CHICHA. Peruvian cumbia. We don't even recall how we came across this glorious genre of music, but what do ya know? Those Peruvian guys of the 60s/70s cast a spell on us with their wah-wah pedals and psychedelic surf guitars on top of cumbia rhythms. A few years ago when we traveled in Lima, our cab driver all but laughed us out of the car for mentioning this "old music from the country, the mountains," but those working-class Amerindians migrating to the oft time unwelcoming city created something special in our eyes (and ears) that, also, shed a light on the experiences of exploitation and marginalization of indigenous persons.
Nevertheless, chicha, like it's namesake, the Incan corn-liquor, intoxicated us. Unable to resist its pull, we washed into the studio and recorded this song, "A Patricia," which has become standard among many of the bands we hear running with the genre. In fact, we must offer a nod to Money Chicha, Chicha Libre, and Chicha Dust to name a few. This track was recorded at Long Beach's legendary Mambo Studios and mixed by punk rock legend (and Bernard's old bandmate from Sex With Lurch) Geza X with Derek O'Brien (Social Distortion, Agent Orange, Extra Fancy) having a great time on drums and percussion. The video was shot one day before Bernard hit a BellRays rehearsal in Riverside at the amazing and artsy Tio's Tacos. We urge all who pass through Riverside, California to check this place out. A Patricia may be downloaded at: https://paravionmusic.bandcamp.com/
A Patricia written by Enrique Delgado Montes
More about chicha here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peruvian_cumbia and http://www.laweekly.com/music/an-obscure-compilation-called-the-roots-of-chichas-far-reaching-influence-in-los-angeles-8900124