Save The World by Grupo Pagan

What caught people’s attention is the sheer energy and joy projected by the ensemble in live performance along with the camaraderie that takes place on stage, not to mention outstanding musicianship!

Edgar’s purposeful plan was to hand pick the musicians he felt would embrace his musical and spiritual vision with the goal of taking the music and it's message beyond the 'local limitations'. Thus, in the creation of a number of inspired original songs, it was apparent that the audience response to their original music was overwhelming. A wonderful collaboration took place that speaks volumes about this first musical release.

Post Standard music reviewer Mark Bialczak sums it up as follows:

Jimmy Haslip was in town to visit his brother-in-law and sister who live in Baldwinsville and decided to take a trip to the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que to catch the live music of Grupo Pagán.

The bass player for international jazz outfit The Yellowjackets and renowned record producer struck up a friendship with band leader Edgar Pagán when Pagán convinced Haslip to hand over a track for a benefit CD for Make-A-Wish Foundation that Pagán and Haslip produced in 2000.

"From that point on, I've been following what he does," Haslip says. "I'd never heard him live. I'd heard demos.”

"At the Dinosaur, the band sounded great to me. I thought this is a gem in Syracuse, these guys. The place was packed, people were dancing. I thought they should make a record. I said, 'You guys are a happening band.' ''

Pagán, wise man that he is, immediately requested Haslip's help. That came this past winter. Haslip traveled to JA Castle Studios in Utica to produce "Save the World" with Grupo Pagán.

Reviewer, Skip Murphy of the Syracuse NewTimes writes:

“Grupo Pagán goes global with new disc.”

The local Latin funk band " Grupo Pagán ", like many local bands, has a new disc coming out, but unlike most local bands', this disc may be a hit beyond Syracuse.

The group's disc "Save the World" is a masterful first effort, but it didn't happen by accident.

Bandleader Edgar Pagán has enlisted some of the finest musicians in the jazz world to help make this disc flow, and it flows beautifully.

"Save the World" was produced by Jimmy Haslip, bassist for the world-renowned jazz-fusion group, "The Yellowjackets". He brought in sax-man Eric Marienthal, who has worked with Chic Corea, BB King and Anita Baker. Haslip also enlisted reed-man Katisse Buckingham who has worked with Dr Dre' and the Groove Junkies. Grammy-award winner Rich Breen, who has done work for Michael Jackson, Nora Jones, The Rolling Stones and Sheryl Crow, mastered the disc. Two tracks include outstanding guest performances by world-renowned world music artists: Mikanik and percussionist: Emedin Rivera.

While, it is no wonder that this disc turned out so beautifully, it is hard to believe that this music comes from Syracuse. Grupo Pagán has been together for four years and they have had plenty of time to get their act together musically. The searing guitar work of Kenny Budd and the wonderfully melodic keyboard playing of Billy DiCosimo weave seamlessly throughout, as does the funky, happy bass of Edgar Pagan. Rhonda Arns' sultry vocal work turns up the temperature as Frank Neubert and Josh Dekaney, on drums and percussion, bring this music to a boil. It sounds at times like Pagan's voice belongs with the great R&B groups of the seventies and eighties; those with dance routines and slick presentations. His soulful style displays a gentle sense of humanity throughout; a musical message of peace for the world to hear. The boisterous Latin feel is so accessible and easy to listen to that all who hear this disc can't help but feel good. It is also refreshing to see the return of dance music.

More from Mark Bialczak:

Before going into the studio, producer Haslip says, Grupo Pagán had polished a slate of original songs. He said he loved the group’s enthusiasm in the studio.

"They are wonderful people," he says. "I've been doing this for a long time, so it would be difficult for me to go back to that feeling that you get that first time you go into a studio. That exuberance and wide-eyed spirit you see when people are in the studio for the first time, I feed on that. It's a joyful experience."

Haslip says he still remembers the song that really caught his attention that night in the Dinosaur. It's included on the CD. "I said 'Edgar, who wrote that song 'Aye, Aye, Aye?' Haslip says. "And he said it was a Santana song. So I went out and heard the Santana version for the first time. And I liked the Grupo Pagán’s version better."

Edgar’s CD liner notes reflect the philosophy behind what his and the group’s message is to today’s world: “Imagine what would happen if we all projected a little more love and joy every day?” May this musical message embrace all of us.

Enjoy the music – Vaya!

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