Blues For Yemayá

by Lotz of Music in Havana

Interpretations of Afro Cuban religious folklore by Lotz Of Music in collaboration with an Afro Cuban percussion and vocal ensemble. Second release of the ‘Yoruba trilogy’ by Mark Lotz and his Lotz Of Music ‘Cuban Roots Project’/Shango’s Dance.

Recorded in Havana and documents the latest recordings of legendary vocalist Amelia Pedroso. Features conga-legend Miguel ‘Anga’ Diaz and soloists from Conjunto Folklorico de National de Cuba, Yoruba Anabo, Raices and Irakere.

Info

VIA Records, Hilversum, The Netherlands

Released in 1998 by VIA Records, Hilversum, The Netherlands
Catalogue number 9920592
Recorded at the ICAIC studios Havana, Cuba April 1997
Additional vocal recordings September 1997, Kwetterhof studio Wormerveer NL, The Netherlands

Musicians

Vocals
Amelia Pedroso
Xiomarra Larringa
Alexis Zayas Rosabal
Lilian Vieira
Jazmin Saavedra
Freila Merencio Blanco

Percussion
Miguel Anga Diaz (congas)
José Pilar Suarez (vocals, batá, shekere)
Javier Campos Martinez (vocals, batá, quinto, congas)
Jorge Nuñes Menocal (vocals, batá, congas, shekere)
Rodolfo Muñoz Ramirez (congas)
Sjahin During (batá, cow-bell, clavé)
Jos De Haas (vocals, African djembé);

Lotz Of Music
Mark Lotz (flutes, vocals)
Maarten Ornstein (tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet)
Stefan Schmid (piano)
Jos Machtel (acoustic bass, tuba, valve trombone)
Stefan Kruger (drums, cow-bell)

All tracks

Press reviews

Music and show & draaiomjeoren.com, The Netherlands
“Blues for Yemayá should be looked at as the most successful multicultural project of the nineties.”

Nieuwsblad v.h. Noorden, The Netherlands
“The funny thing is: Lotz has nothing to do with the son revival going three or even four steps beyond it!”

Jazz Nu, The Netherlands
“This music combines the passion of religious chants, the authentic swing of caribean tradition and the masculine solidity of jazz with the authentic attraction of the mix of that whole.”

Algemeen Dagblad, The Netherlands
“A treasure of study material!”

BN, The Netherlands
“The result of that musical combinations is of wonderful beauty.”

Jazz Review, USA
“True fans of Afro-Cuban jazz and folk music will love this CD! Recommended to students of Afro-Cuban folklore and music.”

Fluit, The Netherlands
“The exciting and surprising musical discoveries dominate throughout this remarkable project.”

NRC Handelsblad, The Netherlands
“Lotz ingeniously succeeds in constructing two different musical traditions into one new unity.”

Pan, UK
“The concept sounds as natural as birdsong.”

Fly Global Music Culture, UK
“Accomplished and fascinating album.”

Goois Nieuwsblad, Jan Rensen, The Netherlands
“A pearl in my collection.”

Mark Corrales, batadrums.com, USA
“The CDs by Mark Alban Lotz are the best examples I’ve heard of successfully blending bata drums with non-Latin music. I highly recommend them.”

Big Band, The Netherlands
“Without a doubt the best dutch production of traditional Afro Cuban music ever.”

Pleasure, The Netherlands
“A wonderful album!”

Oye Listen, The Netherlands
“The jazz harmonies and rythms enrich the songs, adding intriguing new dimensions.”

Order

Blues For Yemayá

by Lotz of Music in Havana

Big Band, The Netherlands

“Without a doubt the best dutch production of traditional Afro Cuban music ever.”

Pan, UK

“The concept sounds as natural as birdsong.”

Batadrums.com, USA

“The CDs by Mark Alban Lotz are the best examples I’ve heard of successfully blending bata drums with non-Latin music. I highly recommend them.”

NRC Handelsblad, The Netherlands

“Lotz ingeniously succeeds in constructing two different musical traditions into one new unity.”

Jazz Review, USA

“True fans of Afro-Cuban jazz and folk music will love this CD!”

Media Snippets