The Latin American collective
Yerba Buena was organized by producer and multi-instrumentalist
Andres Levin, a native Venezuelan who'd appeared on records by
Marisa Monte,
Arto Lindsay, Aterciopelados, and
Tina Turner, as well as helming the critically acclaimed
Fela Kuti tribute Red Hot + Riot.
Yerba Buena arose from
Levin's wish to bring together a band capable of melding forms old and new, learning from each other in the form of a school. Gradually, the lineup coalesced, including vocalists
Xiomara Laugart,
Cucu Diamantes, and
El Chino, percussionist
Pedro Martinez, reed player
Ron Blake, trumpeter
Rashawn Ross, bassist
Sebastian Steinberg, drummers
Terreon "Tank" Gully and
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez. After dates supporting the
Dave Matthews Band,
Yerba Buena signed to Razor & Tie and released their 2003 debut,
President Alien. Island Life followed two years later. ~ John Bush