Banda Magda
Yerakina (groundUP Music, 2014)
New York-based world music band Banda Magda has attracted a lot of attention lately with its brilliant pan-global mix. Led by Greek vocalist, film scorer, and composer Magda Giannikou Banda Magda seamlessly crosses multiple musical boundaries and traditions, bringing together Greek party songs, Brazilian popular music, Colombian and Mexican classics, and French chanson.
On the 2-disc set Yerakina, Magda Giannikou sings about love and commitment in various languages, including Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and French with a charming result. The musical arrangements vary tremendously, from festive party and rock sounds to full brass band and elegant contemporary world music.
The album features an impressive international roster of musicians, including a brass band and string section arranged by Magda. “I wanted this album to be about the band,” Giannikou reflects. “I wanted my bandmates and collaborators have more freedom and initiative in the creative process. The album sprang from our friendship and love, and you can really feel that in the songs.”
The lineup on the album includes Magda Giannikou on vocals and accordion; Ignacio Hernandez on acoustic guitar; Bob Lanzetti on electric guitar and background vocals ; Mika Mimura on vibraphone; Jordan Perlson on drums; Marcelo Woloski on percussion and background vocals; Keita Ogawa on percussion; James Shipp on percussion; Haggai Cohen-Milo on upright bass; Michael League on baritone guitar and background vocals; Mike Maher on flugelhorn; Matt Holman on flugelhorn; Matt McLaughlin on French horn; Achilles Liarmakopoulos: trombone; Chris Bullock on clarinet; Bill Laurance on piano; Max ZT: hammered dulcimer; Andres Rotmistrovsky on bass on electric bass; Dan Pugach on surdo; and Justin Stanton on background vocals.
The string section includes primi: Maria Im, Emily Ondracek; secondi: Eylem Basaldi, Allyson Clark; viole: Lev Ljova Zhurbin, Dana Lyn; and celli: Maria Jeffers, Colin Stokes.
Special guests include vocalists Gregorio Uribe, Juan Andrés Ospina, and Nicolás Ospina.
The disc version includes an audio CD and a DVD with versions of the songs.
Yerakina connects the diverse sounds of the Mediterranean with the beats and melodies of South America and Mexico through the filter of New York’s melting pot.
Buy the Yerakina digital version
Buy the CD/DVD from bandamagdamusic.bandcamp.com
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
