I interviewed B*Side Players' frontman Karlos Paez for Reggae Nucleus Magazine in the late 1990's and wanted to catch up with him on his thoughts on his performance this evening.
I have been a fan of B*Side Players for many years and I am sure that quite a few San Diegans have seen them perform; however, I rarely (if ever) see them on the same bill with The Styletones (of which singer Steve Harris, who is also performing tonight) is a part. I sense a similarity in conviction and personal mission with regard to music and promoting soul music from various regions.
Karlos will be performing with special guests and creating a more latin/dance/party set with Cumbias, Reggae and Rancheritas. He "has been representing the South Bay for twenty years and continues to live within and inspire his community through conscious music and lyrics." His goal is to "continue to tour the U.S. and Mexico 6 months a year and have toured with The Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, Ben Harper, The Headhunters & Arrested Development." He is also excited about finishing a new record "with Mexico's best Banda musicians from Sinaloa" and intends to "travel the world and unite different cultures through Music!"
During my conversation with Steve Harris he commented on several bands that are performing tonight. He has played several times with The Amalgamated and attended high school with the frontman, Raphael "RIP" Pena.
Harris says he respects the way The Amalgamated honor Caribbean rude boy culture and their role in rebuilding the scene locally -- which he believes has infused it " ... with fresh musicians and faces."
Harris says that he has known Karlos Paez since the 1990's, performed with him recently during a Gregory Isaacs tribute and considers him "a star" and that his style "is impeccable as is the way he represents his people."
The mutual respect I sense among these performers is exciting in itself; it definitely brings an energy and enthusiasm that will positively impact this evening's show.
The Amalgamated, Karlos Paez, Steve Harris, and The Soulfires all perform Sunday, December 30, 2012 at The Casbah, 2501 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at www.casbahmusic.com as well as at the door.
