María “Mange” Valencia. Saxophonist, clarinetist, improviser and composer from Bogotá – Colombia. Lover of spider stories and the diagnoses of neurologist Oliver Sacks. She has been teaching music for some years, while also coming up with crazy ideas to keep alive the miracle of live music, even in difficult junctures. Currently, besides her solo project, she plays in Hurakán Orkan, Meridian Brothers, MULA, Trío Lesión, Tortuga Alada, Oláceas, among others.
Hola, Hello, Hi there! I am María Valencia, I am a saxophone and clarinet player, improviser and composer born and based in Bogota, Colombia. I’m excited to share this playlist with you, curated specially for I CARE IF YOU LISTEN. I have selected some pieces and compositions from some Colombian friends and colleagues, who have inspired me in one way or another. This music accompanies me in different periods and stages of my life. I hope you enjoy it!
I want to thank Natalia Merlano for nominating me, and also I want to thank everyone else involved in this project. Enjoy it!! ¡Qué lo gocen!
“La ruta de la mariposa” by Damián Ponce, Performed by Santiago Cañón
Besides serenity, this piece by Bogotá-born composer Damián Ponce, has given me moments of esoteric contemplation, such as that one time when, while its notes were sounding in the solitude of my studio, a butterfly appeared, its fluttering was perfectly synchronized with this contemporary composition which, paradoxically, evokes the bygone reveries of Marin Marais.
“Sobre el amor” by Natalia Valencia Zuluaga, Performed by Ensamble de Cámara
I met Natalia Valencia again through this piece while working on the miniseries Compositoras Reverberantes (2020). I discovered the touching tenderness -and genuine friendship- of a woman who tries to conjure and heal the enduring fear that inhabits her since the horrors of our atavic violence forced themselves into her life. Beyond the literal, Natalia’s work expresses the loving possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation. The vitalism of her sonic cosmos is inspiring.
“Pasillo misak” by Ernesto “Teto” Ocampo, Performed by ATI
“Pasillo misak” is one of the pieces that make up the succinct repertoire recorded by ATI, a short-lived duo formed by the departed guitarist Ernesto “Teto” Ocampo and his colleague César Quevedo. The aural melody – so deep, primeval, nostalgic, and healing – beams like a lighthouse when the reality of our days traps us under the mantle of its abyssal darkness.
“Cuarteto Palenquero” by Carolina Noguera Palau, Performed by Quatuor Diotima
Because of Compositoras Reverberantes, (mentioned above), a facet of Carolina Noguera that I did not know before was revealed to me: the sensitivity for the visual and sonorous details of nature, as well as the metaphysical delicacy with which she approaches the memories of her childhood. Carolina is another energtic woman with whom I share aesthetic affects, so much so that we recently started creating music together with the trio “Oláceas,” a project that also includes singer Juanita Delgado.
“Profetas” by Enrique “Kike” Mendoza, Performed by Pérez, Hyperculte, and Vien-Tox
The music of guitarist and composer Kike Mendoza inspires me because of that haunting nostalgia that unfolds between waves of harshness and vigor. An example of this is this version of “Profetas”, a piece recorded during the pandemic, in the midst of uncertainty. It was a powerful long-distance collaboration with the Colombian trio Pérez, the Swiss duo Hyperculte, and Vien-Tox – a Colombian wind quintet I’m part of.
“Desaparecida, La” by Santiago Botero and Juanita Delgado, Performed by Botero Delgado Dúo
The duet formed by singer Juanita Delgado and double bassist Santiago Botero dives into some Latin American roots sonorities, beyond the exotic amazement. Originally composed by Botero for El Ombligo – a sort of imagined folklore that suggests bridges between free jazz and cumbia –”Desparecida, La” moves away from his tropical personality in this version whose uniqueness lies in the scratchy of the bow on the strings and on the whispering voice of Juanita. The piece was inspired by Víctor Jara and Violeta Parra, the lyrics were composed by Juanita.
“Parientes” by Enrique “Kike” Mendoza and Valentina Añez, Performed by Bituin
In the recent history of Bogota’s jazz scene, one of my favorite chapters is performed by Bituin quartet. Over a subtle and tight rhythmic section played by brothers Daniel and Santiago de Mendoza, the twin sisters Juanita and Valentina Añez unfold their vocal spells, giving an unsuspected flight to “Parientes”, a composition by Kike Mendoza, whose lyrics – as bucolic as they are abstract – were written by Valentina Añez.
“Teófilo el gaitero” by Adolfo Pacheco, Performed by Carmelo Torres & Los Toscos
Heir of Andrés Landero’s sabanero sound, accordionist Carmelo Torres is already, like his predecessor, a legend of Colombian tropical music. “Teófilo el Gaitero” is an old composition by Adolfo Pacheco. In this version, Carmelo exposes his nimble and savory play. The accompaniment of Los Toscos, a Bogota-based collective led by Santiago Botero, Kike Mendoza and Benjamín Calais, adds a touch of psychedelic.
“Dame el Caldero” by Deimar Pio Molina, Performed by Pio Molona
Born in Barrancabermeja, musician Pio Molina is able to amalgamate Colombian Caribbean “pico” sounds (related to Champeta), Nigerian Afrobeat, and funk in the best character style, like the “Godfather of soul”. Pio Molina’s wide range and vocal versatility, as well as his groove and bright smile, are always synonymous with enjoyment to me. “Dame el caldero” is a song that will set any party on fire.
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