Date registered: 12/13/2010
One of our favorite large bands on the scene today is Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society. ‘Gig postmortem’ is a term respectfully borrowed from their own steampunk way of sharing their music. Last night’s CD release party will certainly go down in the annals of GarDel history. Though it was only our first time headlining a show at a music venue, it sold out just as GarDel took the stage. Not only that, but at least 50 people stayed outside to listen and dance, waiting for the first opportunity to get in! Needless to say, we were elated and went on to show our gratitude with a high-energy power set that included the live premiere of two original songs, Esta Situación and Gracias Te Doy. We played both rather closely to the recorded versions and look forward to opening them up over time.
Also notable was having all thirteen members together on one stage. Often Ramon, Julio, Jose and Brevan rotate through the three percussion chairs, rendering GarDel as a 12-piece, but we love putting Ramon and his smiling face up front with Jaime and Nelson as often as everyone is available. Somewhere out there in the crowd were some members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra who were in town for a show at UNC. Carolina is also bringing down Eddie Palmieri in a few weeks. With the number of songs of his we interpret, you’d better believe we will be in attendance.
Our deepest thanks go out to Dark Water Rising for coming up from Fayetteville to open the show. A teensy minority of the dancers might have been skeptical of a non-salsa band, but Charly’s powerful vocals quickly won the outliers over.
Pictures and video are forthcoming, we can see some fans have already posted some. Please share the links to your pics below in the comments! We’ll be announcing a special feature soon with our new friends at salsamerengue.com.
One of the other cool things that the Secret Society does is post music from each of their live shows for free. In that spirit, here is last night’s version of “Lo Que Tú Quierías”, expertly mixed from the board by Motorco’s own Robbie.
Lo Que Tú Querías, live @ Motorco 01/29/11 by orquestagardel
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2011/01/30/gig-postmortem-29-january-2011-at-motorco-musc-hall/
Orquesta GarDel is thrilled to bring you its first musical offering. Available as a digital download or a physical CD in our online store. In a few days it will be available in Triangle-area independent music stores. Viva la salsa!
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2011/01/18/lo-que-tu-querias-is-out/
Here is the third track from our debut EP, Lo Que Tú Querías. Brand new, never been performed, you heard it here first. Please stream it and share it with your friends as much as you can! It will not be download-enabled until the rest of the album is posted and for sale next Tuesday.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2011/01/10/lead-single-from-the-cd-revealed/
In 2009 Orquesta GarDel collaborated with The Beast for a hip hop/salsa anthem as part of their debut album, Silence Fiction. The collaboration was no surprise, GarDel pianist and bassist Eric Hirsh and Pete Kimosh are one half of The Beast. We’ve worked together to produce a music video for the song, which will be coming out in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for that! In the meantime, stream or purchase the audio of the song here:
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2010/12/16/translation-video-coming-soon/
The Onda Carolina blog was kind enough to snap a few pictures last night at our last gig for 2010. The Cobo Brothers picked out The Mint in Raleigh as a new venue to try out the Copa Night dances. The band had to get creative about layout around the stairs and kitchen door, but the two-story space carried our sound well. Always a treat to be in a feedback loop with dancers!
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2010/12/12/pictures-from-the-black-and-white-party/
My skillset includes piano, band leading, music gesture research, and washing dishes. Surely between all of that I am qualified to try to finagle a WordPress template into looking like a professional band page, right? We’ll get a real designer soon, just need something to start with.
Permanent link to this article: http://www.orquestagardel.com/2010/12/12/salsa-and-wordpress-go-hand-in-hand/
