The Baboons: Evolution 1999 THE BABOONS are children of South Florida's multicultural urban jungle. Combining influences culled from the region's rich mix of cultures, THE BABOONS’ genre-busting sound is a contemporary take on the city's unique accent. Wild, raucous, turbulent, joyous, it's the sound of a new generation coming of age in paradise. Miami's New Times has called it "ultra-rhythmic," "multicultural" and "eclectic," while Ft. Lauderdale's XS Magazine has labeled the band's live shows "notorious" and "infectiously percussive." THE BABOONS were also honored by Miami New Times when it named Evolution Miami's "Best Album 1999," and JAM Magazine lauded the band early on with a Florida Jammy Award for 1994's Best Worldbeat Band.

 

The Baboons: Global Gumbo 2000 Global Gumbo is the follow-up to The Baboons’ 1999 debut recording, Evolution (Prime Mate Productions), honored by New Times Miami as “Best Album of the Past Twelve Months.” Like Evolution, Global Gumbo explores South Florida’s unique cultural identity. Originals include the Pet de Kat Krewe tribute “Things That Go Funk in the Night,” reggae rocker "Retrospect," and "Witness," an ode to Miami's colorful inhabitants. Highlights include the electric rumba of “Esta No Lleva Bata,” the drum 'n' bass-inspired "Read Between The Lines," and gospel-tinged Yoruba chant “Yemaya.” Global Gumbo also pays tribute to some of the band's heroes with spirited versions of Duke Ellington's "Blue Pepper (Far East of the Blues)," Arsenio Rodriguez's "Bruca Manigua," and Jimi Hendrix's, "1983…A Merman I Should Turn To Be." Global Gumbo was engineered by Phil McArthur and features the talents of vocalist & producer Majica, drummer/producer Mano Pila, guitarist Rig Castellanos, funky bassist Chris Castellanos, percussionist Miguel Rega, and saxophonist Dominick Cama. Since the original line-up first took the stage in 1993, The Baboons have received numerous honors, including New Times Miami's "Best Album 1999", and a Florida Jammy Award for Best Worldbeat Band.