Son Miserables

Son Miserables were a Panamanian band who started out in 1991. They were particularly known for their use of acoustic instruments, which they mixed with local musical elements. Their style of music has been defined as a combination between pop, rock and Latin American folklore; easy listening. The band's influences are varied and go from James Taylor to Rubén Blades, as well as The Beatles, Silvio Rodríguez and Caetano Veloso. In 1996, Son Miserables signed a record deal with Kiwi Records, for the recording of their first album, a self-titled record, at Origen Studios, in Panama City. «Son Miserables» was realeased into the Panamanian market on November 1st, 1996, and ranked among the best-selling albums in local stores, and one of the most requested in local radio stations. Son Miserables have shared the stage with Rubén Blades, both in Panamá and Puerto Rico, as part of Blades' tour «La Rosa de los Vientos». Later, they recorded a duet with Blades entitled «No te miento» (Son Miserables) that was included in «Red, Hot & Latin», an album whose sales were destined for the fight against AIDS. In 1998, Son Miserables started working on their second album, this time with the collaboration of John Karpowich, who has worked with Santana, Ricky Martin, Seal and Yes. The second album included 13 tracks that continued Son Miserables' simple, narrative style, but with a more elaborate production. The album was released in 1999, and included popular singles such as «Marchita la flor», «La solución» and «Solo las estrellas bastarán». In November 2003, the band announced their dissolution and gave a last official performance at the 2003 PanamaRock Awards in Panama City.