With the ‘Célèbres Marimbas’ (Guatemala) and ‘The Best Boleros from Costa Chica’ (Mexico).
Guatemala: Les célèbres marimbas.
The origins of the marimba have been discussed for years. Guatemalans use this instrument as one of their national symbols, they see it as part of their identity. Talking about the marimba quickly refers us to the work of Lester Homero Godínez Orantes. He is a versatile autodidactic musician, and has dedicated himself to researching, composing, interpreting and teaching the marimba. The marimba is a national instrument for Guatemala. The importance of the marimba at international level led the Organization of American States (OAS) to give it the title of cultural heritage of America on 12 February 2015.
CD. Guatemala: Les célèbres marimbas. Label: Arion (1993), code: ARN 64261. VIDEO
Mexico: The Best Boleros from the Costa Chica.
In the west of Mexico lies the coastal region of Costa Chica, an area with a lot of violence and poverty. But it is also an area where the beautiful Mexican bolero comes from. Five artists of this special genre can now be found on the compilation album Mexico, The best boleros from the Costa Chica.
Alvaro Carrillo (1921-1969) was the innovator of the Mexican bolero. A singer who sang his songs with a lot of feeling and passion and composed more than 300, including many boleros. Although it is almost more than 50 years since he died, his music is still very popular in Mexico.
CD. Mexico: The Best Boleros from the Costa Chica. Label: Arc Music (2019), code: EUCD2776. VIDEO-Alvaro Carrillo.