Espíritu my debut live album was recorded in Lima, Perú in April 2019 and self released later that year. I had the honour and joy of writing for and performing my music with great friends and fantastic Peruvian musicians! Espíritu reflects back on my time spent in Peru and Scotland over the last 5 years. It tries to communicate a search for lyricism and to document a personal journey rediscovering rich Peruvian roots and being part of a great musical community both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Por Ella strives to uplift the listener as it marches on at a slow funeral pace reflecting on love lost. Francisco Haya features with a elegant piano solo floating over the changes seamlessly. Baker and Lorena Blume backing him up until the soprano solo, Baker muses on as Juan Daniel Pastor gambols underneath with some heavy shamanic chak-cha (seed shaker) and tibetan cymbal outbursts.

 

Lu draws its inspiration from his time spent in El Carmen, Chincha on the Peruvian coast hanging out with the Ballumbrosio family and watching the children and adults display their talent at the traditional "zapateo" (Afro-Peruvian tap dance) in the town square as well as a Christmas Day experiencing the "Atajo de Negritos". Lu features in demand percussionist Edu Campos (Eva Ayllón) on zapateo, cajon, quijada y cajita. The fantastic, hungry and very cheeky bass playing of Mario Cuba (Ari Hoenig) give a deeply playfull and festive feel. Also present is Veteran Champion of Afro-Peruvian music Juan Medrano "Cotito" (Novalima, Susana Baca). Rich charisma and whit shine through in Cotito's "Guapeo" (ad-lib vocal) on Lu bringing and authentic "Criollo" charm to an Afro-Peruvian inspired tune that draws on subtle scottish folk sonorities and marries them to an authentic Festejo-Lando hybrid.