Many people know the bands Malo, Sapo and the enduring love song “Suavecito”, which has been called "The Chicano National Anthem". But many people are not aware that these bands and the famous song have their roots here in the Bay Area – and that a central figure in Latin rock history is still performing locally.
Singer and songwriter Richard Bean grew up in San Francisco and went to Mission High School where he formed a band with famed Latin-Rock guitarist
Carlos Santana. In 1969, when Santana achieved national prominence, Bean, with Jorge Santana and others formed the band Malo, which gained prominence with the release of "Suavecito". Some of the best musicians in the Bay Area played in Malo, which also had a huge following in Central and South America (especially the songs "Chevere", "Nena", "Pana", "Cafe" and "Oye Mama"). By the time "Suavecito" found its way to No. 2 on the charts, Bean had formed his next band, Sapo. Remaining faithful to the Latin-soul-rock formula, Sapo’s debut album featured songs such as "Ritmo del Corazón", "Sapo Montuno", and “Can't Make It", which became an anthem during the Lowrider era in San Francisco’s Mission district.Today, Bean has reformed Sapo and performs at local clubs and events, especially in the East Bay. He and his band have spent recent weeks rehearsing at their studio in Hayward for their performance last weekend at Carnaval San Francisco, which is celebrated in Richard’s former ‘play’ ground, the Mission district. The world famous Carnaval San Francisco festival celebrates the best of Latin American and Caribbean cultures with food, music, drumming, dancing, live music, and artistry by the talented community of Bay Area artists.
“It’s been many years since I performed at Carnaval but we wanted to do it for our fans and to let people know that Sapo is still around,” says Richard. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to hear us and Carnaval is getting more recognized and bigger every year,” he adds.
About “Suavecito”, which he co-wrote, Richard says the people love it and always request it. “I greatly appreciate it that people still request it and as long as they keep asking for it I’ll keep playing it,” he says.
Richard says he has never stopped writing songs and performing, and is currently working to release a new CD this year. He rehearses and performs with numerous musicians from his long career, including current Santana band member Raul Rekow who got a lot of his early training with Sapo.
Richard and Sapo will also be performing June 12 at Raja Club in Hayward, June 20th at The Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, and July 4th at an Independence Day fireworks concert in San Pablo. You can contact Richard through his myspace page at www.myspace.com/116874755 or sapomusic@aol.com.