Hablas Spanglish? Ozomatli brings LA to the Hard Rock

Image
LA-based band Ozomatli played at the Hard Rock Pool on May 22.
Photo: Sarah Feldberg

LA-based seven piece Ozomatli brought their musical stew of hip hop, rock, salsa and funk to the Hard Rock Pool last night for a show packed with hip swinging rhythms and border crossing lyrics.

More

Beyond the Weekly
Ozomatli

The bilingual band’s Spanglish songs drifted over the poolscape, the words bouncing between rap and straight song, as the group danced, jumped and sang into the exuberant crowd. Mixed into the eclectic melodies, were a few familiar covers. Charles Wright’s “Express Yourself” popped into the mix, as did a few bars from Sublime, each punctuating Ozomatli’s patchwork renditions of hits off their 2007 album Don’t Mess with the Dragon like a momentary mashup.

Ozomatli @ Hard Rock Pool

But while the interludes were a pleasant surprise, it was the Grammy-winning band’s tunes like “La Gallina” and “Can’t Stop” that really got the diverse crowd moving.

As night swept over the stage, Ozomatli sang out the call and response refrain from “Ya Viene el Sol” off their 2003 album Coming Up. With the audience filling in half of each line, the group sang out words that combined their bilingual flavor and high energy live performance: “Oye, baby. Oye, mami. Dónde está la after party?”

Hey, baby. Hey, mami. Where is the after party?

If Ozomatli is going to be there, I’d really like to know.

Share
Photo of Sarah Feldberg

Sarah Feldberg

Get more Sarah Feldberg

Previous Discussion:

  • Seeing an old friend in a completely new way.

  • A hardcore fan finally makes contact.

  • HOTS and OLI ... like peanut butter and jelly?

  • Get More Off The Record Stories
Top of Story