Voy Pa’ Allá

The arrival of Discos Pacifico has meant a steady stream of new releases from Colombia’s Pacific Coast; following on from albums by little-known quantities Bejuco and Agrupación Chango, they now introduce us to Semblanzas del Río Guapi, who are very much a traditional currulao ensemble. Musically, we’re talking marimba de chonta and cununo hand drums (all played by men), with a chorus of four female vocalists, but that’s where things get interesting. These singers, sisters Yamile and Marbel Cortés, together with Yesica Montaño and Libia Sinisterra, have sung together for years, winning awards at the important Afro-Colombian festival Petronio Álvarez, and they are sizzling throughout.

Colombia’s Pacific music is noted for its retention of traditions that emerged when freed African slaves first began playing this music together, family matriarchs given the job of leading the call-and-response vocals. What’s thrilling here is the sheer rush of hearing their voices wrap around each other and build in intensity, as on the title-track and ‘Los Guasangú’. A cappella and slower numbers add variety, and remind us of the music’s function at funerals, celebrations and religious gatherings, and that we should be thankful the Pacific is finally getting its music heard.