PRESS RELEASE FOR “THE TAO OF FUNKAHUATL”

Legendary R & B-Chicano Soul Visionary Rubén Guevara Returns with His First Album in Over 30 Years, The Tao of Funkahuatl.

Los Angeles, CA – March 16, 2011 – Vocalist, composer, songwriter, poet, and producer Rubén Guevara and his hard-hitting new band The Eastside Luvers announce the upcoming release of The Tao of Funkahuatl, an arresting work set in the rock-as-performance-theater tradition of Guevara’s friend and mentor, the late Frank Zappa. The Tao of Funkahuatl, a conceptual music and spoken word album is set for a simultaneous release in Tokyo and Los Angeles on March 20, 2011. A 12″ vinyl version limited edition (150) only available at tantrikfunk.net (A digital version is now available on iTunes).

The CD release concert/party is set for March 20, 2011 at Tropico de Nopal Art Gallery, 1665 Beverly Blvd. LA (Echo Park) CA 90026. www.tropicodenopal.com

8PM $10 Cover

Transporting you on a mythical, urban Xikano odyssey through the Eastside of Los Angeles, The Tao of Funkahuatl takes the listener to the Land of a 1000 dances and chances to get down, fall, and make tantrik love at the Temple of Funkahuatl, where the music sooths scarred souls. It’s “a transformative, meticulously executed work of art that transcends earthly pop culture to reach an erotic, celestial dimension of unprecedented revelations” – Jonny Whiteside, LA Weekly

According to Guevara, “The Tao, or the way of Funkahuatl – the neo-Aztek deity of tantrik funk – is the merging of spirit, sex, funk, and soul on the path to the Beloved while living your life as a work of art. Tastes of Tantra, Taoism, Sufism, Pachukismo, the Sixth Dalai [“Lover”] Lama, and Rhythm & Blues, tantalize. You know Marvin Gaye advised and pleaded, “We gotta get down and share some sexual healing”. So, let’s dance and love our lives away to some soulful tantrik funk. Listen to my songs of lust, love, and light. Let them take you away on a sensual flight, beyond day, beyond night: To a place where sex is sacred, to a place where love is God… Say…whaaat?!”

Accompanying Guevara are his superb hard funk ensemble The Eastside Luvers, featuring soulful tenor saxophonist Steve Alaniz, who has recorded with jazz giants Stanley Clarke and George Duke; deep-grooving bassist John Avila, longtime member of rock titans Oingo Boingo (for whom he also produced several albums, as well as overseeing releases by Reel Big Fish and the Specials); the phenomenal drummer/percussionist Ramón Banda currently leading his group the Banda Brothers was formerly with Guevara’s ‘80s spoken word funk band Con Safos and a long-time percussionist with Poncho Sanchez; and guitar boss Bob Robles who has performed with Jackson Browne and currently plays lead with East LA legends, Thee Midniters.

Produced by Rubén Guevara and John Avila, The Tao of Funkahuatl is “a revolutionary extension of Guevara’s established tradition for enhancing and elevating rock & roll to undreamt of artistic plateaus. Combining natural fact funk voltage, provocative, enlightening lyrics and Guevara’s intense, masterly vocals, the album is a milestone achievement for both Guevara and the rich legacy of Chicano Rock-Soul” – JW

Rubén Guevara’s previous releases include two albums with the reconstituted Ruben And The Jets For Real!, produced by Frank Zappa and Con Safos, produced by Denny Randell, both on Mercury Records (1973): ”Two of the finest rock ‘n’ roll albums of the early to mid ‘70s” -Bruce Eder, All Music Guide, (2006). Of his ‘80s spoken word funk band, Con Safos – “Resembles the blustery funk of Fela Kuti & Africa ‘70” -Dave Marsh, Boston Phoenix, (1983); “Convincing Brown pride and anger” -John Morthland, Village Voice, (1983); “Chicano socio-cultural Zeitgeist and rock renaissance man” -Jonny Whiteside, LA Weekly, People edition (2009); “Funky, freaky, magic medicine man” – Falling James, LA Weekly (2010)