El Naán – Germinal (self-release, 2022)
El Naán’s latest album, Germinal, marks the band’s fourth release after having explored the ethnic roots of traditional music in their previous three albums. In Germinal, the band presents 14 songs that have emerged from a fusion of roots sounds, presenting an exultant diversity of rhythms and beats. These songs are not only musical compositions, but also contain poetic elements, making them an enjoyable experience.
Germinal was crowd funded. It incorporates exotic and native sounds that are sourced from Afroiberia, the Sahara desert, and the Atlantic cliffs. Moreover, it also features contemporary sounds such as jazz and world music, as well as influences from rural areas and indigenous America. The captivating album is a round trip that traverses across a hundred souls and a thousand faces, creating a soundscape that is both diverse and captivating.
The album’s title, Germinal, is fitting because it signifies a new beginning for El Naán. The engaging songs draw inspiration from traditional and peasant music that is united by an invisible but indelible thread, making the album akin to roots music from anywhere in the world.
The band is based in a very small Castilian town in northern Spain called Tabanera de Cerrato, in Palencia province. Members include Adal Pumarabín on percussion, drum set and frame drums; Carlos Herrero on tres, bouzouki, guitar, rabel, hualaycho, ngoni, percussion, flauta de buitre (vulture bone flute) and lead vocals; César Díez on electric bass, fretless bass and double bass; Héctor Castrillejo on backing vocals, poetry, and video art; María Alba on lead and backing vocals, frame drums and tambourines, percussion; Javier Mediavilla on electric guitar ad backing vocals; and Cesar Tejero on saxophones, frame drums, backing vocals and special effects.
The album also features a list of acclaimed Spanish and French guests including vocalists Xavier Díaz, Santiago Auserón (Juan Perro), Greg Douvaou, and Marek Juggler; as well as Germán Díaz on zanfona (Spanish hurdy gurdy); Chuchi León on trumpet; Jorge Arribas on kaval and flute; Luis Angel Fernández on dulzaina; Kuke Martin on darbuka; Diego Galaz on violin; and poems by Sara Dias Leite.
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.