It began with a comment here, a remark there; like the growing whispers of Sauron’s army gathering in the East, or the speculation of the Republicans regaining control of the Senate in the midterm election (debatably more dire). Friends would say, “You need to check out La Misa Negra!” or “What a voice!” But I never managed to hear them until they were recently shortlisted for Oaktown Indie Mayhem’s “Best Song by an Oakland Band” award, for “Por La Bahia.” Then I put it on, and the effect was immediate. The need to dance.
La Misa Negra, or “Black Ritual,” is an eight-piece Oakland band that plays uber-high-energy Afro-Colombian cumbia music. The rhythm section snaps and cracks like a rifle, the horns and accordions shoot pure ecstasy down your spine and into your feet, and lead vocalist Diana Trujillo brings enough joy to these songs that even the most two-left-footed neurotic dudes among us will likely hit the dance floor.
“Por La Bahia” moves along at mid-tempo; a mesmerizing saxophone riff rocks back and forth like a boat, and drum rolls abound. Trujillo sings loud and clear, bringing a terrific melody to the chorus. On the group’s website, they promise “La Misa Negra is not just a band, but a party.” After hearing “Por La Bahia,” along with the other nine songs on their album “Misa de Medianoche,” how could anyone doubt them?
Listen to “Por La Bahia,” and the rest of La Misa Negra’s full-length, below.
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