By José Gandue @Gandour / Photos by Simona Malaika @simonamalaika
When recounting the history of the new Colombian folklore, the one that was able to adapt to modern times and captivate diverse audiences around the world, it will be necessary to highlight in large letters the vital intervention of an Englishman., Richard Blair. This Birmingham resident, after working at the Real World label, Owned by Peter Gabriel, he came to these lands in 1992, and found the perfect environment to develop his ideas, Their grand purpose was to collide sonic worlds that could together shine for an international audience. Aside from his work as a producer for Totó la Momposina, Carlos Vives, and other artists, his personal project, Sidestepper, It came to life and has been feeding off every tone generated in Colombia and its surroundings. And it has managed to add that special ingredient that distinguishes it and makes it resonate in every corner of the planet. Blair's work has been generous, because he, although he retains his British accent when speaking in Spanish, He is now as Colombian as any of the musicians who surround him, And he has known how to be the protagonist only when necessary, stepping aside when his collaborators have their moment of brilliance.
If there is one thing that stands out within the memorable Sidestepper presentation, it is... at the centrally located Jorge Eliécer Gaitán theater It's how each member of this group shines on stage when it's their turn. Sidestepper has managed in recent years to confirm a solid lineup, where no one needs to stand out as the main star of the night. No one has to be the peacock displaying its feathers the highest. That's why their discourse of love and brotherhood is believable, because everything begins at home. You know, seeing them live, that Teto Ocampo is one of the best guitarists in Colombian history in any genre, But he doesn't need to rush onto the stage and have the lights explode on him to confirm it. El Chongo is one of the best percussionists on this continent, but his contribution has its perfect moment and place. The vocalists, Eka and El Guajiro, fulfill their roles effusively., But they do not resort to superfluous speeches to rouse the attendees. Mauri, and Blair himself complete the picture by taking care of their own things effectively and diligently. Sidestepper version 2016 is a simple, enjoyable, and intelligent music machine. This is the sound of their latest album, a work that, in a slightly more relaxed way, invites you to enjoy life, without an out-of-place explosion of drums in pursuit of forced dancing. Supernatural love It is tender seduction rather than boldness. Those were different times; now comes happy maturity.
From there, it's time to talk about Elkin Robinson and his band, who were in charge of opening the concert. Robinson, from the Caribbean island of Providencia, is a guy you instantly like; you see him step onto the stage. And it's obvious that it will bring good songs, that it will make us have a good time. Her songs combine zouk, reggae, calypso and mento, and every note has a heart filled with natural joy, a smile untainted by marketing., Because it's believable, it's captivating. Their new work has been produced by Blair and it's clear they understood each other very well in the process. His participation in the concert went beyond that of a simple opening act: Their show, with its own unique identity, seamlessly integrated into Sidestepper's performance, blending in perfectly at just the right moments. Therefore, those who see the photos by our contributor Simona Malaika won't be surprised to see those moments. where the merging of projects is seen in complete harmony.
In short, a remarkable concert where the good present of Sidestepper and the very interesting future of Elkin Robinson came together. It looks like there's good music to come for a while…
