Los Mocosos

Rising up from the heart of San Francisco's Mission District comes a sound that slices like a barrio switchblade. It is the same neighbourhood that spawned Carlos Santana and Malo. And like those earlier Latino rockers, Los Mocosos is as much fun as a shot of tequila and as hot as a habanero chile.

"Santana, Malo, War, those were all barrio bands," says Happy Sanchez. "They would get together in the garage and play." "It's definitely got that feel," adds Gabriel Sandino, the band's guitarist. "I remember walking through the neighbourhood hearing George Clinton, War, early Santana and salsa, all pounding out of people's garages from house parties. Los Mocosos is part of that vibe."

The nine member band features "The Hitz Squad", a three- piece horn section, as well as drums, percussion, bass, keys, guitar, and the gritty tenor vocals of Manny Martinez. From funky, jazzy Latin-brass, to punky rock, to mambo and ska, these inner city hombres are for real.

They carry the credentials. Individual members have worked with the Chi-lites, Sheila E., Pete Escovedo, Jorge Santana, Malo, the Divinyls and Bill Summers.

Their debut CD, Mocos Locos, and their second release, Shades of Brown, have received rave reviews from the Latino press. High energy levels, with punchy horn lines and Tito Puente-style percussion, are mixed with hip-hop, ska and cultural references to the 'hood to bring the barrio party to the dancefloor.

Los Mocosos is: Manny Martinez vocals, percussion, Happy Sanchez bass, Roberto Quintana percussion, Sebastian Ponti drums, Shorty Ramos sax and vocals, Victor Castro trombone, and vocals, Joe Kaline sax and vocals, Steve Carter keyboards, Gabriel Sandino guitar.