What I've been listening to lately: Marvin Diz - 'Habla el Tambor'

Mayita - What I've Been Listening To Lately:  MARVIN DIZ

Marvin Diz is an immensely talented percussionist and educator currently residing in New York City. He was born and raised in Cuba in a very musical family 

I discovered Marvin Diz’s music this summer via John Santos (an amazing Puerto Rican percussionist /educator in his own right), whose class I attended at Jazz Camp West. 

What I believe is unique about Maestro Diz is his ability to compose music that transports traditional Cuban musical roots into a wholly contemporary context. 

Here’s what I have for you: 

First, listen to the man talk philosophically about the spirituality of the drum in the first  video. Then treat yourself to some of his music on the following video.

You can thank me in person at my next concert!

JORGE Drexler!

Mayita - What I've been listening to these days: JORGE DREXLER 

I am an iPhone traveler: my headphones open me up to a vast musical universe. At the moment I've landed in Uruguay, and my tour guide is Jorge Drexler - singer, songwriter, and otolaryngologist. Yes, verdad!

Remember 'Motorcycle Diaries', the biopic film about Che Guevara? Che rides his motorcycle through South America; after seeing the injustices experienced by the destitute in those countries, he becomes a Marxist revolutionary. Jorge Drexler won the 2005 Academy Award for Best Original Song from that soundtrack - 'Al otro lado del rio'.

 Drexler's song, 'Un pais con el nombre de un rio', a song about the pain of leaving one's homeland to look for opportunities in a new land, is a favorite of mine. You can hear me sing it on my cd, "The Garden Is My Stage".

Below is his appearance on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert. Fortunately; his songs have been translated and appear as subtitles for you to enjoy his gorgeous lyrics. ENJOY!!!

https://www.npr.org/event/music/601635015/jorge-drexler-tiny-desk-concert

Jorge Drexler NPR Music 'Tiny Desk Concert'

JAZZABRATIONS LIVE with Linda Morgan