including “Canta Ismael Rivera y Sus Cangris” and “ Siempre Viviras en Mi Memoria .”

The Best Soul Music and Funk Albums from Mexico

When it comes to groove, soul music and funk from Mexico has it in spades. These are the best albums of the genre, according to Afropop Worldwide.

1. “La Candela Viva” by Ray Barretto (Fania, 1970)
2. “Cuidado with My Boogaloo” by La Lupe (Tico, 1968)
3. “Africa Bohemia” by Azteca (Brownswood, 2016)
4. “Soul of a Nation: Afro-Centric Visions in the Age of Black Power – Various Artists” (Soul Jazz, 2017)
5. “Freedom No Go Die” by Hugh Masekela (MGM, 1968)
6. “The World Ends: Afro-Rock & Psychedelia in 1970s Nigeria – Various Artists” (Soundway, 2016)
7. “No Bailarás” by Maxine Funke (Captured Tracks, 2017)
8. “We’re Gonna Have a Good Time: The Best ofz Mexico City’s Independent Record Label Nuevos Ricos – Various Artists” (Nuevos Ricos, 2016)
9. “Quiero Morirme en Tu Veneno” by Ely Guerra (Sony Music Mexico, 1996)
10. “Salseando: The Afro-Peruvian Soul Sound Erotic Funk and Groove 1966-1974 – Various Artists” (Tub Trackers/Palms Out Sounds, 2010)

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a great variety of soul music and funk coming out of Mexico. This is just a small sampling of what the country has to offer. If you’re a fan of either genre, be sure to check out some of these artists. You won’t be disappointed.