Drumming En La Botanica

The title of this album takes its name from la botanica, a type of herbal magic shop found in Latino neighborhoods offering potions, plant remedies, candles and charms. The various ritual and healing elements are from African, Native American, and Hispanic cultures. Eric Casillas draws his percussion instruments and drumming patterns from these same 3 traditions in this unique collaboration with Native American flutist Ben Tavera King. Bongos, rainsticks, congos, udu drum, and maracas voice soft incantations while King's haunting melodic lines float on top. Casillas' pulsing rhythms are insistent in their healing magic.