LA RUMBA

Michael Rajab and Toby Hack started La RUMBA in 2009. Having played together in other acts they decided to focus on their own new band. They started off as a duo and begun writing original pieces but wanted to expand the band to create a bigger sound. They both love world music and wanted to incorporate their own influences into this new venture.

Toby has been playing guitar for over 18 years in many different styles and decided to dedicate most of his playing to Spanish Flamenco guitar in 2005, travelling to spain to absorb the life, culture and most of all the music. Michael started to play the Doumbek at the ripe old age of 9 and was accompanying belly dancers with his fathers band not long after.

Michael slowly ventured towards R 'n' B music and then Spanish Flamenco but wanted to keep using the sounds of his Arabic roots. The duo found regular work around Melbourne and slowly incorporated percussion into their shows as well as a belly dancer. With the momentum picking up they decided it was finally time to expand the group and look into getting a bass player singer, and percussion. Luckily, a bass player and singer came along very easily and made a great addition the band. Since La RUMBA has been performing as a 5 piece band they have made quite an impact on the Melbourne music scene . Gaining more regular shows with every week.

The group also has some great musicians sitting in with them such as Manolo, Johnny and Richard Tedesco (ARTE KANELA) and the horn section from Breakestra (L.A) They perform as a 5 piece band, but if required can accommodate smaller venues as a duo/trio. They have an energy that is hard to dismiss, pleasing all crowds and creating a great atmosphere. The music is a combination of Gypsy Rumba, traditional Flamenco and they even inject some Arabic flavours.

If you like bands like The Gipsy Kings you'll love La RUMBA. A Flamenco dancer/Belly Dancer is available if requested. The band has been performing regularly around Melbourne at venues such as: Latin Festival (Johnston St), Kanela Bar (Fitzroy), De Los Santos (Fitzroy), The Cherry Lounge (Fitzroy), Sahara Nights (Brunswick), Simply Spanish (Sth Melbourne), South Melbourne Markets, The Spot (Brunswick), Box Stallion Winery, Wallah (Balaclava), Big Mouth (St Kilda). The crowds are always happy and leave our shows wanting more...

SONG LIST

• Bamboleo
• Siento (instrumental)
• A Tu Vera
• Quiero Saber
• Maria Sara
• Habla Me
• Vamos a Bailar
• Triste
• Baile Me
• Entres dos aguas ( instrumental)
• Nawal ( instrumental)
• Tobito ( instrumental)
• El Zorro ( instrumental)
• Caminando por la calle
• Gitana canastera
• Donde estas mi amor
• Oy ( chiribi)
• Vente pa Madrid
• Ay que dolor
• Caramba carambita
• Habibi ya nour el ain
• Aven aven
• Porompompom
• Todos Ole
• Ni mas ni menos
• Papa
• La Tounga
• Tangos de Tobito ( instrumental)
• Bulerias ( instrumental)
• Bem Bem
• Hommage a Jose Reyes ( Frenchy)
• Margarita
• Volando voy
• Tres notas Para Decir ( instrumental)
• Arabic con sabor ( instrumental)