La Cumbiamba Live on Soundcheck

Yesterday, La Cumbiamba appeared on WNYC's Soundcheck, hosted by John Schaefer, for a performance of two songs and an interview with frontman Martin Vejarano. You can listen for free at: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2006/11/21

Have a listen and let me know what you think, but I'm a little disappointed that Schaefer went directly for the topic of war in Colombia instead of focusing on the most interesting story, which is that the NYC Colombian music scene is so tight and exciting that Marta Gomez showed up as a guest vocalist on "El Arenal." I mean, isn't this the big deal? Marta, famous for her gentle, breezy melodies, shows up practically unannounced to sing with the rollicking eNeYé? I get the feeling that some people wanted to hear the acoustic, gaita y tambor songs that have such an African feel to them--and that they heard the big band sound as being less authentic in some way. But I guess this is part of the process of teaching people about Colombian music. The cumbia and the fandango (they played "Andando Vengo") are authentic Afro-Colombian sounds, just different styles. I agree it's a shame they couldn't play an acoustic song, but there will be more time for that.

Thanks to everyone who got our CD after hearing the interview--if you're new to the Chonta sound, then welcome. We have lots of new gigs to tell you about, so please keep checking in.

A Better Place for your Colombian Music Fix

Hello! If you're here, you've probably noticed that I haven't updated this thing in months. Which isn't to say we haven't been busy--Chonta Records is about to release its sixth CD, and just last night we had the wonderful Encuentro of Colombian Musicians here in New York City. We have a new website, lots of new press, and a lot of energy after a great 2006.

But you want a blog that keeps you well informed about Colombian music? Well, check out Notas del Bajo Mundo, a vlog/blog that is getting a lot of attention from the Colombian music scene. It's something we've really needed, and I strongly suggest you go to check it out.

And maybe we'll get into a better updating habit here, too.