Nomadic Global Sounds from the Mission District

Makrú – Tu Mission (Makru Music, 2018)

San Francisco-based band Makrú incorporates various music traditions on the album Tu Mission. Makrú was formed by two former members of La Malamaña, Spaniard Raúl Vargas and Salvadoran-American Vinicio Peñate.

Tu Mission features a mix of reggae, ska, rumba flamenca, tango flamenco, rock, Colombian folk influences and Middle Eastern flavors.

The album features soulful vocals in Spanish and English by Colombian singer Jenny Rodriguez and Raúl Vargas. The lyrics on Tu Mission make reference to gentrification generated by the tech community in the Barrio de la Misión (Mission district), which is driving artists away.

Makrú

The Makrú lineup includes Raúl Vargas on vocals, cajon, palmas, ukulele, shakers and ocarinas; Jenny Rodriguez on vocals; Bob Sanders on acoustic and electric guitar; Vinicio Peñate on bass; and Haluk Kecelioglu on oud and violin.

Guests: Martina Castro on vocals; Anthony Sierra on congas; Paul Bertin on saxophone; Morgan Nilsen on clarinet; Marlon Aldana on drums; Will Magid on trumpet; and Juan M. Caipo on percussion.

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.

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