top of page

Kool Katz News and Reviews

Who are the Kool Katz, you ask? Well let me introduce them to you. The Kool Katz is a new exciting band from that traditional hot bed of trend setting music, the Bay Area. The Bay Area has long been known for turning out the best and hottest groups especially, in regards to Latin music. Groups like Malo, Sapo, Azteca, Cal Tjader, Pete Escovedo, Tower of Power and of course the legendary Carlos Santana. The Kool Katz in my opinion are destined to follow that distinguished list of names. Based in San Jose, CA this group of seasoned musicians together with their creative original sound will quickly garner much deserved attention. When I first heard their music from a promotional 2-song disc I was blown away.

Eric Chico Manqueros

By Erik Chico Manqueros

When music is created, it takes a mixture of talent, hard work, dedication and an appreciation for the time necessary to create the right sound or groove. When a group can harness all of the influences and sounds from the past and present to create their own sound it is something special. Music is created to enjoy, dance and create memories of happiness. Music is the soundtrack of our lives, whether in happy or sad occasions, it documents the time of our lives.

 

When I first heard the music of the Kool Katz band back in the late 90’s, I was immediately drawn to the creative and soulful sound of the group. That original sound that combined elements of Soul, Latin, Rock, R&B, smooth Vocals along with strong Latin percussion and a unique signature groove made me realize that this group had a winning formula and it has been a joy to see them progress and develop over the years to where they are today. Art & Kelly Galvan have created a sound all their own drawing from their own personal experiences, influences in music and in having a connection with their audience. This is Latin Bounce!

 

They both have been blessed with talents and with a strong desire to succeed and to document their unique brand of Latin music. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for the way they approach their music and how they include their friends into their performances. Through the years, they have developed into a unique group with a signature sound a sound all their own. The creative talents of both Art & Kelly to develop songs from ideas and to then perform them has placed this group into an elite category and has allowed them to grow professionally and musically. On their recordings you will hear their signature sound along with some newer elements that make the music swing and groove.

Thanks to the help from Producer Ron Moton, the group has taken a new direction while including elements from the past. This collection of tunes on their new cd entitled "Turn it up -  Latin Bounce!" is an amazing representation of the development and innovative talents of the group. Each tune has it’s own distinctive groove and appeal, all with the style that the Kool Katz have become recognized for.

Tracks from their new cd "Turn it up -  Latin Bounce!" also includes some special guest performances from some dear friends including; Christina Torres (Mike Torres Band) on Timbales, Tetsuya “Tex” Nakamura (WAR, 44’s, Los Suspiros, Monte Carlo76’s, Mr. B & The Stingers) on Harmonica, Ron Moton (Con Funk Shun) on Saxophone, Frank Bailey (MALO) on Trumpet and Dale Villavicencio (Tierra) on Timbales, Congas and Percussion. These performances are inspired and make this already good session an excellent one. As a matter of fact, the title of CD almost became Kool Katz and friends. This CD is a dream come true, Art & Kelly are both well on their way musically, spiritually and artistically. Please now enjoy the “Latin Bounce” sounds of the Kool Katz band and their muy suave recordings.

 

Musically,

 

Chico Manqueros

Host / Producer

Gozando with Chico  

Hello my name is Howard Chino Ng and I am the Host & Producer of the Internet Radio program called The Great American Song Book on East LA Revue.Com's Internet Jukebox.  I first heard of the Kool Katz back in 2007 through my partner Erik Chico Manqueros while working with him on his Gozando with Chico show.  He  said your going to like this tune so  i played this song called ( I will do most anything ) and it had this smooth new Latin cha cha cha beat and it made we want to dance and I had not felt that way since the early 1980's when disco was starting to take the air wave's. I asked Chico who was this band he told me the leader on guitar was a guy named Art Galvan and his wife Kelly was the singer and they call themselves the Koolkatz. I  continued to played some more of the tracks from their first CD.  And that is how I became a fan of this new sound out of the Bay Area that I had not heard in a long time not since likes of Tower of Power, Santana & Malo and that new sound is the Koolkatz. I was fortunate to meet Art & Kelly Galvan and hear the Koolkatz band live when they came south to Los Angeles and I have been a fan since. 


Howard Chino Ng
Host - Producer
The Great American Song Book 
Co-Producer
Gozando with Chico
www.eastlarevue.com  

  SAN JOSE HIGH

   ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

I have been a big fan of the Kool Katz and Art and Kelly for over 20 years. 
Several unknown facts about the Kool Katz...they write their own songs, and on many ocassions (too many to count), they donate their time  to help many groups and organizations with their causes.

In 2011, they played at a "Tardeada" at the Bold Knight and raised enough money to buy a van chairlift  for a friend who has M.S. so he could get back and forth to his Dr. appointments.The Kool Katz, Art and Kelly are a blessing to our San Jose Community.. 

 

Your Friend,

Bill Kleidon

San Jose High Alumni Association

Tax ID #20-8458652

PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES

www.sjhaa.com

(408) 205-9335

1999 Review from Chico Manqueros of Latin Jazz Magazine

Kool Katz CD entitled

"Your Love Just Moves Me"

Having been in the music scene for many years I have seen many bands come and go. A lot of groups had the desire to succeed and for whatever reason did not follow through. Others lacked the organization and dedication necessary to succeed. Others even though were very good did not create a name for themselves due to a lack of creativity. The Kool Katz however, bring to you a style of their own. They mix the cool sounds of Jazz, hot driving Latin rhythm and Rock n Roll influences to create what they call Latin Bounce. Call it what you may, Latin Jazz, Chicano Salsa or Latin Bounce, this is exciting musica. They create irresistible and infectious rhythms that will satisfy the most discriminating listener. What makes their music so appealing is that it is all original material. Founded by Art Galvan, a seasoned guitarist and composer, Art's intention in forming the Kool Katz in1998 was to be one of the best Latin groups recording and performing original music. I firmly believe Art and the Kool Katz have accomplished this. Check out the beautiful vocal work by Kelly Galvan. You will be reminded by the smooth sounds of Gloria Estefan and Selena who happen to be her strongest musical influences. Throughout this exciting CD "Me Gusta Como Bailas" you will hear superb musicianship by talented and experienced performers.

By Erik Chico Manqueros

Host & Producer of The Latin Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com

The horn section along with driving Latin percussion makes this group swing! All original material is what impresses me most about the Kool Katz. They create moving melodies and toe-tapping arrangements. Art Galvan's solid guitar licks keep the music soulful. Kelly's expressive and dynamic vocals will delight you and will make you feel her passion. The tunes all speak for themselves and have such a rich appeal. Not since the Malo's classic hit "Suavecito" or Sapo's barrio favorite "Can't Make It" has there been a tune that mixes the sounds of R&B, Latin and Soul to create a Chicano Love anthem.

I firmly believe the tune "I Will Do Most Anything" will become a classic recording and put the Kool Katz on the Latino music map. Written by Art and Kelly, this song is simply amazing. The kind of tune that you will want to make note of what you are doing when you hear it for the first time. Additionally, "Style of our own", "Dazed and Confused", "Me Gusta como Bailas", with it's touch of West Coast Salsa and "Please Stay With Me" showcase the group's versatility and solidifies that they have indeed found a style of their own. Another favorite is the infectious cha cha "Your Love Just Moves Me"--WOW! This tune will definitely remind you of the early Chicano sounds of the groups Tierra, Malo, Sapo and El Chicano. Listen to the tight arrangement of the horns complimented by the very sabroso guitar--nice, very vice. Two other gems that I know will be crowd pleasers are the soulful "I Can't Let Go" and the cool "Kool Summer." Talk about Latino soul! The Kool Katz are oozing with Latin soul and have created their own thing.

I just wish all bands had the swing, sound and creativity that the Kool Katz do. I can't recommend this fine recording enough. Introduce all that you can to the Kool Katz sound. After all, they do have a style all their own. It is without a doubt so sabroso!

 

By Erik Chico Manqueros

Host & Producer of The Latin Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com

Feel free to email us with any comments or questions and to stay in touch with the band at:

 

koolproductionz@gmail.com

thekoolkatzband1@aol.com

 

Kool Katz "Latin Bounce" music here on these links:

http://www.facebook.com/KoolKatzBand

 

http://www.reverbnation.com/koolkatz

http://www.cdbaby.com/artist/TheKoolKatz

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/koolkatzband

 

The Finest in Musical Pan Dulce, Vol. 1 by Various Artists including the Kool Katz.

© Copyright - Gozando with Chico Presents / Suave Grooves Records (822701158381)

 

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gozandochico

bottom of page