Diaspora
Latin • Salsa • Brazilian • Funk
BIOGRAPHY
DIÁSPORA is a Latin band based in Manchester / London, and your one-way ticket to the Americas. The 11-piece lineup (2 vocalists, 3 percussionists, 4 horns, piano and bass) lends itself to an expansive ‘big band’ sound – without losing the dynamism and spark of a small group; and combines sensuous vocals, sophisticated horn lines and explosive percussion solos.
With their vision to unite the rhythms of the Americas, their music is uplifting, inspiring and unifying, celebrating the melting pot of cultures that arose out of the African Slave Trade, whilst focusing on the Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and globalised ‘salsa’ idioms which have become significant musical languages and forms of solidarity and cultural exchange among communities throughout the world.
DIÁSPORA isn't your regular 'salsa band'... it's a Latin band, in the wider sense; freely mixing 'salsa' idioms with jazz, funk, rock and pop to create an explosive melting pot of sounds... it's a ‘big band’ by its very nature; equipped with all the credentials to make an exhilarating live outfit – engaging vocalists, a tight rhythm section and a big fat brass section.
Hot on the heels of their second birthday bash, DIÁSPORA is developing an original body of material that brings together a tight core of driving, pulsating Latin rhythms with the sophisticated harmonies of Bossa Nova, pop, soul and acid jazz - effortlessly combining English lyrics with strains of Spanish and Portuguese - to create a sensational Latin fusion.
REVIEWS
Band on the Wall
"A bunch of young, hip and cool aficionados producing the slickest and most polished sounds in the city. Fronted by mesmerising vocalists, backed by a burning hot percussion unit and equipped with a tight pop horns train, DIÁSPORA provides the perfect recipe for a fun-filled fiesta night out, A zesty infusion of salsa and jazz influences, fat funky grooves and just about everything else south of the border, DIÁSPORA is the ultimate tribute to Latin music in the UK."
Manchester Jazz Festival
"DIÁSPORA left audiences cheering and pleading for more after their high-energy performance at Manchester Jazz Festival 2010. Their dedication to the Afro-Cuban and Brazilian repertoire, which they deliver in such a vibrant and authentic way, was a treat for both the aficionado and the dancer out for a good time. With their punchy horns, colourful percussion and engaging vocalists, here is a young band set to ignite and inspire listeners and dancers wherever they appear."
Prestwich Festival
"...Energetic, vivid, bright, bubbling with sun that was only too absent from the Manchester air, the standard of playing can only be classed as faultless..."
Wedding, RT & EJ, Oxford
"...DIÁSPORA is a very energetic, friendly and professional band that can produce the perfect music for any occasion. We recommend them strongly!"
Wedding, GW, Lancashire
“We were delighted with DIÁSPORA. Everybody had a fantastic time dancing and we received many comments about how excellent the band were. We would definitely recommend them.”
Wedding, GH, Yorkshire
“We would like to thank DIÁSPORA for an excellent set on Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed the music and have had a lot of favourable comments from our guests about the music!"
Christie's Coffee House
”DIÁSPORA were great! Fantastic entertainment from a great group of musicians. All of the guests really enjoyed them.”
Freak Music
“From the minute this band takes to the stage to the minute they leave, they are certain to compel you to dance to these fantastic beats...”
KRO Catering & Events
“The band really engaged with audience, which created a great vibe. Mixing classic songs with current music gave the band a wide appeal and had everyone up dancing all night..."
Salsa de Cuba
“DIÁSPORA never fail to bring a great performance of varied and popular Latin and Salsa numbers to the show. From our point of view as dancers, we all enjoy the DIÁSPORA experience, having us all on our feet all night!”
Edge Street Events / Manchester Food & Drink Festival
"...This is a band definitely worth keeping an eye on!"
Your Event Musicians
"Our audience really enjoyed Diáspora's performance at La Soirée Concert Series. Thank you for entertaining us."
Manchester Salon
"To say I was 'blown away' by the evening's experience is a little bit of an understatement!"
Grevel Lindop (author of 'Travels on the Dancefloor')
"...The style is Latin Jazz, not unlike the Alex Wilson sound if you're familiar with that: some of it just forced you to get up and move, and all of it was highly listenable."
Cultural Collage World Music Festival
"...a performance that was both great fun, and well received by our audience, who simply didn't want to stop dancing."
WPA Health Insurance
"...a great party atmosphere for all..."
Lubi Jovanovic
"This band can PLAY. They've got the feel!"
Irfan Rainy
"What a lovely surprise! The music is authentic, and the guys really understand clave. I've been collecting Latin music (from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia) for a long time now and am very rarely surprised..."
Matt & Phred's Jazz Club
"...The band of 11 musicians has a great natural fusion and the ease in which they commanded the stage was a joy to behold. This is a band we will definitely be booking again and again."
Salsa Direct
"DIÁSPORA have a great energy showing through; the arrangements are clever and innovative, and there are some good musicians."
Royal Northern College of Music
"Tight, professional, and above all, FUN, DIÁSPORA blew us all away. Faithful enough to the traditions of Latin music to satisfy even the most diehard purist, but with enough energy and diversity for an amazing party band. I would recommend these guys to anyone."
MULTIMEDIA
PRICES
Standard
- 11-piece band from £990 plus VAT*
- 10-piece band from £970 plus VAT*
- 9-piece band from £945 plus VAT*
Medium
- 8-piece band from £900 plus VAT*
- 7-piece band from £850 plus VAT*
Small
- 6-piece band from £785 plus VAT*
- 5-piece band from £705 plus VAT*
*Rates are for maximum 135 minutes (2.25 hours) for engagements within 25 miles of Manchester (M1) or London (SW1A), and exclude:
- expenses (transport, accommodation, subsistence)
- technical provision (sound, lighting)
- extended timings (early arrival, late finish, extended duration)
- special request songs
BOOK NOW!
Simply contact Rory Duffy, Development Assistant, via any of the following methods...
T: 44(0)1618303885 / 44(0)7737760520
E: roryduffy@bandonthewall.org
W: www.bandonthewall.org