Which Austin band has performed with Prince, Spoon, and GZA of Wu-Tang Clan? Grupo Fantasma, of course. The Grammy-winning outfit is nominally lumped into the amorphous “Latin rock” genre, yet Grupo defies easy categorization. As their collaborative streak suggests, the ensemble is comfortable banging out salsa-flavored funk alongside psychedelic cumbias, old school R&B, and a little jazz to keep things swinging.
This ever-shifting musicianship is perfect for the live setting, where the band excels. With nine members, Grupo Fantasma can stretch out on songs, laying down a danceable groove while the horn section pops and the guitars sizzle. The band will be bringing this sound to the Belmont on New Year’s Eve for The Grupo Fantasma Mariachi Maskerade Ball, featuring masquerade masks, champagne, and more. Today’s song of the day comes from Grupo Fantasma’s recent Studio 1A live session, and “Cayuco” is the perfect performance to ring in the new year.
