Web Quotableonline.com Frasescelebres.org Greatbookscollection.org

Ozomatli is a Latin music|Latin
funk/worldbeat/rock en Español group, formed in
1996 in Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles, known
as much for their extremely vocal
activism|activist viewpoints as their huge array
of musical styles.


== Band History (Summary)== 
Ozomatli is named after the Nahuatl name for the
monkey astrology|astrological symbol within the
Aztec calendar, as well as God of Dance, of Fire,
the new Harvest of Music, Orchestrator of the
Jungle. 

Ozomatli began their career in the Los Angeles and
San Diego/Mexico border-area club scene. Following
an appearance on Vibe!, the group broke into the
mainstream, releasing Ozomatli, their self titled
debut album, in June 1998. under the Almo Sounds
record label|label. Ozomatli has since released
two other albums: Embrace the Chaos in 2001, and
Street Signs in 2004, with Interscope and Concord
Jazz, respectively. Eddie Palmieri, who is also on
the Concord Jazz label, is a featured performer on
Street Signs.

In 2005, Street Signs won the Grammy Award for
Best Latin Rock/Alternative Album.

== Members ==
This is Ozomatli's lineup as of the release of
Street Signs:

Wil-Dog Abers: Bass guitar|bass, background vocals

Raúl 'El Bully' Pacheco: Guitar, tres,
jarana, background vocals 
Justin 'El Niño'
Porée: Percussion, rap vocals 
Asdru Sierra:
Trumpet, lead vocals, piano, acoustic guitar 
Ulises Bella: Saxophone, background vocals,
requinto jarocho, keyboard, melodica 
Jiro
Yamaguchi: Tabla, percussion and background
vocals
Mario Calire: Drums 
Sheffer
Bruton: Trombone 
DJ Spinobi: Turntables 
Jabu MC: Rap vocals

== Detailed History ==
Embrace the Chaos was released on the auspicious
date of September 11, 2001. Although many United
States|American bands cancelled their concerts,
Ozomatli gained some recognition for continuing to
play their concerts, all the while continuing
their commitment to social justice, progressive
politics, as well as the anti-war movement.
Afterwards, the band made a further commitment to
a new direction in music, embracing North African
and Arab musical styles in addition to their own.
The blend of many cultural styles on Street Signs
can be a little disconcerting, with vocals
mentioning the Yakuza crossing paths with gnawa
trance; or Morocco|Moroccan sintir virtuoso Hassan
Hakmoun, joining the band along with Les Yeux
Noirs and the Prague Symphony. Also accompanying
are David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and Mario Calire of
The Wallflowers.


Several members, formerly of Ozomatli, went on to
other projects, most notably Cut Chemist, who
forged a DJ solo career and joined the group
Jurassic 5, and MC Chali 2na, who joined Cut
Chemist in J5.

== Notable Performances ==

In 2000, Ozomatli played at the Democratic
National Convention, on a set right before Rage
Against the Machine. The group also received the
2002 Grammy Award for 'Best Latin Rock/Alternative
Album'. After playing at Coachella Valley Music
and Arts Festival|Coachella, Ozomatli were
featured in Newsweek and on the Univision program
Despierta America in June 2004.

Ozomatli has twice performed at the Austin, Texas
mega music festival South by Southwest, most
recently in 2004, when the group was confronted
while performing outside of a club where they
would later have a concert. Two members of the
band, as well as the manager, were arrested, and
although some of the charges were eventually
dropped, Jiro Yamaguchi, may be charged with
assault|assaulting an police|officer, which is a
felony in Texas.

In March 2005, Ozomatli played at WOMAdelaide, a
world music festival in Adelaide, South Australia.
 They had two night sets including a memorable
Saturday when, after refusing to leave the stage
15 minutes late, they leaped into the crowd for a
remarkable 45 minute encore.

==Discography==
* Ozomatli (1998)
* Super Bowl Sundae (single) (1999)
* Embrace the Chaos (2001)
* Coming Up (EP) (2003)
* Street Signs (2004)

==External site==
http://ozomatli.com Official site