The annual theme of the Cotati Accordion Festival is one of multiculturalism, and this year we explore music from around the world more than ever. In fact, in our Latino music alone this year, we present an array of genres from Chamame folk music, to Tejano, to Tex-Mex, all the way to Cumbia. There are so many styles of music that originated from south of the border that it is hard to cover them all,, but we are happy to be able to do what we can.
From Argentina we will be presenting the composer and accordionist, Alejandro Brittes. Alejandro has been referred to as the “Messi” of the accordion. In Argentina, as in the rest of the soccer world, praise could not possibly be higher.
Alejandro Brittes is one of the three principle accordionists of the traditional South American Chamnamne musical genre, a 400 years old musical expression that resonates with over 35 million people in South America. He has shown unparalleled ability to adapt the accordion to this historic musical tradition. For thus particular genre was born of the meeting of the native Guarani cultures with the Baroque influences of the colonial Jesuits.
Alejandro has created over 200 original compositions, published a book of the origins of Chamame and had produced 9 albums. We are looking forward to a presentation of such originality and history, which is what Alejandro brings to the stage each time he plays.
From deep in the San Joaquin Valley, and the gateway to the forest wonderlands of the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, we will be presenting Califas. The Tex-Mex music of Califas is unique, soulful and stirs people to dance. Their music has spread from California, to Northern Mexico, to Texas. It explores their Chicano roots moving from Tejano, to country to Old School. Plus, the accordion playing of Jamie Moreno adds that excitement and joy that we have come to love in Latino music.
Moving all the way across the Latino musical spectrum we come to the Cumbia of Discos Reseca Collective featuring Mariposa del Alma and Deuce Eclipse. The difference in Cumbia is that it doesn’t just draw its influence from South America, but is infused with African and Caribbean traditions, creating a sound that is so infectious and rhythmic that no one can stand still listening to it.
Disco Reseca Collective is based in the greater Bay Area, and is fronted by the Meza-Blanco Sisters, Jasmin, Nathaly, and Marina who captivate the audience with their soulful vocals and powerful harmonies. Together with the Discos Reseca Collective, featuring Ivan Flores on accordion, they have taken the Cumbia/Salsa music scene by storm.
However, the principal product of their percussion, harmonies, guitar, bass and accordion is joyfulness, and we can not wait for the show to begin just picturing their energetic show last year at the CAF.
