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Vicente García – Candela: Teaser 1
Part 1 of a 3 part mini documentary about the making of Candela, Vicente Garcia’s 2019 critically acclaimed Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated album.
Vicente García – Candela: Teaser 2
Part 2 of a 3 part mini documentary about the making of Candela, Vicente Garcia’s 2019 critically acclaimed Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated album.
Vicente García – Candela: Teaser 3
Candela: Making of Vol 3 Candela cierra un gran ciclo. Un trayecto de tres discos por la música de mi tierra. Lo viví, lo sufrí, lo canté y lo bailé. Este disco lo hice buscando en mi familia, en mi gente, en nuestra forma de ser y de contar las cosas; esa forma que me define y que me regaló mi abuela. Me siento muy afortunado de cerrar este ciclo con mi primera nominación al Grammy anglo. Part 3 of a 3 part mini documentary about the making of Candela, Vicente Garcia’s 2019 critically acclaimed Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated album.
Vicente García Wins Best Singer-Songwriter Album Latin GRAMMY
Dominican takes home the singer/songwriter category at The Biggest Night in Latin Music
«I am very happy and excited. I want to dedicate this award to my country, [my] fountain of infinite inspiration, [and] also to Juan Luis Guerra who has been for me a constant inspiration. I don’t know what to say. I am very excited. Thank you to the Academy, Eduardo Cabra, John Blaze [and] Wendell for working [from] the heart. … And … to all the people that helped me make this record. A million thanks.»
— Vicente García
Formerly the lead singer of the Dominican alternative rock band Calor Urbano, he left in 2010 to pursue a solo career. He has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, and Maná. Now that solo career is starting to pay off.
García took home his first career Latin GRAMMYs at the 18th Latin GRAMMYs, including for Best Singer-Songwriter Album for A La Mar and Best Tropical Song for «Bachata En Kingston.» He is also up for Album Of The Year and Best New Artist later this evening. [Ed.: García ended up winning Best New Artist, upping his win total to three.]
Source: Grammy.com
https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/vicente-garc{34ee6b8eb21b79a1fee5fe5c6bd37480c6adee5eb875e03b5ec341781f0eec54}C3{34ee6b8eb21b79a1fee5fe5c6bd37480c6adee5eb875e03b5ec341781f0eec54}ADa-wins-best-singer-songwriter-album-latin-grammy
Meet Latin Grammy’s Best New Artist Vicente García
Vicente Luis García Guillén, better known as Vicente García, can be considered the king of the fusions. His music revolves around musical currents such as Blues, Jazz, Folk, Bachata, Salsa and Merengue, achieving incredible melodies that are complemented by lyrics based on such real personal experiences, that it is inevitable not to add the song to the soundtrack of your life.
With his light brown hair in a Rastafarian style, Vicente is a worthy representation of the Caribbean. A natural and innovative young man who has earned, with much effort, to be part of our playlists, and was just awarded with Latin Grammys Best New Artist, as well as Best Tropical Song for «Bachata en Kingston,» and Best Singer-Songwriter Album for «A La Mar.»
In addition to the happiness of his recent triumph, the young Dominican living in Colombia, has just released the music video for his song «Bachata en Kingston.» In this song, García shows a glimpse of life for Caribbean people who live in an urban metropolis like Bogotá – as is his personal experience – very different from the beach lifestyle.
«The idea was to make the characters interact in environments different than the beach or any other tropical setting,» said the singer. «This is very similar to my personal experience, I am a Dominican with a day by day life in the city of Bogotá… so we wanted to show that from another point of view.»
- 10 Things To Know About 3-Time Latin Grammy Winner Vicente García:
- Vicente García is a 34-year-old musician, born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
- He started his musical career in late 2002 as lead singer of the Dominican alternative rock band Calor Urbano.
- In 2010 García left the band to pursue a solo career.
- García signed in Hollywood, California with the label Capitol Latin.
- His first solo album is titled Melodrama and his first single «Cómo Has Logrado» became a huge hit.
- His first concert as soloist was in front of over 14,000 people in the KQ Live Concert event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a soloist, he has collaborated in concerts with Juan Luis Guerra, Prince Royce,Alejandro Sanz, Juanes, and Maná among many others.
- García wrote with Mario Domm the songs “Este Momento” and “Tu Tiempo Ya Se Fue.” The songs are part of the album Elypse from the Mexican group Camila.
- After four years since his first album, he released «A La Mar.» Merging a variety of musical genres ranging from Bachata to Reggae, Pri-prí, Gagá, Congos de Villa Mella, popular Dominican songs and Folk.
- Vicente’s song «Bachata en Kingston» was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the «Best Tropical Song» category in addition to his nominations for «Best New Artist,» «Album of the Year» and «Best Singer-Songwriter Album.»
- Vicente won as «Best New Artist,» «Best Singer-Songwriter Album» and «Best Tropical Song» at the 18th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
Source: Latintimes.com
Vicente García entre los más nominados al Latin Grammy 2017
The nominations for the 2017 Latin Grammy Awards recognized a wide swath of musical genres and sensibilities, honoring both projects based on traditional Latin-American styles and cutting-edge recordings. In the field of nominees announced Sept. 26, collaborations and stylistic fusions were the major trends. And, while the show has a history of honoring art over commerce, there was no chance the Latin Grammys would snub “Despacito,” the smash hit from Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
“What explanation could I possibly give if it hadn’t been nominated?” says Latin Recording Academy president/CEO Gabriel Abaroa with a laugh, speaking of the song that spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.
While regional Mexican, a driving force of Latin music in the United States, and the emerging urban-rooted trap movement, were absent from the main categories, the field is nevertheless a balanced list reflecting the richness of today’s Latin music.
The 18th annual Latin Grammys will be broadcast live on Univision on Nov. 16 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Following is Billboard’s take on 10 of the most notable nominees.
RESIDENTE
Residente
Nine nominations, including album, song and record of the year
Formerly one-half of rap duo Calle 13, Residente (real name René Pérez Joglar), 39, shares the record for most Latin Grammy wins (20). On the strength of his first solo album, he leads the 2017 nominations with nine. Residente debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart with tracks including “Somos Anormales,” which is nominated for best urban song, and “Desencuentro,” up for best short form video. Radio did not embrace Residente’s music. But then again, he argues, radio gives listeners junk food “until you get a heart attack. If you don’t give people ‘broccoli’ — good music — things are going to hell.”
MALUMA
«Felices Los 4»
Seven nominations, including song and record of the year
Twenty-three-year-old Colombian heartthrob Maluma is on a hot streak, which is why both Ricky Martin and Shakira tapped him for recent singles. Shakira’s “Chantaje” spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, while Martin’s “Vente Pa’Cá” rose to No. 4. Maluma’s own hit, “Felices los 4” would have jumped from No. 2 to No. 1 were it not for “Despacito.” No matter: Maluma has managed to place all three songs simultaneously in the top 10 of YouTube’s weekly video chart, and now he has garnered an unprecedented three nominations in both the song and record of the year categories.
SHAKIRA
El Dorado
Six nominations, including album of the year
Shakira’s El Dorado went to No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums list even though she had been out of the spotlight for three years, busy raising her two sons, Milan, 4, and Sasha, 2. Yet the 40-year-old Colombian superstar still has her finger on the pulse: “Chantaje,” her sexy vamp with Maluma, was a No. 1 hit on Hot Latin Songs, and the track has earned Shakira three nominations for record, song and best urban fusion performance. It sets the tone for an album full of collaborations — Nicky Jam and Prince Royce, among others, make appearances — that introduce different genres — notably reggaetón and electronica — into Shakira’s pop universe.
VICENTE GARCIA
A La Mar
Five nominations, including album of the year and best new artist
It’s tough to categorize the dreadlocked Garcia, 34, who veers from acoustic bachata to sweet boleros. Formerly the lead singer of Dominican alt-rock band Calor Urbano, he’s up for best new artist in his solo phase. His album A La Mar, produced by Eduardo Cabra (the other former half of Calle 13), is unabashedly experimental — it even includes an a cappella track performed with a chorus — and is nominated for best singer-songwriter album and album of the year, while “Bachata en Kingston,” a bachata-reggae blend, is up for best tropical song.
JUANES
Misplanes Son Amarte
Five nominations, including album, record and song of the year
Juanes’ first visual album features videos for each of the tracks that create a cohesive film about an astronaut who travels from Mexico to Colombia in search of the woman he loves. With songs ranging from mystical to radio-friendly, the album allows Juanes, 45, to stretch artistically. “El Ratico,” his dance-ready collaboration with alt-Colombian-American chanteuse Kali Uchis, will compete for record of the year against “Amárrame,” the Mon Laferte song on which Juanes is a guest performer.
MON LAFERTE
La Trenza
Five nominations, including album, record and song of the year
Chilean singer-songwriter Mon Laferte, 34, was already a seasoned performer by the time she was nominated for best new artist at the 2016 Latin Grammys. She didn’t win, but her star has continued to rise. La Trenza, her 2017 release, is a fusion of alt-folk with twangy guitars, carried by a voice alternately sweet and forceful. La Trenza is competing for album of the year and best alternative music album, while “Amárrame,” featuring Juanes, is nominated for song, record and alternative song of the year.
DANAY SUAREZ
Palabras Manuales
Five nominations, including album of the year and best new artist
Cuban MC Suarez, 29, may be nominated for best new artist, but she’s a veteran of Cuba’s rap and hip-hop movement. Suarez deftly fuses hip-hop with jazz, Cuban music and electronica, allowing her voice to soar over often complex musical lines. Suarez’s “Integridad,” featuring Stephen Marley, is up for best alternative song. Elsewhere, “Closer,” featuring The Idan Raichel Project from Israel, represents a coming together of cultures and languages.
LUIS FONSI AND DADDY YANKEE
“Despacito”
Four nominations, including song and record of the year
The smash hit’s fusion of the smooth pop vocals of Fonsi, 39, the street swagger of Daddy Yankee, 40, and the elegant lyrics of songwriter Erika Ender, 42, proved irresistible to the usually hit-averse Latin Grammy voters. The song, also nominated for best urban fusion/performance for its Justin Bieber remix, is more relevant than ever. “I celebrated these four nominations like I haven’t celebrated anything in a long time,” said Fonsi, who got the news a week after Hurricane Maria devastated his native Puerto Rico, including the La Perla beach neighborhood of San Juan that is celebrated in the song. “And with everything that’s going on, it’s a breath of fresh air.”
NICKY JAM
Fenix
Four nominations, including album of the year and urban fusion/performance
The first album from Nicky Jam in a decade is a 26-track tour de force, with songs that reveal how the 36-year-old escaped from a life of drugs and alcohol. Fenix debuted at No. 1 on Top Latin Albums and includes multiple collaborations with reggaetón royalty like Daddy Yankee and J Balvin, who says his friendship with Nicky Jam is “from the heart.” “El Amante,” which manages to merge strong melodies into a danceable style, is nominated for best urban song and best urban fusion/performance.
NATALIA LAFOURCADE
Musas: Un Homenaje Al Folclore Latinoamericano En Manos De Los Macorinos
Four nominations, including album and song of the year
Lafourcade, 33, triumphed at the Latin Grammys in 2015 when she took home four awards, including record of the year for “Hasta la Raiz.” Her four nominations in 2017 are thanks to her collaboration on Musas with the guitar duo Los Macorinos, the longtime accompanists for Mexico’s legendary singer Chavela Vargas. A collection of Latin-American classics, Musas was recorded live in the studio, with Lafourcade drawing inspiration from the veteran musicians. “I had this desire to record with Los Macorinos and just make music for myself. I wanted an album that represented real music, bohemians, instruments made out of wood,” she says. “The music we made there is something we can’t explain; it could only be felt.”
Source: Billboard.com
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7997297/residente-despacito-latin-grammy-noms-diverse-moment
CNCO, Vicente Garcia, Sofia Reyes & More: Meet the Latin Grammys’ Best New Artist Nominees
The nominees for the 2017 Latin Grammys were finally announced on Sept. 26. As usual, one of the most exciting categories is best new artist, where 10 acts have been nominated this year. We already know some of them, while others are making themselves known in the Latin music industry.
Billboard has gathered more details about all of the 2017 hopefuls. From CNCO to Sebastián Yatra, meet the Latin Grammys’ best new artist nominees.
Paula Arenas
Paula Arenas is a pop singer/songwriter who started as a solo artist in 2011. Her songs mix life experiences, dreams and deep feelings. Arenas’ sound influences come from ranchera and French rhythms. Matices, her debut EP, was produced by Grammy winner Julio Reyes Copello.
Musical influences: Juan Gabriel, Rocío Durcal, Edith Piaf, Billy Joel
Biggest milestone: Touring in Mexico and being the opening act for Alejandro Sanz.
On Billboard charts: N/A
Why people should listen to her music: Paula Arenas’ music brings a strong message of empowerment and passion for life.
CNCO
CNCO is the strongest competitor in this category. The boy band members, chosen through Univision’s Ricky Martin and Simon Cowell-produced reality show La Bandain 2015, won three Premio Lo Nuestro awards this year, were named the iHeartMusic Awards’ best new Latin artist and received two Billboard Latin Music Awards, including new artist of the year.
Members/countries: Erick Bryan Colon (Cuba), Joel Pimentel (Mexico), Zabdiel de Jesus (Puerto Rico), Richard Camacho (Dominican Republic), Christopher Velez (Ecuador).
Musical inspirations: Ed Sheeran, Sin Bandera, Drake, Sam Smith, and Pablo Alborán
Biggest milestone: The Latin Grammy nomination; they grew up watching the Latin Grammys and dreaming of being on that stage.
On Billboard charts: Four hits on Hot Latin Songs: «Tan Facil» hit No. 5 (2015); «Quisiera» hit No. 26 (2016); «Reggaeton Lento (Bailemos)» with Little Mix hit No. 6 (2017); and «Hey DJ» with Yandel hit No. 14 (2017). Their only charting album hit No. 1 on Top Latin Albums (2016).
Why people should listen to their music: “Our music is made to bring the rhythm out in people,» says the band. «We enjoy listening to all genres of music, but music that makes you feel something, music that makes us just want to dance your heart out; now that is good music. So many amazing artists have created music that has made us feel that way while we were growing up. Now it’s our turn to create it, our turn to make people feel it.”
Vicente Garcia
Vicente Garcia has a unique music style that combines different Caribbean rhythms. He is currently signed by Sony Music Latin after being an independent artist for many years. Beside competing as best new artist, Vicente Garcia is also nominated in three other categories: album of the year (A la Mar), best tropical song («Bachata en Kingston») and best singer songwriter album.
Country: Dominican Republic
Musical influences: Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz, Cultura Profetica
Biggest milestone: Latin Grammy nominations.
On Billboard charts: Two hits on Latin Pop Airplay: «Como Has Logrado?» hit No. 38 in 2010; and «Mi Balcon» hit No. 27 in 2011. One hit on Tropical Airplay: «Carmesi» hit No. 15 in Jan. 2017. His album A La Mar hit No. 16 on Latin Pop Albums in Sept. 2016.
Why people should listen to his music: Vicente Garcia’s music represent Dominican Republic and the Caribbean in a different way. “People can live and feel the value of being Dominican,” he tells Billboard. (If you missed his Billboard Live session, click here.)
Martina La Peligrosa
Martina La Peligrosa debuted in 2013 with her single «La Peligrosa.» But this year, Martina dropped her first album, Alma Mia, a 11-song set produced by Slow Mike (Chocquibtown) and Jairo Barón. The set showcases her versatility, with Caribbean rhythms and romantic themes that explore different genres so that everyone can identify with them at any stage of love. (See Martina performing for Billboard Live here).
Country: Colombia
Musical inspirations: Carlos Vives and her sister, Adriana Lucia
Biggest milestone: The Latin Grammy nomination.
On Billboard charts: N/A
Why people should listen to her music: “My music is a fresh proposal within what happens in the music industry. I am against the flow but it is very honest,» she says.
Mau y Ricky
Sons of the iconic singer/songwriter Ricardo Montaner, Mau & Ricky have spent almost all their lives on a stage, since they were musicians during many of Montaner’s tours. They officially debuted as a duo in 2011 and got signed with Sony Music Latin in 2015. The siblings are also nominated, as songwriters, in the song of the year category with Ricky Martin’s “Vente Pa’Ca.»
Country: Venezuela
Members: Mauricio Montaner, Ricardo Montaner
Musical inspirations: Kendrick Lamar, Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Ricardo Montaner, Ozuna, Vicente Garcia, Post Malone, Alejandro Sanz, Residente
Biggest milestone: When Ricky Martin and Maluma recorded “Vente Pa Ca” and the song became such a success.
On Billboard charts: N/A
Why people should listen to their music: «Because it’s honest and there is depth to it,» Mau & Ricky say.
Rawayana
Rawayana is a reggae band which debuted in 2009 with a fresh and ingenuous sound, getting the attention of young Venezuelans. Rawayana describes its genre as trippy-pop by the way that the band mixes different musical formats, but always maintains a very Caribbean sound, with a strong influence of reggae.
Members: Alberto “Beto” Montenegro, Antonio “Tony” Casas, Andrés Story and Alejandro Abeijón
Country: Venezuela
Musical inspirations: Bob Marley, Rubén Blades, Michael Jackson, Simón Díaz, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Miles Davis.
Biggest milestone: Latin Grammy nomination.
On Billboard charts: N/A
Why people should listen their music: «Anyone interested in discovering new music, in this case made with honesty and dedication, will always be cordially invited to listen us,» Rawayana says.
Sofia Reyes
Sofia Reyes droppped her first album, Louder!, in February 2017. Reyes was discovered by Bachata singer Prince Royce, who signed her under his label D’León Records, making her the first artist under his charge. Royce partnered with Warner Music Latina in order to support Reyes’ career.
Country: Mexico
Musical inspirations: Whitney Houston, Miguel Bose, Taylor Swift
Biggest milestone: The Latin Grammy nomination.
On Billboard charts: Two hits on Hot Latin Songs: «Muevelo,» featuring Wisin, which peaked at No. 25 in 2015, and «Solo Yo,» with Prince Royce, which peaked at No. 35 in May 2016. One charting album on Top Latin Albums: Louder! hit No. 23 on the chart dated Feb. 25, 2017
Why people should listen to her music: «Because through my music I give a positive message, filled with love,» Sofia Reyes says.
Rosalia
Rosalia has revolutionized Latin music with her flamenco style for more than a decade. She knows the tradition of her musical style, but at the same time, she transports it to the contemporary world with an angelic voice tone.
Country: Spain
Musical inspirations: La Niña de los Peines, Sinjin Hawke, Travis Scott, Ligetti, Luis de Victoria, Diego del Gastor, Vybz Kartel, James Blake
Biggest milestone: The Latin Grammy nomination and performing in front of thousands of people at the biggest festival of her city: Bam Fest.
On Billboard charts: N/A
Why people should listen to her music: “The whole world should approach this genre [flamenco] because it is one of the most beautiful and visceral in the world,» says Rosalia.
Danay Suarez
Danay Suarez is a 32-year-old singer-songwriter with an Afro-Caribbean musical style, ranging from jazz to hip-hop to traditional Cuban sounds. Danay Suarez is signed with Universal Music Latino Entertainment, and her talent was discovered on her first visit to the United States. Suarez has three other Latin Grammy nominations: album of the year and best alternative album with Manual Words, and best alternative song for «Integrity.»
Country: Cuba
Musical inspirations: God and many artists
Biggest milestone: When she released her first album, Polvo de la Humedad(2014).
On Billboard charts: Palabras Manuales hit No. 11 on Latin Rhythm Albums Sales on the chart dated March 25, 2017. Polvo de la Humedad hit No. 7 on Latin Rhythm Album Sales on the chart dated Nov. 1, 2014.
Why people should listen to her music: “Because I have written words that build, there is no destruction in my mouth or my creative process,» says Danay Suarez.
Sebastian Yatra
Sebastian Yatra is a singer/songwriter who was born in Medellín. His career debuted in 2013 after dropping «El Psicólogo,» a pop ballad of his authorship. Sebastian has recorded with many superstars, like Carlos Vives, Wisin, Nacho and OneRepublic, among others.
Country: Colombia
Musical inspirations: His family and Michael Bublé
Biggest milestone: Singing with OneRepublic.
On Billboard charts: Four hits on Hot Latin Songs: «Por Fin Te Encontrél,» with Cali & El Dandee and featuring Juan Magan, hit No. 47 in June 2016; «Traicionera» hit No. 26 in Nov. 2016; «Alguien Robo,» featuring Nacho and Wisin, hit No. 31 in May 2017; and «Robarte un Beso,» with Carlos Vives, hit No. 22 on the chart dated Oct. 14. «Alguien Robo» and «Robarte Un Beso» both peaked at No. 34 on Latin Airplay.
Why people should listen to his music: “People should listen to my music because it comes from my heart,» Sebastian Yatra says.
Source: Billboard.com
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/7989230/latin-grammys-best-new-artist-nominees
TERMINA EXITOSA GIRA EN ESPAÑA CON – SOLD OUT- EN MADRID Y UN SHOW EN EL FESTIVAL AFRO-LATINO EN BREE –BÉLGICA
Después de su exitosa gira por México, Vicente García llegó al continente europeo a seguir conquistando con su “A LA MAR TOUR” ciudades como Madrid, Barcelona, Córdoba, Palma, Valencia, Tenerife y Bélgica.
Durante su visita, Vicente fue el invitado especial para compartir tarima con Rubén Blades en su reciente Tour «Caminando, adiós y gracias». “La experiencia junto a Rubén fue maravillosa, no puedo negar que sentía mucha responsabilidad antes de subir a tarima, cada concierto fue un reto pero sentía que en cada canción la gente acogía mis canciones a través de los aplausos.” Concluye el artista.
Vicente también presentó ‘A La Mar’ en el festival AFRO-LATINO en Bree (Bélgica), compartiendo cartel con el cantante y compositor hispano-germano Álvaro Soler.
El artista sigue cautivando audiencias alrededor del mundo. En esta oportunidad, obtuvo un rotundo sold out en Madrid duplicando el aforo vendido respecto a su visita hace algunos meses atrás. “Desde que trabajaba este disco en el estudio soñaba con poder llevar esta música tan representativa a ciudades lejanas, ver cómo la gente se contagia de los ritmos de mi país me llena de satisfacción, sentir como la música trasciende el idioma y la raza me lleva a lugares y sensaciones que añoré.” Afirma Vicente.
Para ver el resumen de sus shows haz clic en los siguientes links:
Vicente García en Barcelona
Vicente García en Madrid
El Dominicano que desde hace 3 años está radicado en Colombia, realizará tres conciertos (2 de septiembre Barranquilla, 12 de septiembre Bogotá y 22 Bucaramanga) donde interpretará grandes éxitos como ‘Dulcito e Coco’, ‘Amor Pretao’, entre otras canciones que hacen parte de su disco “A La Mar”
Gracias a las exitosas ventas, su más reciente producción contará con una edición coleccionable en Vinilo. Durante el segundo semestre del 2017 Vicente continúa con su “A La Mar Tour” por Colombia, Europa, Centroamérica y Estados Unidos.
Sigue a Vicente García en todas las plataformas
Las historias detrás del disco «A la Mar»
«A La Mar» hace referencia al lugar de donde vengo, al caribe y las Antillas, en definitiva, evoca el origen de la música que se plantea en este nuevo trabajo. Cada canción del disco guarda una estrecha relación con el mar y la isla.” – Vicente García
Diferente y único, así podría definirse el nuevo material discográfico del cantautor dominicano Vicente García. Sonidos propios de su tierra, ritmos autóctonos que se conservan a través del tiempo y géneros modernos fueron fusionados por el artista para dar vida a su segundo álbum discográfico “A La Mar”.
La producción grabada entre agosto de 2015 y enero de 2016 en República Dominicana, Puerto Rico y Colombia, trae doce temas y dos interludios que hacen un recorrido desde la bachata y los ritmos afroantillanos, hasta el ska, el reggae y el folk.
“A La Mar” fue producido por Eduardo Cabra “Visitante Calle 13” y coproducido por el mismo Vicente García quien se vinculó en cada una de las etapas de realización del disco. Sin duda alguna, la fase más importante de este proceso fue la investigación cultural que hizo en su país.
La búsqueda de sus raíces le permitió al intérprete descubrir ritmos, toques y cantos tales como el Pri prí, Balsié ó Palo Echao, característico en comunidades del Sur de la República Dominicana, Los Congos de Villa Mella de la comunidad rural de Mata los Indios y el Gagá proveniente de Haití.
Todo esto unido a la idoneidad de Cabra le permitió a García conseguir el sonido que buscaba “El aporte de Cabra fue vital para que muchas de las ideas que tenía, partiendo de la música folklórica de mi país tomara una perspectiva más actualizada, además, siempre estuvo impulsando un gran trabajo de diseño sonoro” asegura el artista.
Para el proceso de pos-producción contaron con la participación de los ingenieros Wendell Sanders, Rafael Lázzaro y John Blais. “A La Mar” se convierte en el reflejo de una producción honesta y bien lograda que guarda la esencia de Vicente.
Para él este nuevo material discográfico “Propone muchas cosas nuevas, aporta una nueva perspectiva en la temática de las canciones a través de historias, paisajes e imágenes que se van narrando en un lenguaje coloquial dominicano. Es un disco que más que reformular mi identidad, amplia el espectro musical de mis trabajos e incluso transparenta mucho más mi naturaleza artística”.
Listado de Canciones
- A La Mar / Letra: Vicente García.
A La Mar es una canción que aborda la soledad desde una perspectiva contemplativa. Para esta canción inventé una afinación en la guitarra que me permitiera hacer un arreglo a mi manera, esto, en contraste con el toque de Congo y las voces de las Salves de Villa Mella y fusionado con un toque de tambor llamado Palo Echao. Una historia que a partir de una cándida narrativa poética revive paisajes de la República Dominicana.
- Dulcito e Coco / Letra: Vicente García
Una canción con sabor a Cuba que recuerda con añoranza las mieles del amor y reafirma elsentimiento apego. El sonido de la guitarra eléctrica contrasta con la pureza del son.
3. Carmesí / Letra: Vicente García
Carmesí es una canción de amor que refleja la convivencia en pareja, un canto a ese sentimiento de hogar que uno encuentra en otra persona. Es una bachata con colores de folk en donde la guitarra seduce a la güira a través de una historia en la que el romance se pasea por paisajes antillanos.
- Espuma y Arrecife / Letra: Vicente García y Alexei Velásquez
Es una canción que conecta la República Dominicana con Colombia, sobre una base rítmica entre los Congos de Villa Mella y el Compa, conviven la belleza de las gaitas, los maracones y la tambora de los Gaiteros de San Jacinto. Es una especie de desahogo ante un amor desproporcionado.
- Pa Nuevayor (Interludio) / Letra: Vicente García
Con la significativa población que emigra desde República Dominicana a New York, es este canto una postal constante de la vida en la isla, con unos coros que señalan las armonías de los africanos Ladysmith Black Mambazo se toca esta actual estampa criolla.
- Amor Pretao / Letra: Vicente García
Canción que describe un sentimiento de soledad, y la decepción de no encontrar un amor verdadero, una sensación de lástima por uno mismo. Una composición de fuertes rasgos del folk con elementos como el dobro; un sonido reservado a la intimidad.
- She Prays / Letra: Vicente García
Es una historia real basada en la vida de Bertilia Peña, propulsora del género del Bambulá de la península de Samaná en República Dominicana. Cuentan que Bertilia nació en la sección de Tesón en el año 1885 y tuvo 9 hijos; no tuvo mucha suerte con sus maridos y muy jovencita se trasladó a La Romana en busca de nuevos horizontes.
De regreso a Samaná y deseosa de formar un hogar dónde vivir con sus hijos solicitó a un terrateniente una porción de terreno en un agreste paraje de esta ciudad llamado La Aguada. Al cabo de pocos años Bertilia conoció a Jesucito y se unieron agrupando los hijos de ambos formando una grande y numerosa familia.
“La Aguada, un bucólico paraje de esta comunidad, donde Bertilia tenía radicada su residencia, fue el último gran escenario para sus actuaciones, principalmente para las festividades de San Rafael, de quien era ferviente devota. Durante nueve noches, comenzando el 14 de octubre, un gran sector del pueblo y la región acudía allí para disfrutar hasta el amanecer de un gran espectáculo festivo, rico en arte y generoso en gastronomía. Concluido este rito se hacían brindis de café y otras bebidas dándose entonces el inicio a la verdadera fiesta o bambulá, que antes del amanecer era fortalecida con espléndida comida típica, entre ellas el Peje con Coco y el Arroz Shodé. Bertilia Peña una samané que contribuyó a la difusión del folklore y denominada “la Reina del Bambulá”, es recordada por mucha gente a pesar de llevar más de treinta años su desaparición física”.
El ritmo que acompaña esta historia es una fusión de Pri prí y Merengue Ocoeño que contrasta con coros africanos.
- El Yeyo / Letra: Vicente García
Es una fusión entre los Congos de Villa Mella, el Zouk y la música Garifuna de Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua y Belice. En República Dominicana y en Colombia un ”Yeyo” es como un mareo o desmayo que sufre una persona por una impresión muy fuerte o por un estado de nervios anormal. Una canción que en esencia habla acerca de los celos.
- Mal de Amore / Letra: Vicente García
Es una canción impregnada del sonido característico de la bachata popular dominicana, canción que describe las vicisitudes del desamor. Una base de ska y un inusual arreglo de vientos contrasta el género de la bachata.
- Bachata en Kingston / Letra: Vicente García
Una historia que nace a raíz de la fusión de dos géneros. Es básicamente un relato del romance entre la bachata dominicana y el reggae jamaiquino, una conversación entre ellos. Para ella se fusionó el sonido característico de la guitarra bachatera, con elementos del reggae y del dub, el uso de delays junto a la güira y el bongó.
- Bohío / Letra: Vicente García
Esta canción es un viaje en el tiempo, trata la historia de un taíno que a partir del ritual de la cohoba (agente psicodélico usado en ceremonias religiosas) llega al malecón del Santo Domingo actual notando que su esencia ya no representa nuestra identidad. Es un llamado a valorar lo que somos, una fusión de guitarras tribales y bombo legüero en una métrica 6/8, una añoranza de los valores que nos hacen quisqueyanos.
- La Paloma (Interludio) / Canción Popular Dominicana
Es un canto de trabajo de los campos de la República Dominicana.
- La Esquinita / Letra: Vicente García
La Esquinita es una historia real y autobiográfica que relata el momento de la muerte de mi padre, no obstante, no es una canción triste, es más bien un bálsamo para el alma, un desafío al apego físico. Combina con la creencia taína de que todos los muertos iban a Coybay (“Morada de los Ausentes”) un lugar inaccesible para los vivos y gobernado por Maquetaurie Guayaba, donde los muertos salían a la noche a comer Guayaba.
- Zafra Negra / Letra: Rita Indiana y Vicente García
Esta canción nace a raíz de la puesta en vigencia del Plan Nacional De Regularización de Extranjeros en la que Tribunal Constitucional dominicano ordenó a las autoridades del registro civil que realizaran un inventario de todas las personas nacidas en el país desde 1929 con el plan de desnacionalizar a todos aquellos nacidos de “extranjeros en tránsito”, categoría en la que caen los trabajadores haitianos legales e ilegales de la caña y de la construcción, y que en su mayoría llega, envejece y muere en la República Dominicana. Es una fusión entre el Afrobeat y el Gagá (Rara en Haití) género que precisamente vincula a los dos pueblos y que evidencia la estrecha relación entre las dos naciones.