ALMAS BAND…. New Orleans funk with the elegance of jazz

To serve society as citizens of the world by creating music that promotes diversity and that appeals to multiple generations. Almas Band return with the fourth album, Funk Defender. Funk Defender puts the New Orleans influence on Almas Band's sound front and center to create a sexy, funky, invigorating listen. Filtering the spirit of the Caribbean through the sounds of New Orleans in a way they've never done over the course of a full album. The band traveled to the Crescent City to record Funk Defender live at the Ellis Marsalis Center of Music. This latest intervention closes the loop for Almas, one that begun 17 years ago in New Orleans and with this return demonstrates the diversity of talent embodied by these now seasoned musicians.

Almas Band was born in New Orleans in 1999. They have proudly shared the stage in prestigious locations such as the House of Blues with many giants of the music world including Juanes, Carlos Vives, Enrique Bunbury and even the legendary Rubén Blades. In addition, they have collaborated with the Grammy winning composer and arranger, Cucco Peña.
They released their first CD “Semilla” in 2007. Winning over the heart of many this initial venture established a solid fan base and is considered a classic among fans to this day. They have shared the stage in Puerto Rico with the multi-talented Cultura Profética, La Secta, Tego Calderón and Black Guayaba, among others.

Their second album, “Audiotour” was released in 2009. Almas continued expanding their cultural and musical diversity in this ground breaking second effort. Following this release in 2010, five tracks from Audiotour were made part of the soundtrack of the film “Elite” that appeared and was recognized respectively in the Chicago and San Diego Latin Film Festivals in that same year. Furthermore, Almas Band collaborated with the producers of the album, “Salsa, a Tribute to El Gran Combo”, which sold more than 100,000 copies and was certified a “Gold Record”.

Their third album “Entre Luz y Sombra” was released in 2014. Almas Band for many years had been defined by their search for harmony and diversity. With “Entre Luz y Sombra” they embarked on divergent paths, stressing differences, contrasting personalities and how both can be successfully managed. The double CD represents the concept of dualism, Yin and Yang. Each of the twin brothers represents energy, one in the form of light and the other in the power of darkness.

Focused on their artistic development Almas Band stays true to its mission and continues to create music and expand their discography. Funk Defender is a unique document of sun-soaked 21st century funk accompanied by AB's live show that offers an off the wall refreshing experience for the listener encouraging the audience to let loose and shed their inhibitions. Make sure to bring your dancing shoes because AB will make the room bounce.