Camerata Meiga started off as the natural development of a previous musical existence as Xeque Mate (Checkmate). They had recorded two albums under that name: Paisaxes (Landscapes, Clave Records, 1995) and Alén da lenda [Beyond legend] (Ediciones Resistencia, 1997). Both recordings and the band’s live tours garnered applause from the critics and were very well received by the public.
The result of the musical evolution of its members and their joining forces with three new musicians was a new vision of Galician music under the the name of Camerata Meiga.
The musicians in Camerata Meiga had an extended background in music, combining traditional folk music, classical, pop, and so on. Members included José Amador: violin; Nacho Casas: sax and recorder; Víctor Gil: cello, mandolin, rebec and guitar; Carlos Iglesias: piano, accordion, guitar and Egyptian oud; Miguel Forneiro: marimba, keyboards, accordion, bagpipe; Rubén Giorgis: double bass; Tino Mojón: percussion
Between March and May 1999 Camerata Meiga recorded their first CD for Ediciones Resistencia. It featured Portuguese singer Amélia Muge and acclaimed musician Juan Alberto Arteche as producer.
The title of the album, Habelas hailas, refers to a popular saying in Galicia: Meigas (witches) do not exist, but… “habelas hailas” (there are definitely some of them around).
Camerata Meiga’s live debut took place in January 1999 at the Ninth New Music Festival in León, followed by a show at the Jerez Folk Festival 99.
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.