A Very Personal Latin Album
The multi-instrumentalist and singer José Miguel Márquez, for many years the heart of the legendary Chilean band Illapu, presents “puentes” (Spanish for “bridges”), a deeply personal Latin album featuring 14 musicians from five countries.
This elaborate production, crafted with attention to detail and rich instrumentation, alternates between virtuosic, powerful, and melancholic tones. It blends the charm and simplicity of folkloric ideas with the pulse of rock, pop, and jazz. As a singer and instrumentalist, José Miguel Márquez showcases a range of traditional instruments and enchants with his magical performance.
The songs—mostly his own compositions—reflect themes like longing for the Andes, first school love, and the spirit of modern Latinos. He also surprises with a Spanish version of the iconic rock classic “Als ich fortging.”
Finally, reimagined renditions of well-known hits like “The Hammer Song” and Miriam Makeba’s “Pata Pata” fulfill all the criteria for an outstanding world music album, in our opinion
Tracks and Prelistening
- 01 Embrujo
- 02 La Vida Corta
- 03 Dulce Patria
- 04 Pata Pata
- 05 Nicaragua
- 06 Sin Pensar
- 07 El Pájaro Yo
- 08 Los Caminos
- 09 Si Tuveria Un Martillo
- 09 (If I had a hammer)
- 10 Mensajero
- 11 Si La Vida ♫ (Als ich fortging)
- 12 Embrujo (Coda)
