Check out New York-based Radio Mundial if you are itching for fresh aural candy. Comprising of front man Jean Shepherd, guitarist Richard Shepherd, percussionist Jon “Gianni Mano” Uman and drummer Eric Bolivar, this dynamic quintet plays soulful and oh-so-catchy Latin inspired rock and funk.
The name “Radio Mundial” (which means “World Radio” in Spanish) says everything about the band’s music. “We don’t have a set formula for what we do. So when you hear our music, it’s like listening to a Radio of the World. We blend styles from all over the globe. We mix Latin music with funk and electronic, rock with traditional African rhythms, house music with Brazilian samba, and more,” quips Jean Shepherd.
Radio Mundial was discovered by Chris Blackwell, who helped nurture U2 and Bob Marley & the Wailers, and Gary Kurfirst, the manager of The Ramones and Talking Heads. Their music has also caught the discerning ears of the legendary Carlos Santana, who covered their hit number “La Raiz” and renamed it “El Fuego.” “No words can describe how we felt when we found out Carlos Santana covered our song. I turned as pale as a ghost. He is my hero! His version sounds amazing. We’ve met and played with him and his band, and they are all incredible,” Shepherd adds.
Radio Mundial is one of the exciting acts razing the stage at the festival WOMAD Singapore 2006. Jean says, “You can expect some surprises and a crazy, high energy show. Our specialty is playing live and we have prepared for our first show in Singapore extremely well.” Look forward to a sizzling set from this band at WOMAD Singapore 2006. The innovative music played by Radio Mundial is definitely worth your time.
