La Santa Cecilia is a Mexican-American band based in Los Angeles, California who play a blend of many forms of music, including cumbia, bossa nova, and boleros. The name La Santa Cecilia is based upon the patron saint of musicians, Saint Cecilia. For their full-length studio album, Treinta Días, the group won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album in 2014.
La Santa Cecilia consists accordionist and requintero Jose Carlos, bassist Alex Bendana, percussionist Miguel Ramirez and lead vocalist Marisoul, whose captivating voice sings about love, loss and heartbreak. Their influences range from Miles Davis to The Beatles, Zeppelin to Janis Joplin and Mercedes Sosa to Ramon Ayala. Ther common love of music and openness to all genres led them to the concept of La Santa Cecilia in 2007 – named after the patron saint of musicians.
La Santa Cecilia’s self-titled EP was recorded at Lo-Fi Studios in San Bernardino and the legendary Westlake Recording Studios in Hollywood. Their song “Chicle” was featured on the Emmy award-winning series Weeds, the independent feature Dish, and the documentary Re-Encounters about Oaxacan artist Alejandro Santiago. Their musician also be heard on KPFK's radio programs '4 O'clock Tuesday' with Gustavo Arellano and ' Travel Tips For Aztlan' with Mark Torres. The band made an on-camera appearance on HBO's Emmy award-winning hit show Entourage; the episode also featured the songs "Chicle" and "El Farol". The band also held a two- week residence for the L.A. Philharmonic- sponsored children's show Summer Sounds, where they performed their songs and acted so as to educate the community of Los Angeles on their very own cultural treasures.
La Santa Cecilia exemplifies the modern-day creative hybrid of Latin culture, rock and world music. This six-member group draws inspiration from all over the world, utilizing Pan-American rhythms like cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock and klezmer music .Their unique sound and the experience of their colorful, passionate performance leaves fans and new listeners mesmerized. They are proud to be from the City of Angels.
Marisol "La Marisoul" Hernandez: Lead Singer
Jose "Pepe" Carlos: Accordinist and Requinto
Miguel "Oso" Ramirez: Percussionist
Alex Bendana: Bassist
Hugo Varagas: Drummer
Marco Sandoval: Guitarist