Las Palabras is Rafael Cohen, a New Yorker born in Mexico and raised in 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).
Cohen 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 in 2020 and his second album “Fe” (“Faith”), in 2024. On this record Cohen is backed by Chris Egan (!!!, Solange, Blood Orange) on drums and Alberto Lopez (LCD Soundsystem, Stanley Clarke) on percussion. Producer Adrian Quesada (Black Pumas) mixed the album in Austin, TX.