Locarno

Best known as the front man for Vancouver’s The Paperboys, guitarist-vocalist (and Juno winner) Tom Landa has latterly been exploring his half-Mexican roots via a hot new Latin band named Locarno. The DNA of Locarno comes from a mixture of traditional Mexican and Cuban son, while the style combines elements of folk, pop, and all things Cuban. Although born and raised in Mexico City, a teenaged Landa found himself in Canada where he became enamoured of hip contemporary pop. A chance exposure to a funky acoustic CD by Los Lobos was all it took to urge Landa to return to his Mexican roots. For the last few years he has been working on this heartfelt project in company with renowned Cuban trumpet player Miguelito Valdes, who has worked with everyone from the Buena Vista Social Club to the Afro Cuban All Stars. Locarno’s debut album, Una Mas Y Ya Nos Vamos, came out a ye ago to considerable acclaim. The band includes Kalissa Hernandez violin/vocals, Pedro Mota guitar/vocals, Nick La Riviere