the Cabana Code

After having largly disappeared from the music scene for over twenty years, Andy Hernandez, A.K.A. Coati Mundi, has returned. His name probably doesn't strike any immediate chords, and although he's gone Bermuda Triangle for a while, he's actually appeared in this very blog, somewhat indirectly, in the past. Along side August Darnell (i.e. Kid Creole), Coati Mundi created genre smashing music in Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band and its later incarnation, Kid Creole and the Coconuts . (For an excellent primer and retrospective of the two groups' work, as well as the rest of Darnell's work, check out the compilation Going Places: The August Darnell Years).

Fast forward to late last year when Coati Mundi let loose a few new tracks he's been working on titled the No More Blues EP, and more to the point, his brand new full length Dancing For the Cabana Code In the Land of Boo-Hoo. On it, Hernandez re-explores many of the same flavors that he and Darnell let loose on the world in the 70's and 80's while creating something connected to the present as well. This isn't just re-hashing of old favorites, mind you; still here is that explorative feeling free of genre defintions, the exuberant entertainment factor unafraid to cut loose, and the connection to the dance floor that the music builds pushing your body to move.

As with his past work, there is a strong undercurrent of Latin influences mixed with disco beats. Also as with past projects, Coati Mundi doesn't take himself too seriously, such as with the album's second track, Do Not Brown Your Nose. Yes, it's about what you think it is. Or as in No More Blues, which sings about replacing the blues with pink. Unlike his older work, these new songs don't feel like they were pulled from tape dug up from the 80's. NOT to say there is anything wrong with that music, but it's nice to see that he's kept up with the times and grown with them. Simply put, his music is fun.

The album isn't out until next month, but check a track from the No More Blues EP below that also appears on the full length.

Coati Mundi - No More Blues : No More Blues EP (also appears on the upcoming Dancing For the Cabana Code In the Land of Boo-Hoo)

Kid Creole and the Coconuts - Something Wrong In Paradise (Larry Levan Mix) : Ze Records Story 1979-2009

Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band - Cher Chez le Femme; Se Si Bon : Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band

Visit his website, his label Rong Music, and become his friend on MySpace.