Funk Has a New Face

On January 12, 2010, the Caribbean was struck with a disaster of epic proportions; an earthquake struck in Haiti that registered a 7.0 on the Richter scale, followed by approximately 52 aftershocks in the days that followed. Much aid would be needed to help stabilize this now devastated country. People all over the world were donating and hosting charity events in an effort to generate funding for food, water and other much needed supplies.  On March 13, 2010, “Texans for Haiti”, a charity event held in Dallas, was put together by a few friends and delivered a night of music, prize giveaways, and unforgettable memories; all of which were for a great cause. One performer, specifically, caught my eye and that was Ducado Vega and Bloodrich. It has been a long time since a local band has had the ability captivate me with an energetic live show. The thing that I was most impressed with is they were playing Funk.  

Growing up, my father passed down his love for the Funk by exposing me to acts like Morris Day and the Times, Prince, Cameo, and of course Parliament Funkadelic.  But, it is rare to find a band that is able to pull off such a nostalgic sound with the same energy and stage presence that would translate to this day and age. I mean these guys had crazy top hats and Kilts, guitar solos from atop a table in the bar, and music so funky you would have to step outside just to breathe a breath of fresh air. Mixing old school sounds with today’s radio hits, Ducado Vega and Bloodrich does anything but stick to a script when they’re on-stage. They make you feel like you are a part of the show or you are on stage with them playing for the masses.  Alas, there is a new face to the almost extinct genre that was born over four decades ago.

Though he is a rising star, Ducado Vega is not a rookie to the game. He has been composing songs for well over two decades and has over 1500 original songs in his musical catalog. Songs such as “Seven”, which starts off with an eerie snare beat and organs, then transforms into an in your face, head bobbing track; the track comes out of nowhere like a sucker punch with layers of guitars and funky bass lines that force listeners to groove regardless of where they are. Then you go to a song like “Sex in the Club”, which DV and Bloodrich have partnered with their signature drink by the same title. This multi-talented Louisiana native has been known to go it alone; however, through his latest endeavors he has enlisted the help of what has been deemed Bloodrich. Bloodrich consists of Zenya Black handling keyboard and vocals, Blackie Dawson on the bass, Akiria Starr bringing the vocals, Que Forte rocking on guitar, and newest member John JWhy banging it out on the drums.   

In such a short time, this band has been able to make noise of epic proportions playing all around Dallas and gaining more support and momentum with each and every show.  It won’t be too long before they are jetting around the globe. You don’t want to miss out at all because Ducado Vega and Bloodrich do more than just play shows, this band throws a party on stage and you can’t help but to join in!

~Forte

For more information on Ducado Vega and Bloodrich, please visit www.ducadovega.com.