Biography
Quinto Sol is a reggae band from East Los Angeles (California). The current lineup consists of Mizraim Leal, Martin Perez, Cesar Villalobos , Abel Gonzalez, Bernie Bran, Mark Spiller , Jeremy Park, David Ortega, Tezozomoc , Joaquin Pacheco, and Max O’Leary.
Their music is deeply rooted in community and roots music from the Americas, to the Caribbean and Africa. Having emerged from the artist/activist community of East Los Angeles in 1993, Quinto Sol is roots-reggae woven seamlessly with Latin rhythms like Cumbia, Rumba, and son. Quinto Sol is a collective of musicians, inspired to use music as a tool for awareness of socio-political and economic issues facing their community. They do this by translating their own urban realities in every day life and the struggles of indigenous communities in the world, through conscious lyrics and powerful live performances.
Nine years after the band's inception, Quinto Sol released their second independent album and first national release, Barrio Roots. Produced by and arranged by the band, and engineered by Johnny Alvarez and Mizraim Leal, the band's lead vocalist and guitar player.
Barrio Roots documents music from a period that helped shape what is known today as the East L.A. art "scene"; a contemporary [tag}Chicano[/tag}-inspired arts [tag}movement[/tag} where, incidentally bands like Quetzal and Ozomatli emerged and grew to international popularity. Home, East L.A. or L.A, Quinto Sol is dedicated to planting the seed that let's everyone know where they come from and where they are headed.
Currenty in progress is Quinto Sol's third and most anticipated album, "Spirits of the Martyrs". A tribute to all the heroes that fought and died for land, love, peace, and dignity. - don't forget your roots and [tag}culture[/tag}. From the roots-reggae song, "Mexica Tiahui", to the up-tempo cumbia/salsa jam, "Tocani" and the reggae/cumbia/salsa mix "Sangre", Quinto Sol takes you on a world beat tour unlike any reggae band in the music circuit.
Having performed with artists, such as: The Wailers, Third World, Inner Circle, Steel Pulse, Eek-A-Mouse, Maldita Vecindad, Jaguares, Malo, Ozomatli, Poncho Sanchez, Puya, Todos Tus Muertos and others, QS's fan base is as diverse as the musical fusion they produce and the bands with whom they've shared the stage; from L.A. to Mexico City and even Japan.
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