Number 56 November 8, 2010

Friday I saw Buika at Zellerbach as part of Cal Performances.  She was born on the island of Mallorca to immigrants from Equatorial Guinea, and grew up in the Gypsy flamenco barrio on Mallorca.  Her family was virtually the only black family in town.  I have written many times that all indigenous musics have many influences, and that a new world music is being formed and evolved constantly.  Buika is influenced by flamenco, fado, African pop, Afro-Cuban and salsa, jazz, and R&B.    And she sings in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.  At times her vocalese channels Miles Davis, and even Weather Report. Her backing trio were all born in Cuba, and now live in Spain.  Fernando Favier , Ivan Lewis , and Dany Noel were perfect support.  As with Mariza, with whom she has recorded, I believe she is a "must see".  Her latest recording, "El Ultimo Trago" is a tribute to Chavela Vargas.

Number 33 February 26, 2010

In my last blog I mentioned the great performer Angelique Kidjo.  Another amazing artist who I always try to see is the fado singer Mariza.  I first saw her several years ago, as part of the SF Jazz Festival.  Portuguese and African, tall and so commandingly beautiful, I found myself weeping at her first notes.  To my right a couple of seats over, no less a cynic than Tom Waites, was also weeping.  The ability to convey profound and complex emotions to an audience is such a gift.  Carlie Parker, Eric Clapton, Ella Fitzgerald, all have that quality.