Ozomatli - Non-Stop: Mexico to Jamaica (2017)

Ozomatli is an American six-piece band playing primarily Latin, hip hop, and rock music, formed in 1995 in Los Angeles. They are known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and their wide array of musical styles - including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, rap, and others. The group formed in 1995 and has since released seven studio albums. The group is also known for advocating for farm-workers' rights and immigration reform. The band has performed in various countries all over the world, including China, Tunisia, Jordan, and Burma. Although the band has had many member changes over the years and has sometimes had as many as ten members, the current six members have been in the band since its debut album.

In 1998, Ozomatli released its self-titled debut album, and soon after opened for Carlos Santana on his Supernatural world tour. The group released Embrace the Chaos in 2001, followed by Street Signs in 2004. Don't Mess with the Dragon followed in 2007, which saw the band experimenting with a more diverse array of musical styles. The group composed music for Happy Feet 2 and recorded Ozomatli Presents Ozokidz, a family-friendly album. Since 2011, Ozomatli has also served as the in-house band for stand-up comedian Gabriel Iglesias' television show, Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand Up Revolution.

Nonstop Mexico to Jamaica was released in May 2017, an album of songs that have been a big part of the Mexican and Mexican-American community's heritage, culling from Selena, Cafe Tacuba, Mana, and many others. As reflected in the title, the songs are approached reggae style and the project was being produced by Jamaican reggae legends, Sly and Robbie. Although the album contains be some English-language lyrics, the album was the band's first Spanish-dominated release since Street Signs.

Members Asdru, Ulises Bella and Raúl Pacheco also touch on the special collaborations they have on the LP, which includes re-imagined versions of Mexican classics, featuring Juanes, Régulo Caro and Gaby Moreno.

"We thought it would be a good idea to choose songs from the Mexican song book, old and new, and recording them in reggae style. That's what got the wheels turning but what got it to the next level was when Sly & Robbie got on board," said Bella.

Track List:
01. Eres
02. Como la Flor
03. Oye Mi Amor
04. Besame Mucho
05. Noa Noa
06. La Bamba
07. Solamente Una Vez
08. Andar Conmigo
09. De Paisano a Paisano
10. Evil Ways
11. Tragos Amargos
12. Volver Volver
13. Land of 1000 Dances
14. Come and Get Your Love