Bloque

Colombia-based octet Bloque introduced its self-titled debut album in 1998 and promptly connected with listeners far beyond its home country. The record fused salsa, rock, blues, and R&B into an energetic style built for dancing, earning fifth place among New York Times critics’ top albums of the year and first place on the Philadelphia Enquirer’s corresponding list. Extensive sold-out stadium tours across Latin America soon followed. Multiple Bloque members had previously performed together in the band supporting Latin superstar Carlos Vives; guitarist Teto Ocampo acted as Vives’ musical director, and guitarist/lead singer Ivan Benavides co-wrote the title track of Vives’ album Tierra Del Olvido.