Quantic and his Combo Barbaro

Image stolen from google images!

The Combo Bárbaro is the latest project from Will Holland – the producer, musician and record collector better known as Quantic, the man behind the acclaimed live funk band The Quantic Soul Orchestra as well as numerous solo projects. Quantic and his Combo Bárbaro (literally translating as ‘group of barbarians or people from outside Europe’) is a multi-cultural band of exceptional musicians giving an explosive snapshot of the ever-evolving musical landscape of the Americas.

In 2007 Quantic moved to Cali, Colombia’s third largest city, to pursue his passion for unearthing lost treasures from Colombia’s musical past and making new music with the wealth of talent available today. The core of the Combo Bárbaro consists of pianist Alfredo Linares, who wowed sell-out crowds with his virtuoso performances on The Quantic Soul Orchestra’s 2008 tour, Freddy Colorado on congas, Fernando Silva on baby bass, William Holland on electric guitar and long term Quantic collaborator Malcolm Catto on drums. The veteran Brazilian writer, arranger and musical innovator Arthur Verocai has also worked with the band.

Recorded in Cali, the album ‘Tradition In Transition’ was released in 2009 to huge praise from the Gilles Peterson, Mr Scruff and Craig Charles. Legendary Panamanian soul singer Kabir provided rich vocals for two tracks, Indian-born singer Falu leant her mix of North Indian classical and rock-influenced vocal styles and Pacific folklore singer Nidia Góngora also contributed to the album.

Quantic regularly DJs across the world, spreading the unique Quantic sound of jazz sensibility mixed with future dance floor orientated grooves, deep funk and tough drums. His music has been featured on countless compilations and TV soundtracks.

On: Myspace / SoundCloud