Grupo Fantasma, the finest latin orchestra to come out of the U.S. in the last decade, plays the Horse this Thursday (6/26) at 8:30

The momentum of an enormous 2007 set the stage for another fruitful year for Grupo Fantasma. They performed as part of Prince's band in front of tens of thousands at the Coachella Festival in Indio, CA and also on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno...and they absolutely tore it up! The Fantasma horn sectionbacked indie-rock stalwarts Spoon at several shows, played New Orleans Jazz Fest, and are slated for Bonnaroo and Montreal Jazz Fest. The finest and hardest working latin orchestra to come out of the U.S. in the last decade, Grupo Fantasma's new album Sonidos Gold is guided by the deeply rooted traditions of cumbia, salsa, funk, and pyschedelia.

Special guests on the album include legendary saxophonist Maceo Parker, Fania All-Stars pianist and arranger Larry Harlow, and trombonist Greg Boyer (Prince, Parliament Funkadelic). Sonidos Gold will be remembered as an instant and timeless classic, as pertinent to the past as they will be influential on the future.

The endorsement from Prince was a huge highlight for the members of Grupo Fantasma. Jose Galeano, the band's elder statesman (and nephew of the infamous percussionist "Chepito" from the original Santana band) was especially moved by the experience. "Prince's seal of approval sends a message that the band's music and performances are of the highest quality, and that we can conquer anything we put our minds to. It was quite an accomplishment. Even if the masses don't know it yet, he believes that we kick some serious ass!"

"The only other band I've seen get that kind of audience reaction was the Ramones" confesses Austin Chronicle and Village Voice music critic Jim Caliguiri. "With all of their releases the band has become even more adventurous - mixing styles in ways that are unexpected but ruled by the groove. This group of enthusiastic youngsters has grown into a monstrous and masterful ensemble that has sold more than 25,000 discs independently. Their chops and confidence continue to grow but the raw, boisterous attitude remains. The band successfully obliterates the clichés that often plague the current music market, all the while keeping their feet firmly planted in the traditions that they love and deeply respect." Click Here for Tickets.