Las Palabras

Las Palabras is Rafael Cohen, a New Yorker born in Mexico and raised Washington D.C. to Guatemalan parents. His earliest musical experiences were in DC’s punk scene and eventually he recorded two albums for Dischord Records. In college he pursued an interest in avantgarde jazz studying, playing and recording with Anthony Braxton and to this date he tours the world writing and recording with the dance rock act !!! (Chk Chk Chk).

He started Las Palabras on a small nylon string guitar purchased on tour where he added lyrics in his native Spanish to instrumental music influenced by an increasing interest in Brazilian artists from the 70’s like Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso. His first self-titled album was released on Brassland Projects during the summer of 2020.

In 2024, La Castanya releases Las Palabras’ sophomore album “Fe” (“Faith”). On this new record Cohen is backed by Chris Egan (!!!, Solange, Blood Orange) on drums and Alberto Lopez (LCD Soundsystem, Stanley Clarke) on percussion. Grammy award winning producer Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) mixed the record in Austin, Texas. An amalgam of rhythms ranging from hip hop to bachata, interspersed with contemplative ballads, “Fe” is tinged with influences including Brazilian grooves, eighties electro funk and shades of smooth soul. An album for certain kinds of quiet evenings, and also for certain kinds of dancefloors.