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Adrian Quesada’s Psychedelic Journey: How the Black Pumas Co-Founder Delved Into Latin America’s Romantic Past
In a bold and daring move, Adrian Quesada has delved into the forgotten corners of Latin America’s romantic past with his latest album Boleros Psicodélicos II. This new venture marks a radical departure from his usual funk-laden soundscape as the co-founder of the soulful duo Black Pumas. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of psychedelic rock and bolero, a genre that Quesada grew up with in his hometown of Laredo, straddling the border between Texas and Mexico.
Quesada’s journey began during his teenage years when he first discovered this unique genre, which had an extraordinary impact on him. The experience resonated so deeply that it fueled a lifelong passion for the style. Fast-forward three decades later, Quesada finds himself revisiting songs by Los Pasteles Verdes, Los Ángeles Negros and Joseles, among other notable acts.
The new album is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but rather an innovative fusion of his psychedelic rock with these timeless Latin American melodies, ensuring that the essence of this music remains unaltered. By incorporating elements of hip-hop and electrifying guitars, Quesada hopes to captivate the younger audience and preserve the legacy of this genre.
Quesada emphasizes that his goal is not to reinvent the wheel but rather celebrate the enduring quality of these songs inspired by another era. The project’s objective is two-pronged: to connect with a new generation while honoring the roots of this music.
For Boleros Psicodélicos II, Quesada assembled an impressive lineup of multi-generational artists from Latin America, including the likes of Cuco, Hermanos Gutiérrez and Monsieur Periné. Their collaboration has produced 12 tracks that are all performed in Spanish.
Source: www.billboard.com
