I personally enjoy Latin music that is Soulful, and that has a beat with a funky groove. 3D Rhythm of Life is a Latin Tropical Soul Band led by drummer Michael Tate, and the grooves on their new release, Fantasy will definitely have you up and moving. If you had to describe the sound, Tate would illustrate it as a fusion of Latin and Afro-Caribbean grooves, blended with a variety of genres including Blues, Jazz, Reggae, and Rock.
Did you get all of that?
3D is an accomplished eight-piece ensemble from New York City, and they have been recording and performing as a collective for over a decade. Fantasy is their sixth studio album. 3D is the acronym for Diverse, Dynamic and Danceable, the band’s signature sound. They have performed with some of the heavyweights, including Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Chaka Khan.
New Album from Latin Tropical Soul Band 3D Rhythm of Life – Fantasy Review
The album kicks off with an interpretation of my favorite Earth Wind & Fire track, Fantasy. It is sung by sung by Nuyorican vocalist, Chris Alfinez, who has toured with Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez and La India. The video and single were released in late 2016, a few days prior to the passing of the dynamic founder of the legendary funk band, Maurice White— who penned the original hit over a three-month period, thus making 3D Rhythm of Life the first artist to present an official tribute.
Check out the video clip for the song:
On the album, they have also included an instrumental version for the track, Fantasy.
Quiero Saber, the second single sung by Chris Alfinez, is a heartfelt, romantic Urban Salsa track. There’s something about those horns, and that guitar solo totally takes the track to another level.
The sorcery of Spell on You, sung by celebrated Trinidadian musician Bonny Bonaparte (Bruce Hornsby, Spyra Gyra) elevates the groove with brilliant Reggae vibes. Bonaparte also lends his ‘Island Stylings’ to the politically charged Things Will Change. I cannot get enough of this Latin-Reggae groove.
I Wonder Why is one of my favorites on the album. This is one of those mid-tempo Latin love grooves. The musicianship is really tight, and you can just tell that the band is really in sync with each other. I am willing to bet that they recorded this song in just one take. Like for the song Fantasy, they have included an instrumental version on the album.
There are a couple of EDM Latin dance mixes on the album. Que Siga La Rumba and Oyelo, are fueled by the energy of renowned Latin GRAMMY AWARD® winning singer, Herman Olivera, evoking an intoxicating trip to Havana’s hottest nightclub. These tracks clock in at just over three minutes each, but I personally will need these to be about 5 minutes so I can groove a little longer.
I am sure you will agree, once you hear the tracks!
Overall, we like the variety of the music, as 3D showcases their musicianship. These guys are pros, and you can feel it as you take in each track.
New Album from Latin Tropical Soul Band 3D Rhythm of Life – Fantasy
