Leti Garza has always believed fiercely in the importance of creating her own narrative, building her own platforms, and developing fully as an artist. Her music shimmers with vitality and honesty, mined from the rich reserves of her life experiences. Her lyrics display a plainspoken wisdom that cuts to the marrow of human relationships. And her melodies spring from fertile ground – she comes from a celebrated family of singer-songwriters, and she draws from her North American roots in Texas Folk, Latin Jazz, and New Age; the Afro-Caribbean rhythms of Cuba’s son, danzon and boleros; the valses and jarocho rhythms of Mexico; the trova, cumbia and merengue beats of South and Central America; and Brazil’s bossa nova and samba. Leti is a global Tejana; her music refuses categorization. She targets and translates with her voice the repertoire of singers and songwriters such as Celia Cruz, Mercedes Sosa, Violeta Parra, Elias Regina and with deep dedication, Eva Garza, Leti’s aunt. She bilingually integrates Afro-Caribbean rhythms with American pop, traditional Son, Latin jazz and Folk.
El Unico Para Mi, Leti’s previous album, made Texas Music Magazine’s top-ten favorite albums released in 2017. She credits the strength of her last record to the chemistry she felt with her brilliant collaborators, Grammy-winners Scott McIntosh and Jose Galeano, and her Latin Jazz band, La Banda. The album’s poignant single, “Frio en el Alma,” was a listed favorite by NPR’s Alt/Latino program. Other accolades for Leti’s art include the Distinguished Music Award, given to her by the Texas Music Museum, as well as recognition by the Austin History Center for her contributions to Texas music.
In a time when so many speak of securing borders and drawing heavy lines, Leti’s music powerfully affirms cultural expression and inclusion. Through her work, she seeks to honor the many people, places, words, and soundscapes that have shaped her life. Her art bespeaks a belief that, through cultural exchange, humankind can imagine new and better, shared futures.
Today Glide is excited to premiere something a little different from Leti with her collaboration with renowned producer/composer/musician Michael Ramos on a remix of the classic song “La Empaliza.” This version features an energetic and cool techno-funk groove that is blended with bright Conjunto sounds and Leti’s vibrant vocals. Compared to other versions of the song, this one kicks up the speed and works in a trippy and danceable melange of electronic effects. Percussion, piano, brass and saxophone are all layered in to give the song its explosive and manic club-ready sound that is sure to give listeners a welcome jolt. According to the team behind the song, “the recording of ‘La Empaliza’ was taken first from a vinyl recording of Eva Garza’s version made in the 1950’s, then recorded as part of Leti’s album, El Unico Para Mi in 2017, and finally remixed, after the album’s release, because Michael Ramos heard the album and expressed interest in remixing this wonderful song. It then became, ‘La Empaliza Brown Recluse Remix!’ The intention behind all the recordings of La Empaliza was to take this song into the arms of the 21st century. With Michael Ramos’ remix gifts and Leti Garza’s fierce perseverance, this amazing tune will now find its way into your hearts.”
LISTEN:
