Chuck Prophet with Qiensave (from the album Wake the Dead

Chuck Prophet with Qiensave (from the album Wake the Dead

Chuck Prophet with Qiensave (from the album Wake the Dead available on Yep Roc Records) (by Bryant Liggett)
Chuck Prophet is making pals in Central California. Makes sense as he’s a California musician, from his beginnings in Green on Red in Los Angeles, to spending much of the past decades in San Francisco. He’s been spinning a lot of Cumbia music as personal and medicinal listening, and a meeting with Cumbia band Qiensave out of Salinas, CA (a town he’s likely driven by a few hundred times) fostered a fertile musical meeting. The results of the get-together is Wake The Dead, a solid combination of uplifting Cumbia and American Roots Rock. 
The title track album opener is a warm invitation into an unlikely combo, a spot where Latin dance rhythms are right in place with Prophet’s subtle yet more familiar mix of Country and Psychedelic Folk; it’s a wonderful pairing. “Betty’s Song” has a dramatic opening that quickly drifts into reverb-heavy, Surf Rock guitar with hints of Dub Reggae, a stand by your side love song that sings ‘if ever you’re in trouble honey, I’m in trouble too’. “Give the Boy a Kiss” teases hop-a-long Country, “Sally Was a Dancer” is ready for 1970’s FM Rock radio, and “Red Sky Night”, with Prophet’s ‘Sha La La’s’ begs for listeners to take on a slow dance. “Sugar in the Water” has late 50’s Pop elements, from its bouncy keys to its bopping rhythm, a cut that’s infectious and fun, and the closer in “It’s a Good Day to Be Alive” is a hopeful celebration of all good things and all good days.
Prophet’s thrown a curve-ball, as fans likely didn’t see a fringe member of the Paisley Underground throwing out a Cumbia jam. It works, however, and Chuck Prophet’s sleepy drawl sounds right at home over danceable grooves, proof again that Americana is, will, and should come from all of the America’s. (by Bryant Liggett)
Listen and buy the music of Chuck Prophet with Qiensave from AMAZON
 
For more information, please visit the Chuck Prophet and Qiensave websites