Seeds for The Battle of Santiago were planted in the early 2000’s, when Michael Owen (bass), Michael Butler (saxophone) and Daniel Mansilla (lead percussion), performed with Avenue One and All I See Is Red. “In 2009, we started to make a record in the ‘Mongo Santa Maria’ vein (traditional Afro-Cuban Music from New York Circa 1954),” explains Owen. “We ended up loving this path we had stumbled onto – taking Afro-Cuban rhythms into a very non-traditional direction.” With the addition of Lyle Crilly (guitar), Jason Hay (flute & sax) and Joel Perez (percussion), the group became a full 7-piece. Understanding this project as a vehicle for creative musical exploration, the group decided on the name The Battle of Santiago. Officially formed in 2010, it’s philosophy is to capture each musician’s own sound and style with complete freedom which allows for organic development and natural arrangements.
The Battle of Santiago has earned its reputation by creating a groove that commands the audience without the use of lyrics. This new genre – they call it Afro-Cuban Post-Rock – is expressed in their self-titled 2012 debut EP. Their most recent release “Full Colour,” has hit #1 in many college markets and on the !Earshot Top International, Jazz and Top 30’s charts. A must to hear and to see!