The night was still young as cars desperately searched for free parking along Glendale Blvd., and soon the crowd of partygoers began to grow along its sidewalk. The lines were long, but no one complained. It wasn’t one of those typical Los Angeles summer nights. There was a slight chill in the air. And though you brought a coat, you shrugged it off and left it in your car, knowing that once inside, the body heat of the masses as they danced away to the upbeat mixes and playful beats of DJs NuMark, Ganas and J.Rocc would warm you up.

It’s not every night you’re transported to a far off land, but on Saturday, those who made the trip down Sunset to the EchoPlex found themselves in Cali, Colombia, on the shores of Timbiqui, and in the loving musical arms of Quantic and his Combo Barbaro. DJ and music producer, Will Holland and his motley crew of incredible musicians, drummer Malcolm Catto, keyboardist Alfredo Linares, percussionist Freddy Colorado, singer Nidia Gongora, Todd Simon and more, came out for their first ever performance in Los Angeles and perform they did. And as the band made their way onto the stage in identical, simple burgundy tunics, an excited hush fell over the crowd. You could see a shift in the audience as the sold-out crowd attempted to position themselves in front of the stage. And as soon as Quantic signaled the band to begin, the audience moved in approval to what they heard. As they played one track after another on their new album on Tru Thoughts Records, Tradition in Translation, Quantic and his Combo Barbaro did not disappoint.

It was a magical evening to say the least. The eclectic crowd of music lovers brought with them a special energy that pervaded the nighttime air. From mothers and daughters to DJs alike, with infectious shouts for more, sing alongs and enthusiastic applauses, Colombia was front and center. Quantic rarely spoke, sometimes unconsciously stepping to the side as to not block the audience’s view of one of his band members. He played his guitar and his much loved accordion and managed a few brief comments that brought high pitched cheers from his fans. Malcolm Catto sat back on the drums and  played with a relaxed coolness, while percussionist Freddy Colorado jumped and swayed with each song and rhythm. How he managed to find the energy after a grueling trek up to SF the night before was amazing. The highlight for me was to see singer Nidia Gongora in the flesh. Schoolteacher, mother, and originally from a family of acclaimed singers/musicians, Nidia is the yin to Quantic’s musical yang. The moment she stepped on the stage in the traditional dress from her homeland, the transportation was complete. And as she belted out the hit single, “Un Canto a Mi Tierra” you couldn’t help recalling all the visually stunning images that Mochilla had captured in their documentary: Tradition in Translation: A Postcard from Cali, that was projected silently on the backdrop.

With music in its current state and creativity seemingly at a standstill, it’s comforting to know that out of the muck of commercialism and mass consumerism we find music that feeds the soul. Though this is Quantic’s 12^th studio album, it may be his most important in what it says and what it does. Bringing a piece of Colombia, the rich culture, heritage, and music to the world in a positive light, filled with a richness that is lacking in modern day. MOCHILLA and VTech were proud to be able to bring this to you. Thanks for being there with us.

*photos by Walter Pinkney