As the echoes of BAD HOMBRE‘s performance at the Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2023 linger in my mind, it’s impossible not to be captivated thinking about the events that unfolded on stage. The amalgamation of diverse musical influences, pulsating rhythms, and soul-stirring collaborations made it an evening to remember
Amidst this sonic tapestry, Thana Alexa‘s performance of “Doyenne” emerged as a shining gem, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. This standout track from BAD HOMBRE’s latest album, SHIFT, transcends the boundaries of conventional rock fusion. Thana Alexa, the band’s vocal powerhouse and percussionist, took center stage with a performance that can only be described as a celestial journey through time and emotion.
The ethereal sounds of Big Yuki on keyboards, Lex Sadler on bass and Antonio on drums enveloped the venue, and Thana’s voice, enhanced by a voice sequencer and electronic effects, became a conduit for a myriad of feelings. She sang, danced, played the Tom drum, navigated through intricate melodies and cascading harmonies. The electronic effects, carefully curated, serve as the vehicle for Thana’s artistic expression, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that resonated with the audience’s collective soul.
Antonio Sanchez’s drumming at the festival was nothing short of a rhythmic rollercoaster. His complicated drum style, marked by unpredictable rhythm patterns and lightning-fast speed, turned each song into an exhilarating adventure. The constant changes in tempo were a testament to Sanchez’s virtuosity, and made the music challenging to follow or predict. Here, drumming wasn’t just a background element: it stood tall as the main protagonist, pushing boundaries, and redefining the very essence of musical exploration. Antonio Sanchez’s drumming was a tour de force, and left the audience in awe, sometime exhausted, of his unmatched skill and the daring spirit of experimental music.
The inception of BAD HOMBRE traces back to Trump’s disparaging comments about Mexican immigrants. In a candid preamble to his electrifying performance at the Riviera Maya Festival 2023, Sanchez shared his artistic evolution, and explained that BAD HOMBRE emerged as his alter ego, a vessel through which to channel his unrestrained creativity and rage. He hopes to defy expectations, insisting that Mexicans are never to be treated as less than anyone. “BAD HOMBRE,” once a derogatory term, has been reclaimed as a symbol of excellence, a resonant critique of hypocrisy, and a reflection of the tumultuous times in America.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival
https://rivieramayajazzfest.com/en
