Photo courtesy of Luaka Bop Si*SŽ ambles down the streets of Brooklyn. The band, which fuses electronic and Latin music, performs at Backstage Sports Grill Sunday.

Though Tucson boasts an eclectic, Hispanic-influenced cultural scene, it has not yet seen the likes of New York band Si*SŽ.

Pronounced "see-say," Si*SŽ is a seven-piece, electronic-acoustic band with heavy Latin influences. Currently traveling through the West, the band brings with it a sound representative of the Brooklyn culture from which it comes.

The group's lead singer and creator goes by the name Carol C. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she gained widespread popularity in New York City as an accomplished drum 'n' bass DJ.

She later discovered another means by which to let her musical talents flourish, pairing up with the respected electro-programmer Cliff Cristofaro, better known to fans as U.F. LOW. The two found instant artistic synergy.

Not much later, five more musicians, including viola players Jeannie Oliver and Olivia Martinez, crack percussionist Neil Ochoa, bassist Morgan Phillips and drummer Ryan Farley joined the pair. Together, the group formulates a bold and daring mix of Latin rhythms, electronic, jazz and acoustic styles.

Cal Productions' Tucson promoter Sarah Brown insisted that Si*SŽ add a Tucson leg to its tour after she was introduced to the group's distinctive flavor.

"I have always liked (originator Carol C) since I heard her in New York last summer," Brown said. "(Cal Productions) found out they were taking a stretch from Texas to California and invited them to stop in Tucson."

Many people who have experienced Si*SŽ's sultry sounds have a hard time confining them to a specific genre. Admirers of the band use a plethora of adjectives and comparisons to describe the band's sound.

Brown likens the sound to popular female acts of recent times. "She's (Carol C) got the sexy, smooth Sade voice, the hipness of Morcheeba - with a Latin bilingual flair that really makes the sound unique."

Kaye added, "They have something really special with this Latin-meets-down-tempo electronic that they get right both in the studio and in live performances."

And as the band's Web site (www.si-se.com) states, the group's vibe is "where exotic traditions and tongues mingle with cutting edge daring and youthful energy."

The group's self-titled debut album was released in May 2001 with the help of some rather famous patriarchs of the music world. It's available by special order at Zip's Music, 946 E. University Blvd., and any Wherehouse music location.

Luaka Bop, Si*SŽ's label, created by famed former Talking Heads front man David Byrne, predominatly features a majority of Latin music. Producer Michael Mangini, known for his work with Digable Planets and The Baha Men, helped Si*SŽ enhance its sound for the recording.

As soon as the album was finished, the group took it on tour. Selling out New York City shows, they ventured west.

Jeff Kaye, Luaka Bop's "minister of information", described the band's enthusiasm for this side of the Mississippi.

"They are on their first West Coast tour, and they like it a lot," Kaye said. "They've been to Europe, toured with David Byrne last year and right now feel the West has been the most supportive of their music."

At the commencement of this tour, the band plans to enter the Luaka Bop studio again to record a second album.

Si*SŽ performs Sunday at Backstage Sports Grill, 6350 E. Tanque Verde Road., at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door. For more information, call the venue at 733-6262.