Radio Free Honduras, featuring the great Charlie Baran, have exclusively released to us their new single, Suavecito, a soulful dose of Latin rock nostalgia. The band is celebrating this new recording with a performance at the California Clipper tomorrow evening, Friday, May 10 at 10:30 p.m. Take a listen to the single below, before its official worldwide release tomorrow.
Based in Chicago, Radio Free Honduras was formed by musician Dan Abu-Absi to highlight the lush musicality of Charlie Baran who is known for his work with Hondura’s Banda Blanca, the infamous group that created the punta-heavy song, Sopa de Caracol. It’s exciting to see how Radio Free Honduras has integrated Baran’s traditional Honduran rhythms and thrilling guitar skills, with rock, some punta and a huge dose of Latinidad.
Suavecito evokes classic chicano rock sounds with a sultry splash of the tropics, and, we dare say, it brings us memories of old school Tejano romanticas. We can’t help but love something so quintessential.
Take a listen and let us know what you think of Radio Free Honduras new single, Suavecito…
More about Radio Free Honduras
“Charlie Baran has lived a life of music. Before moving the the United States he was a founding member of the legendary Honduran musical group Banda Blanca, who’s song “Sopa de Caracol” became the #1 Billboard Top Latin Songs hit in 1992. Now a maintenance man at a Catholic grade school by day, Charlie has kept his musical flame glowing largely through acoustic solo performances around Chicago for the past ten years.
Charlie Baran is a true virtuoso.
No one sees him perform without recognizing the presence of a true master – an heir to a rich tradition of Honduran music, as well as a guitar slinging showman and a gifted songwriter whose skill transcends all genres. But throughout most of his career he has existed in the shadows – until the formation of Radio Free Honduras.
Radio Free Honduras is a diverse collective of Chicago musicians, all united under one goal – supporting the artistry of Charlie Baran and bringing this tremendous talent into the spotlight where it belongs. Founded by Dan Abu-Absi, longtime guitarist for JT and the Clouds and Birds of Chicago, Radio Free Honduras plays mostly Baran originals, but their live shows often feature a wide variety of reimagined cover songs. This band provides Charlie with the wide musical pallet his talent (and songs) deserve. Abu-Absi has gathered a large, revolving collective of some of Chicago’s most talented musicians; lively percussion, eclectic instrumentation, and rich harmonies all provide the backdrop, allowing Charlie to do what he does best – stunning guitar work, tapping into what seems a limitless supply of energy and enthusiasm for music.
Charlie Baran has lived a long and storied musical life – but very few are familiar with his side of the story. Radio Free Honduras has made it their mission to change that.”
For more information, visit: Radio Free Honduras