Various Artists - Salsa De La Bahia, Vol. III - Renegade Queens (2025)

SALSA DE LA BAHIA vol. 3, Renegade Queens

This double disc anthology, Salsa De La Bahía Vol. 3: Renegade Queens, celebrates the often-overlooked brilliance of women in the San Francisco Bay Area’s Afro-Latin music scene. Inspired by my trip to Havana in the year 2000 and conversations with Cuban ethnomusicologist Olavo Alén Rodríguez, this project highlights the pioneering role of women artists in shaping the hybrid nature of Bay Area Latin music.
For over 50 years, these musicians have led the charge in cross-pollination and collaboration, creating a distinctive Afro-Latin sound while championing racial integration, gender equality, and social empowerment.

Renegade Queens spotlights the resilience of these women as they confront sexism, cultural erasure, gentrification, and shifting socio-economic demographics. Bridging generations, this anthology showcases fearless female performers, educators, and trailblazers alongside their male allies and celebrates their unshakeable solidarity and creativity. Featuring music, poetry, and lyrics, the project captures the Bay Area’s seismic cultural shifts and unparalleled artistry born from mutual support and innovation.

More than a collection of music, Renegade Queens is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these extraordinary women. It honors their vital role in preserving multicultural heritage, promoting artistic expression, and inspiring future generations of musicians, serving as a rallying cry for progress and inclusivity in the Latin music world.

— Rita Hargrave

Tracklist:
1-1 Renegade Queens - We Were Born to Drum [7:45]
1-2 Xiomara Torres - Me Quedo Contigo [4:51]
1-3 Mary Fettig - Take the RR Train [4:14]
1-4 Maria Marquez - La Lagrima [5:09]
1-5 Blazing Redheads - Cosmo [3:10]
1-6 Lichi Fuentes - Momento [4:28]
1-7 Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet;Jackie Ryan - Love Walked In [6:22]
1-8 La Doña;La Doña - Can't Eat Clout [3:28]
1-9 Sandy Cressman - Deixa O Amor Florescer [5:42]
1-10 Carolyn Brandy - Odie [4:24]
1-11 Renegade Queens - La Mensajera [6:23]
1-12 Cocomama - Estoy Ahora en la Punta [5:30]
1-13 Kristen Strom - Moving Day [6:45]
1-14 The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet;Bobi Céspedes - The Peanut Vendor [5:35]
1-15 The Montclair Women’s Big Band;The Montclair Women’s Big Band - Caravan [4:30]
1-16 Kat Parra - Por La Tu Puerta [5:02]
1-17 Grupo Falso Baiano - Frevo No Morrozinho [4:01]
1-18 The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra;Avotcja - Matter Is [6:45]
1-19 Key Elements Latin Jazz Ensemble - Samba Nova [3:45]