Los Calvos – …y que Calvos!

Caracas, 1967: Musician Ray Pérez formed a salsa band that would sound unlike any other band that come before it. Featuring the drum kit, an instrument that was not typically used in salsa at the time, and not one, but two drummers, Los Calvos created a signature sound that was both rhythmically inventive and captivating on the dance floor. Elements of classical romantic music, rock, and jazz blend seamlessly into their sound while the group’s wildcard Carlos “Calaven” Yanes is surely one of the most unique voices in all of classic salsa with his wildly mischievous vocal lines and improvised scatting. Just listen to “El Marciano y Yo” (“The Martian and Me”), in which Calaven imitates an intergalactic being while the rims of wine glasses are rubbed (a la Daniel Lentz) to create Martian-like sound effects.