Gao Hong & Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde – Alondra (ARC Music, 2024)
Alondra, the latest album from Chinese pipa master Gao Hong and flamenco guitarist Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde, was released on February 23, 2024. Named after the skylark, a bird known for its intricate melodies, the album symbolizes the artistic synergy between the two musicians.
Gao, fresh off her success with Senegalese kora player Kadialy Kouyate on the album Terri Kunda, seized the opportunity to record at Abbey Road Studios. Initially considering a solo project, Gao decided to collaborate, reflecting her adventurous spirit. She reached out to Monteverde, and the result was a magnificent, elegant mix of pipa and flamenco that pushed musical boundaries.
Monteverde, captivated by Gao’s pipa playing, responded with enthusiasm. Their first single, “Skylark Calls,” released on February 2, 2024, captures the essence of their collaboration, an exploration of contrasting styles that fuse together harmoniously. Monteverde’s structured flamenco rhythms provide a foundation for Gao’s improvisations, resulting in music that mirrors the skylark’s intricate and soaring song.
The album’s tracks evolve from tentative musical introductions to dynamic, skillful conversations between the two instruments. As the musicians became more comfortable, their performances grew more intimate and expressive, touching on themes of love, history, and loss. Throughout Alondra, the interplay between the pipa and flamenco guitar reflects a deep cultural exchange.
Gao Hong is an acclaimed Chinese pipa master and composer, with accolades such as the Beijing Art Cup. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music, she has performed worldwide in various genres, including jazz, bluegrass, and pop. Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde, an Argentine flamenco guitarist, is equally versatile. Having begun playing guitar at six, he has developed into a seasoned performer, producer, and sound engineer, collaborating with a wide range of artists and earning numerous awards.
Buy Alondra.
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.