Los Hijos De Ismael – Spanish Roots

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When you think of family and how you grew up, you will see that our family and culture is a big part of who we are today.   Our parents pass on genetic traits that become evident in our lives.  This is exactly the case with our featured band Los Hijos De Ismael and the bands alter ego, Triptico.  

Alejando and his brother Gabe who make up the core of Los Hijos De Ismael (translated to the Sons of Ismael) were born and raised in Cuba, before moving to the Costa Rica.  These two places use music as a vital part of their culture, and the boys grew up with music in their blood. Their parents are also artistically inclined which was passed on to their sons.  Growing up, they can remember all the wonderful music they heard, they knew then and there that music was going to play an intricate part of their lives no matter what they do. They were not brought up with just Spanish music either, they loved English bands like Pink Floyd, Incubus and many more.  Their blend of music tastes would send them into an amazing transformation when they hit America.

They came to America for college but they insisted they would continue on with their music; so the brothers started a band that included a bit of the Spanish music they were born and raised on, while mixing Rock songs into their act.  They found that the Spanish population in Tampa was more into the Spanish music they performed and not so much into the rock music part; while the native Tampa population enjoyed the Spanish music but favored the rock a little bit more.  It was then when they created an alter ego to actually separate the genres and still allow them to keep both forms alive.  A risky decision, but because of their immense passion for music they are pulling it off.  The band split into what is now Triptico, which incorporates more of the rock sound, with some Spanish flare; and Los Hijos De Ismael which is strictly the Spanish music they were accustomed to growing up.  The main identity is Los Hijos De Ismael; and here in Tampa with the huge Cuban and Spanish culture and history it possesses, they are sure to fit in and make a nice niche for themselves.

Both of the bands identities are very well performed, with great vocals and sounds.  Triptico is not as complex as their other band as it contains a lead guitar, bass and drums.  Los Hijos De Ismael on the other hand includes the same instruments but they incorporate bongos, saxophones, flutes and chimes into the music.  Each identity has its own unique feel and message which captivates their audiences. 

The brothers are using their music to try to bring art back into the area, and expose the citizens to something different.  They suggest going to see local bands, and love working with other bands to promote music into our culture.  They want other bands to contact them, so they can get together and make art/music happen.  The brothers love doing festivals, and charitable work as much as they love doing the gigs around town.  In my experience I found that when an artist does all they can to change the community they live in, and bring positive influences to the area, they tend to go far.

Los Hijos De Ismael is ready to launch their first album set to hit the streets in late December.  They are playing at the Fly Bar in downtown Tampa, on December 20th to promote their new album.  The actual CD launch show will be at Skippers Smokehouse either January 6th or January 13th; keep checking their web site for up to date information. The CD has 12 songs of their 30 they have in their repertoire.  Listening to them, even if you don’t speak Spanish, this album has a wonderful smooth feel that can calm you down and make you feel like you were on the beaches of Costa Rica sipping on a large Margarita basking in the sun.  It’s a definite must have album.  We invite you to experience the sound, and see a whole new culture. 

To find out more about the band like upcoming gigs, how to purchase the CD, and even get the links to their debut appearance on WMNF 88.9 FM’s Latino 54 In Session, go to their official web site http://www.loshijosdeismael.com.  There you will find a link to the alter ego Triptico if that’s more your speed. Either way this band has something for everyone, they bring a whole other culture to our backyards for us to experience if we only give it a chance, and they will make you smile with their beautiful songs.