We have been working hard everyday getting ready to ‘smash’ it in France! We have exciting songs of Latin, Reggae and Cumbia (Cumbia is like Balkan Gypsy but faster).

–Follow the website to hear the songs–

A new adventure with CALLE SOL…

I have been practicing with a new band for me called Calle Sol . They have been together with changing members over the last 8 years.. with all original songs and a great network of musicians that they share with Made In Barcelona, Bacan Avissattis and Playing For Change.

 

I am very pleased to be going on tour with Calle Sol in the south of France. We will be taking a car from Barcelona in June driving around the south of France for 10 days. We will be playing in the street as well as performing concerts in venues.

Every day I practice for this band.. they have a massive repertoire of music.. afro-latin, reggae and cumbia. Its new for me to learn the rhythms of the Clave and the Montunos , and the Mambos of each song. I love the lessons and new techniques im learning.  (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Mambo)

 

Check out this link for another song in our repertoire : CHA CHA CHA – MADE IN BARCELONA

 

Bringing me into the heart of Barcelona and its music scene, learning new skills and mingling with so many musicians I could not ask for a better life right now or better musicians to be working with!

Keeping the Sax at the heart of my ventures.

 

Elma

 

 

 

 

 

Barcelona – A trip to Inspire

B A R C E L O N A – P L A Y I N G  F O C H A N G E

Ive had a bit of time off.. The gig I was preparing for in my last post was cancelled sadly, but will be happening soon so any House and Techno lovers in London – I will keep you posted.

So after that I still took my flight to Barcelona to see some of my much missed friends, who are also full time passionate musicians.

Los Made In Barcelona are one of the best Salsa, Reggae and Latin jazz bands I know !  They are originally from all corners of the earth and have come together in the essence of true music to make you dance 🙂

HAhaha – they are nutters ! Always so much fun and such original and kind people !

You can find Los Made In Barcelona on the Port Vell on the way to the Barceloneta beach in Barcelona.. Thursday to Sunday daytimes 12-5pm

To find them on Facebook click on the photo below:

losjumpin

Then with these lovely bunch we all went to see Pierre Minetti and Francois Viguie and more of their friends playing Live at the Apollo Barcelona with PLAYING FOR CHANGE. playingforchnage  I had met these musicians 5 years ago at my first visit to Barcelona when Playing For Change was just releasing its first video – ‘Stand By Me’.  Playing For Change is a foundation set up from one mans idea from when he was traveling to work everyday in New York. On his way to the recording studio to record Paul Simon, he noticed that himself and so many other people would stop and listen to the buskers. He said they always drew such a big crowd, were so talented  and made him and everyone smile. He got the bright idea to record the street musicians and to bring the same equipment he would use in the studio but onto the street. So that is where it began, Mark Johnson recording all sorts of cultures and musicians and giving them the opportunity to record their great music!  Now he has set up a brilliant foundation that has helped thousands of children and families in developing countries to access music and instruments. By building schools and music rooms and also promoting and presenting the world with the music from their streets. Using over 150 musicians who have recorded albums and music DVD’s to continue this growing foundation of PEACE THROUGH MUSIC.

So far the most successful music video on Youtube – STAND BY ME

and the most emotional Live performance ive ever heard!

Here are some photos I took during my trip and at the Apollo: