Colombian popular music is definitely on the move. Tradition and modernity meet, test and combine in all sorts of ways. There are all kinds of variations on Cumbia, as well as blends of folklore, electronica, rock, jazz and hip-hop.
The group Bomba Estéreo launched the trend in 2008, and since then, creators have proliferated endlessly.
Several Colombian expatriate artists bridge the gap between their homeland and other influences. Like Toronto-based Lido Pimienta, or Montanera, whom we recently reviewed for PAN M 360.
We must now add Ëda Diaz, born in Bretagne, France, to a Colombian father and a French mother. She has just released Suave Bruta, a dazzling album that blends the traditional sounds of currulao, vallénato and bullerengue with synthesizers, all kinds of percussion and echoing accordions. And double bass, Ëda Diaz’s preferred instrument.
She may have grown up in France, but Ëda Diaz clearly embraces her South American roots. She has spent a lot of time in Colombia, visiting her father’s family in Medellin, among other places, to absorb local sounds. But it’s clear that she’s listened to a lot of Latin American music.
What emerges from all this is an addictive, danceable record, but also deep and intelligent, full of aural surprises. We hear insects, birds, samples of Latin American singers and even a trio of Breton singers.
Almost all the pieces are sung in Spanish, with the exception of the very last, “Déjà Vu”.
Suave Bruta is the title of the album, but also that of a popular song by Colombian singer Jose Arroyo. With the help of producer Anthony Winzenrieth, Ëda Diaz has created a formidable stylistic cocktail.
Be warned: addiction increases with the number of listens.
