PRESS RELEASE |Chino Pons & Grupo Irek “Mueve Despacito”

Artist: Chino Pons and Grupo Irek

CD title: Mueve Despacito

Release date: August,2014

Genre: Latin/World/Salsa

Label: Guanabacoa Records

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The highly popular NYC-based Cuban singer, Chino Pons, and his band Grupo Irek, are pleased announce the release of their second studio album on the newly created label Guanabacoa Records. “Mueve Despacito” is a highly danceable album, consisting of mostly original material written by Chino Pons, his uncle Chiquitico Sotomayor, and several other composers.

Recorded in New York City over 2013 – 2014, “Mueve Despacito” features Chino Pons on vocals, core members of Grupo Irek playing (Tosso Hettinger – tres, Hensy Perez – bass, Eddy Valentin – percussion) as well as numerous special guests, including Jacob Plasse, who both played guitar on and engineered the album.

Chino describes the inspiration for this record in his own words:
“Although I began my artistic career later in my life, from a young age I was constantly surrounded by musicians and dancers from the
1940’s and 1950’s. Growing up in this environment of traditional music, these people had a great influence on me, they inspired me to create this album. Listening to my relatives gave me a solid base in Son Cubano. Also, absorbing their knowledge of Rumba, Yambu, Cha Cha Cha, Chaonda and other Caribbean rhythms lead me to create something with a new, more modern sound while still maintaining many elements of traditional Cuban music.

The distinctiveness of this album lies in that each song is in a different rhythm, derived from a mix of influences. All these songs are great for both old and new generations to dance to and enjoy.

This production is the result of a collaboration with my musical family which includes musicians aged 76 -87 years old. My uncle, Chiquitico Sotomayor, my aunt, La China, and Mamby as well as my band Grupo Irek have all informed my musical style. On Mueve Despacito, you will hear both danceable and romantic songs, infused with my Cuban musical style, and with a touch of New York flavor, since this city has been my home for many years. “

More information on Chino’s Cuban musical family can be seen in the documentary short film “Las Estrellas de San Miguel” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf54HSmpp5A, featuring these underground icons who live in one of the poorest areas near the city of Havana.

Known for packing dance floors in some of New York’s chicest locales, Chino Pons and Grupo Irek have established an ever-increasing and celebrity studded fan base. Chino Pons & Grupo Irek have become one of the best known and most respected Cuban bands on the New York City circuit, by bringing a unique live show and an amazing energy to every performance. Singer Chino Pons- a consummate entertainer and showman-always provides an incredible live show with his outrageous dance skills. Because of these live shows, the band’s regular gigs attract a large and upscale following. The sounds of Cuba: Salsa, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Boleros and Mambo are all mixed into their original songs, to really get the dance floor moving at any type of party or event.

Chino Pons & Grupo Irek have been featured on NBC TV, on 99.5 FM, 88.1 FM NYC, and frequently receive a buzz in cutting edge publications and blogs. They perform regularly at The Boom Boom Room, Copacabana, Latin Quarter, Gonzalez & Gonzalez, Sounds of Brazil, and recently they performed alongside the runway at the Lanvin for H&M fashion show. Sting attends their gigs when in New York City, as they played regularly at his club, Socialista, while it was open; as well as at the gala events for his Rainforest Foundation. Chino Pons & Grupo Irek perform every year at the Vanidades Magazine anniversary party, honoring such classic entertainers as Gloria Estefan, Juan Luis Guerra and Ruben Blades. Prince enjoyed listening to Chino Pons & Grupo Irek at Thom Bar so much one night, he asked them to extend their set for an extra 30 minutes.

Chino Pons and Grupo Irek have a weekly residency at Casa Lever, Pane e Vino and Hotel Americano, and will tour in Miami and
Panama to promote “Mueve Despasito” in 2014.

Visit:  www.chinopons.com

Contact: guanabacoarecords@gmail.com

Booking: chinopons71@gmail.com

Featured on NY1
http://youtu.be/H68WaEKBB0U

Vanity Fair Italia

http://adtoday.it/play-the-city-new-york-chino-pons/

NY Post
http://pagesix.com/2011/01/11/important-fan/