Marcos Coll – Nómade (Galileo Music, 2023)
Marcos Coll, a seasoned Spanish blues musician from Galicia with world music leanings, has released Nómade under the Galileo Music label. Throughout his remarkable 30-year career musical journey as a crossover harmonica player, he has shared stages with iconic figures of the blues genre at festivals across the globe.
This album marks a return to Coll’s musical origins, featuring a diverse selection of songs recorded with one of the world’s most renowned harmonicas. The selection of tunes and songs ranges from Galician muñeiras to coplas castellanas, boleros, Colombian cumbia and Mexican son jarocho. Notably, Coll expertly fuses his harmonicas with various styles and rhythms. Collaborating with him on this project is Jairo Zavala of Depedro, who also serves as the album’s producer, alongside Coll’s bandmates, bassist Hector Rojo and drumemr and percussionist Martin Bruhn.
The genesis of Nómade can be traced back to a recording session for Depedro’s Máquina de Piedad album, where Coll made guest harmonica appearances on select tracks. A few months later, the project took shape during a meeting with Jairo and his manager.
Despite Coll’s extensive experience in the blues realm, he realized that his musical identity was distinct from that of his African-American colleagues. Hence, he embarked on a musical journey to reconnect with his Galician roots and explore the influences that had shaped him. The focus wasn’t on delving deeper into traditions, but rather on letting the essence of his musical memories take the forefront. Melodies he heard his grandmother hum countless times and rhythms he tapped on tables as a young boy became the foundation of this remarkable album.
Titled Nómade, the album embodies the multitude of fascinating places, pathways, scents, and musical flavors that have colored Coll’s life journey. The harmonica, with its unique capacity to convey emotions, serves as the perfect companion, transforming landscapes into musical experiences. The musical voyage begins in Galicia, Coll’s native region, where the album’s introduction, “Cita en la Romería,” presents the diverse styles heard at traditional Galician fiestas.
“Aceituna Mocita” is an adaptation of a song by Luis Rius Zunon from La Mancha in central Spain, Coll’s uncle’s homeland. Here, Coll intertwines the Spanish jota manchega and Mexican son jarocho styles. Coll’s lyrical touch is evident in this fusion, with the help of his collaborator, guitarist Emiliano Juárez. Their creative synergy is further highlighted in “Vamos pal Piripipau,” where blues meets cumbia, bolero, and Mexican music.
Cesaria Evora, one of Coll’s favorite singers, receives a heartfelt tribute through his rendition of her classic, “Sodade.” This track reflects Coll’s deep appreciation for her artistry.
The album’s captivating journey from Spain to Hispanic America and back concludes with an outro, featuring an improvisation over a loop of Galician tambourines.
Nómade is the second solo endeavor from Marcos Coll, a musician who skillfully weaves his cultural influences and experiences with the expertise of exceptional musicians, resulting in an album that captivates the listener from the very first note.
Buy Nómade.
Author: Iliana Cabrera
Marvelous