Gecko Turner (real name Fernando Gabriel Echave Pelaez) is a Spanish musician and singer-songwiter. Based near the border between Spain and Portugal, he has fronted several bands in his native Spain. Guapapasea, his first CD released in the U.S., incorporates bossa nova, soul, funk, reggae, jazz and electronica. Gone Down South is a reinvented throwback to the American funk and soul of the 1960's and 70's. However, Gecko Turner's vocals fall somewhere between world/folk-crooners, Xavier Rudd (Australia) and Douglas September (USA). Gecko relates his 'southern' roots to his homeland of Southern Spain. The classic blues/funk sounds of the Southern United States weave in and out of his music. Expectedly, a touch of Latin folk and funk pops up from time to time. The sultry sounds and rhythms create a surreal mood and memorable experience for any listener. Overall, Gone Down South builds upon a slew of genre-bending music with contributions from reggae, hip hop, jazz, funk, folk, trance, downtempo, big band, blues, Afro-Latin pop, and others. Importantly, Gecko's voice is the lead on most tracks with some smoky, groovy cool instrumental parts. Gone Down South rises to the occasion on every beat. ~ Matthew Forss