The group “Malpaís” (whose literal meaning is “bad country” or badlands) takes its name from the Peninsula of Nicoya’s most remote shore, a forgotten land in Costa Rica, where all roads end and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean unfolds.
Since its first appearance in 2001, Malpaís has commanded a musical style with songs that display great maturity and freedom, moving from the city to the traditional roots of Guanacaste folklore, from blues to danzón, from urban loneliness to Caribbean humor.
“Boceto para Esperanza,” “Son Inú,” “Abril” and “La Chola” are some of the themes that have made this group a point of reference for several generations of Costa Ricans.
The musicians of Malpaís have a classical and jazz training, abundant recording production and solid experience in the National Symphonic Orchestra, Editus and Grupo Experimental, and as composers of music for film, dance and theater. But it is the amalgam of rhythms, instruments and lyrics that has lent them strength as a group.
Malpaís was originally comprised of saxophonist Fidel Gamboa, bass player Jaime Gamboa, violinist Iván Rodríguez, pianist Manuel Obregón, percussionist Carlos “Tapao” Vargas and Gilberto Jarquín on drums. Fidel Gamboa passed away on August 28, 2011.
Malpaís Discography:
Uno (Papaya Music, 2002)
Historias de nadie (Papaya Music, 2004)
Malpaís en vivo (Papaya Music, 2006)
Un día lejano (Papaya Music, 2009)
La canción de Adán (2009)
Hay niños aquí (Papaya Music, 2010)
Volver a casa (2011)
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.
