Aira da Pedra – Arantigua (Armando Records ARD-057, 2004)
The region of El Bierzo is lesser known than Galicia or Asturias, two Celtic regions in Spain. El Bierzo is located in the Autonomous Community of Castile-Leon, bordering Galicia and Asturias. Naturally, there are many musical connections. Aira da Pedra plays contemporary Berciana (from El Bierzo) folk music.
The group is primarily instrumental. They combine traditional instruments such as vocals, bagpipes, flutes, fiddle, guitar and percussion with trap drums.
The musical selection includes mountain songs, Berciana muñeiras (muñeiras are a popular dance across northwestern Spain), Asturian songs and original pieces.
Purchase the album directly from the band, http://www.airadapedra.net/discos.htm.
Updated link: airadapedra.bandcamp.com/album/arantigua
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.
The band lineup included Roberto Doural on percussion; Borja F. Farpón on fiddle and vocals; José P. Castro on Spanish bagpipes, smallpipe, bombard; Marcos Mendo on Spanish and acoustic guitars; and Carlos de la Torre on side-blown flute and vocals.