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La Chiva Gantiva
Vivo
(Crammed Discs)
5 Stars
Three talented Colombians are the heartbeat of this tower of Babel, Brussels-based sextet that sources its inspiration from Manu Chau, rap, jazz and even klezmer.
Over-ambitious? Fear not, the pulsating rhythms are delivered by highly intelligent and disciplined musicians who rigorously allocate spaces to each instrument and consequently the fare is miles away from the monotonous cacophony that too often plagues this type of music, consigning it exclusively to dance floors.
Para Arriba (Up), Estrenando (Introducing), Vivo (I Am Alive) and La Pecosa (The Freckled Girl) meld a pacey bounce with distinct and highly engaging delivery.
The declamatory rap delivery is varied and symbiotically blended and the poetic lyrics make a great Spanish teaching aid.
Still, special mention must go to the exceptional drummer Martin Mereau and Tom Waits's producer Joel Hamilton. Very highly recommended.
Michal Boncza
