New Music From Angel Parra on Calabash Music

Corazon des andes

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:13:55 -0600

Renowned for his vocal and instrumental virtuosity, this untiring survivor presents today "Corazón des Andes" a finely textured collection of andean songs (full of longing, sadness and joy!) that will transport you to the very heart of a vast, colourful and still largely unexplored continent. On this album, Angel Parra explores not only the music of his homeland of Chile, but also the native cultures of Mexico "Fallaste Corazón ", Ecuador "Vasija de Barro " and several other Latin American countries... Anyone who listens to this recording cannot fail to be impressed with the musical precision, energy and emotion captured on this outstanding collection.

Boleros

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:13:55 -0600

The history of the bolero goes back over a century to its roots, probably in Cuba where, in 1886, Jose 'Pepe' Sanchez composed the first known bolero, "Tristezas", in Santiago de Cuba. From there the bolero made its way to Latin America and to Mexico, where it found some of its greatest writers, including Augustin Lara, Roberto Cantoral, Alvaro Carrillo or Carlos Arturo Briz. Brilliantly performed by 'latino' interprets, it came later to North America and Europe, influencing popular music of the day and even the Silver Screen. ANGEL PARRA (son of legend VIOLETA PARRA... and breathtaking guitarist-composer-singer from Chile) recorded in 1994 that exciting collection of bolero standards. That gifted and prolific interpret has released more than 50 albums... exploring the roots of traditional latin music or taking his social and political consciousness to a personal musical level that can be called today "Chilean New Song Movement" (which began in the mid-1960's). So it was logical for him, after long years of fighting with his guitar and lyrics, to take a little break by recording a quieter material. The choice has been made easily. From Cuba comes some of the freshest, most vital and essential music on the American continent. Singing some boleros represents a return to the Latin tradition... and a very romantic and artistic interlude ! They are plenty of classics on that new CD : "La barca", "Contigo en la distancia", "Sabor a mí", "Historia de un amor", "Encadenados"... ANGEL PARRA's superb interpretation of that almost traditional repertoire will bring him - we're convinced -, the aficionados and the purist's respect. Hear him capturing the essence of the bolero ! No limits are set to the emotions involved ! In a crowded field (that universal and inevitable 'latino' revival !), ANGEL PARRA's will definitely be one voice that's impossible to ignore. With "Boleros", he establishes himself as the XXI century singing Casanova : romantic, passionate, sensible and irresistibly exotic !!!

Paroles & musiques de Violeta Parra

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:13:55 -0600

Perhaps overshadowed by his mother's legend, Parra has remained under-rated throughout Europe,even by those who ought to know better. But this guitarist singer from Chile is a real maestro with a breathtaking talent. This creative and gifted interpreter has released more than 50 albums and continues to look to the future even when he pays his respects to the past.as for instance on this tribute to his mother . . The Great Violetta Parro . . . Truly an Angel for Life.