Vigüela – We (Mapamundi Música, 2024)
Toledo-based folk ensemble Vigüela has released at masterful work titled We. The new recording topped various world music charts recently, as a reward for their enduring excellence. We is the ensemble’s 10th album, and it is a profound exploration of an ancient, little-known musical tradition called son. Rooted in the everyday contexts where traditional music thrived, the band expertly celebrates the son art form that, was once ubiquitous.
With this project, Vigüela prioritizes the message of the song, the use of speech prosody in singing, over the rhythmic concept that is so prevalent in contemporary music.
According to Juan Antonio Torres, We is more than a word; it’s an interjection that exudes joy and character, encapsulating the essence of Vigüela. Indeed, the group’s music is full of delight. Their songs exemplify the character of ancient musical languages, methodically studied and performed over the years. These melodies, passed down by elders, convey a profound message.
For over a decade, Vigüela has dedicated themselves to unraveling and recreating traditional Spanish melodies, specially from the heartland of Castille-La Mancha, revealing their cultural significance within historical interpretation.
Buy We.
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.