This inaugural Slip is very special not only because it doubles as the release party of Porto Diao v3.0, but it also marks what will go down in Panamanian history as a once-in-a-lifetime performance by three bands that complement each other in ways no degree of wizardry could’ve crafted. Why do I say this? Because somehow the universe conspired to allow us the privilege of setting up this event with some of the most talented individuals in Panama’s music scene, who are part of bands that are the hotness at the moment.

It’s been a long road getting our boy Porto back up on his feet, but it’s finally happening and I couldn’t be any happier. Personally I’ve been on a pretty violent growth curve in the past few months that managed to inject me with much needed energy. Thankfully, I chose to channel it through stuff like this and not other things like women, jobs, or other problems we give more importance than we really should. Hey, at least I didn’t run out and got myself a Harley Davidson I couldn’t afford or something ridiculous like that. Anyway, I digress. I’d like to introduce you to the talented folks you’ll see on May 23rd at La Casona, and get acquainted with the music that will promptly kick your ass on our date.

Without further adieu, the official roster for Desliz Sonico/Sonic Slip, Session One.

Llevarte a Marte

Lineup:

• Luis Barboza (Vocals / Guitar)
• Guillermo Tapia (Guitar / Vocals)
• Jairo Barboza (Bass / Vocals)
• Fidel Dely (Drums / Percussion)

Influences:

• 311
• Habana Blues
• Dillinger Scape Plan
• Ruben Blades
• Bob Marley
• Gondwana
• Lamb of God
• Sepultura
• Hector Lavoe
• Tower of Power

I first heard of them because Fidel Dely is a friend, and he’s hands-down one of the best drummers around. He’s also absolutely cool to hang out with. Thing is that as soon as I found out he was in Llevarte a Marte I searched under the Internet’s skirt to find music by them, and the rest is history. You can tell they keep their influences in their sleeves, since it sounds like 311 circa the Blue Album with heavy roots and salsa brushes of brilliance. It’s great music to groove to if you’re crushing hard on someone but give yourself room to be playful. That is why I chose them to come aboard this gig. That and they sound incredible live. You’ll notice that all of these bands seem to be having a blast while playing while performing, and that degree of energy goes a long way… you can feel it in the music they play.

Indigo All-Stars

Lineup:

• Armando Wong (Guitar)
• Friolo Rodriguez (Bass)
• Daniel Obando (Saxophone /Percussion)
• Allan Tsimogianis (Vocals / Piano)
• Luis Mitil (Drums / Percussion)

Influences:

• Lord Cobra and the Pana-Afro Sounds
• Ruben Blades
• Los Mozambiques
• Danilo Perez
• Victor “Vitin” Paz
• Nando Boom

This has been wildly publicized and it’s the way I describe Indigo All-Stars’ music when someone asks me: Indigo is music you can fuck to in a steamy bedroom. Their sound is delicious, captivating and doesn’t let you go until it’s done with you. If Llevarte a Marte is music you can groove to with someone you’re crushing on, Indigo is music for a no-holds-barred, passionate romp. It’s fun, it’s sexy and it’s uncompromising. It makes you want to go out there and touch someone. There are distinct traits of Big Band Jazz, Afro Beat and Funk here, with Bossa Nova, Cumbia and even Reggae sounds. As of now, I recommend you surrender to their sound because you’ll enjoy it so much more then. Your date will appreciate it once the dust settles, and if you don’t have one when you listen to them you’ll go out and find one when it’s all said and done. I love their sound. Hell, I’d make love to their sound.

Allay

Lineup:

• Jesus Almenas (Guitar)
• Fidel Dely (Drums / Percussion)
• Friolo Rodriguez (Bass)
• Patricia Gonzalez-Flynn (Vocals)

Influences:

• Edith Piaf
• Nina Simone
• Nora Jones
• Alicia Keys
• Funkadelic

And then there’s Allay. “To make peace.” This is the secret weapon of the evening, making its debut on May 23 at La Casona in Panama City, Panama. You haven’t heard them before, and you won’t until then; you will definitely be asking yourself where this band has been all your life after you do. At first glance, if you look at the roster it’s somewhat of an All-Star lineup of the other bands performing at this Slip, with Llevarte a Marte’s Fidel Dely on drums and Indigo All-Stars’ Friolo Rodriguez on bass, with renowned guitarist Jesus Almenas on guitar, but then there’s the true gem of this ensemble: Patty Flynn. I feel like the more I say, the more I’ll ruin the surprise. There are no words to describe what this woman can do. Mark my words: you will see her. You will then listen to her. You jaw will then promptly hit the floor. Llevarte a Marte and Indigo All-Stars guarantee you’ll have a great time, but the real prize here is that Allay will play. It’s a gift, and I hope you enjoy it.

So this is it: great bands. Great music. A hell of a time. This is not just some performance; this is a Porto Diao joint, so you know we’re going to show you something new and different. I can say on behalf of the crew that we really missed you. I hope you missed us too if you knew us from before; if you haven’t, then be ready to have the time of your life with us. If you’d like more info in Spanish, please visit our sponsors Rock.com.pa, Underdoll and Voltaje 3.