RumbaLa is a new assemblage of old friends that have played together for years and spent decades as disciples of the AfroCuban rumba tradition. This Cuban aesthetic blends Iberian tonality with African rhythms, while RumbaLa adds their own sauce...the result is a kind of funky Latin blues. In vernacular Spanish, the songs take us on a journey to connect with our common humanity. They express the lament of loss, the yearning for connection, and the celebration of life. RumbaLa’s music is hauntingly lyrical and undeniably danceable.

RumbaLa is the passion project of Sathya Burchman, who’s decades-long studies of Afro-Cuban music have deeply informed his work as a bassist and singer. His love for the traditions and his drive for creative innovation have brought him to write these modern arrangements of old rumba standards and to bring together this group of musical dynamos. Luca Brandoli’s voluminous work as a singer, drummer, and educator of Cuban musical traditions is attested by his international performance reputation and large body of albums and instructional books. John Villalobos’ dedication to guitar and his engagement with AfroCuban, Flamenco, Jazz, and Blues traditions have brought him on stage with the likes of Celia Cruz, Jackson Browne, and Joan Baez. Adam Topol’s lifelong commitment to drumming/music has produced a variety of albums, from traditional Afro-Cuban to Jamaican Dub, Jazz, and Rock. His solid timing and tasty phrasing have helped define Jack Johnson’s sound. Bobby Wilmore is a prominent member of LA’s Afro-Cuban music scene, working regularly with legendary greats such as Lazaro Galarraga, Herbie Hancock, and Justin Timberlake. Andrew Acosta has had a long career as percussionist extraordinaire in the L.A. area.