Colombian singer-songwriter and composer Chabuco has released fourth solo album titled “Encuentro” (Encounter), a superb mix of coastal Colombian Caribbean music and Brazilian music. The album is his first release for a major label, Sony Music.
The album was recorded in São Paulo, produced by acclaimed Brazilian musician, arranger, composer and producer Swami Jr. The musicians that participated in the Encuentro include Brazilian pianist Zé Godoy, Puerto Rican percussionist Richie Flores, the arranger, composer and instrumentalist Milton Mori, percussionist Douglas Alonso and bassist Marcelo Mariano (Djavan). Encuentro also features two special guests: Spanish star Alejandro Sanz who delivers a diet with Chabuco and renowned Dominican singer-songwriter, Vicente García.
We talked to Chabuco about his background and the new album.
How and when did you start working professionally in the world of music?
I’ve always been connected to music, but my foray into stages and records and tours was with the group Los Pelaos.
What do you think are the fundamental elements of your music?
One of the fundamental elements of the music that I make is that of my roots, henceforth the different genres that I fuse.
How has your style evolved?
The learning from these encounters with different genres has been fundamental to mature as a musician. That is evolution.
Your album “Encuentro” you mix Brazilian music with jazz, Colombian music and other styles. When did you discover Brazilian music?
I listened to Brazilian music since I was a child because of the adults around me, Tom Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Toquiño, Djavan and others. Therefore, my interest in combining my Vallenato folklore with the music of Brazil.
How was the experience of recording in Brazil?
The best thing that happened to me was recording in São Paulo Brazil, because of the love for music, the respect and union that they give you, made the work more pleasant. I would repeat it again!
What does the Colombian public think about your Brazilian sound?
Everyone likes Brazilian music; well, nearly everyone! But what I do is to dress vallenato with other folklore styles, so what my audience likes is what I come up with and how vallenato sounds from another musical perspective without losing its essence.
Are you going to continue exploring the Brazilian side?
Well, if I could do it again, I would do it a thousand times, but I like to find different sounds all over the world.
Besides being a singer, you are also an instrumentalist. What instruments do you play and which one do you like the most?
I like to accompany myself with my guitar. Aside from that, I have the soul of percussionist, and I play the accordion.
If you could gather the musicians or groups that fascinate you the most to record an album or collaborate live, who would you call?
I would call to play live Richie Flores, Horacio Negro Hernandez, Kike Purizaga and Diego Valdes.
What music are you listening to currently?
I listen to boleros, funk, timba, classic vallenato, salsa, pop, and African music that is the mother of all.
What do you like to do during your free time?
Listen to music and get together to sing with my friends.
What country or countries would you like to visit?
African countries, Poland, and return to Berlin, because I am in love with Germany.
What other projects do you have in hand?
Continue traveling through many places where you can find music, and also leave everything documented. Many places are missing.
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.
