Beyond the ‘R’ there is Evolution. Singer-songwriter, Jose Conde, harnesses the old-school authentic-Cuban spirit of son and delivers it with a beautiful unique voice and contemporary eclectic flavour. Jose was born in the US and raised by Cuban-immigrant parents. The band Ola Fresca (fresh wave), is an international cast of some of the best musicians in NY and together they play all original rootsy, funky, jazzy, 21st century Latin dance music. (R)Evolucion was co-produced by the Grammy-winning Aaron Levinson (Spanish Harlem Orchestra).

Recorded at the vintage-gear all-analog Brooklyn Recording Studio, the record has already been called a masterpiece by some music industry heavies, however the band is even better live. As producer Aaron Levinson explains, “although Jose can do a very typical Latin show, he can also play a show with a group like Ozomatli or Ojos de Brujo.” The new cd, (R)Evolucion, includes a powerhouse crew of special guests including funk legend and original Meters drummer Joseph ‘Zigaboo’ Modeliste and Latin All Stars Jimmy Bosch on Trombone. The lineup of the band includes guitarist Juancho Herrera (Nestor Torres), bassist Jorge Bringas (Omara Portuondo, Albita) and multi-percussionist Carlos ‘GoGo’ Gomez (Arturo Sandoval).

Cubans have a kind of stew called ajiaco, into which all kinds of meats and vegetables can be incorporated. (R)Evolucion is definitely a musical ajiaco.

Mondomundo agency is now booking tours and venues for JC y OF in Summer (in US) and Autumn (US and Europe). Already secured bookings: Chicago World Music Festival, Voodoo festival New Orleans, CD release party/show at Joes Pub, New York May 15th. The bands performance history is huge and has included countless performances at venues and festival all over the US.

Check out the live show here