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womad
 
Guitarist from Radio Mundial (copyright Philip Ryalls)
RADIO MUNDIAL (PUERTO RICO)


New York has always been an important laboratory for Latin music. The Big Apple supplies Latin musicians with both the freedom and the range of influences required to push to the boat out.

Brothers Jean and Richard Shepherd formed Radio Mundial ('World Radio') to honour the roots of the Latin music they both loved so much and as a vehicle for exploration around the frontiers of Latin, funk, reggae and African music. The result is a sound in which all these influences are present to the discerning ear but none of them impose on the others, apart from the overriding Latino flavour.

Excellently crafted songs and fluid arrangement carry the brothers' ideas to fruition, seducing the listener with catchy hook lines, lush harmonies and easy foot-shuffling rhythms. Famed producer Chris Blackwell was captivated enough to sign Radio Mundial to his new indie label RX Records, and an album entitled 'La Raí­z' is out now.

Courtesy of Andy Morgan, July 2004
Read other people's comments then Tell us what you think:

Maddy , Brooklyn NYC
I discovered Radio Mundial in 2005 and since then have become an almost groupie. I have gone to 3 more of their shows and enjoyed each performance better than the one before they continue to amaze me with their energy. After meeting Jean, Richard and Gianni after a show I fell in love even more with their beats and lyrics, they couldn't have been more appreiciative and humble.

Noelia de Italia
Great concert at Festivale Latino Americano. Guys you have a lot of energy, great sound..love them a lot. ciao

Dick
Jean makes the whole band. Richard is just playing this music because he cant make on his own.. Richard likes to be in control so soon his ego will break them apart...and hey you cant dance white boy. Jean you rock!

Arielle from brooklyn
They are soooo good. I don't i have ever herd anything like them. The lead singer has a slightly gospel twist to his sound, which is so beautiful to listen to. Live or on cd these guys want to make you stop what your doing and dance. I love how the muscians interact with eachother their voices really blend well. I can't wait to see them again. They are truley talented!

Rod. South Lakes
Radio Mondial were a Womad discovery for me too. The rhythms were infectious, the conga playing was inspiring. Anybody want to start a band like that?? I'm in Hawkshead, just ask for the drummer.

jelly
i missed half of these guys :( . but it was ok in the end because they were so good !me and my friends couldnt stop moving afterwards. it was good fun. if you have the chance you must must mustooo see them !! xx

Duncan, Isle of wight
radio mundial is one of the only links to international music but i have to say i couldn't have picked a better band. me and my mates couldn't stop dancing to their music. once i got back from the festival i bought their CD and it was fantastic. Jean, Richard you guys rock!!!!

Rita from Florida
What a way to go Radio Mundial!!! Europe loves you and also USA. you got it all...great music, good presentation and the sound is just terrific. we want to see you in Florida soon. congratulations.

Jaime New York
I am glad people in Europe are getting to hear this band for the first time. I discovered them two years ago in Brooklyn and since then they have become my favorite band. The contagious latin drumming mixed with the high energy of of a U2 show sung in Spanish! This band is something music needs more of right now.. pure heart and soul. I suggest to everyone who has the chance Go and see this band!! This is the web site; radiomundialband.com.

John from London
Yo this band is amazing!!! I had loads of fun at the show. I never heard of them before and was very surprised to see such high energy combined with such a fresh new sound. I hope they can come back soon. I am a fan. Big J

sarah from reading
I saw radio mundial for the first time at the womad festival and i must say i couldn't stop dancing. Their music is new and fresh I really enjoyed it. I also think the lead singer is mighty fine too!!! Besides all that if you get the chance you must go and see them I am sure you will have a great time.

alice from wadhurst
i went to womad for the weekend and it was brilliant the best part was Radio Mundial the music was great and the atmosphore was eletric they were really in with the crowed witch made the experience just excellent anyone that saw it would agree and i hope there there next year cause i certainaly will be

Andy, Chelmsford
Radio Mundial were the discovery of the festival for me. Never figured that Latin dance music played on electric guitars could sound that good.

Helen, London
I completely agree with Isobel. They were fantastic, really got the crowd going. It was a mixture of latino, and drumming, and rocky guitar - all sorts. And the two men were so sexy too! I'm definitely buying their album.

Isobel from Reading
All I have to say about radio mundial is that if you have even the slightest possible chance of being able to hear them perform live then you get out there and enjoy it because they have music which is like no other! I know nothing about latin music so am not really the right sort of person to post on this thing, but iheard them, and saw them, when i was at womad yesterday......they are brilliant!!!!

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