Photo Credit: Christopher Edmonstone.
British Columbia based Latin powerhouse Locarno has soared to new heights with their vibrant and deeply evocative new record, Colibri Caliope.
Led by JUNO Award-winning musician and Mexican-Canadian trailblazer Tom Landa, this album is a celebration of cultural duality, drawing on the rich musical traditions of Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba while infusing them with a contemporary, genre-bending flair.
Named after the Calliope hummingbird — a long-distance migratory marvel that bridges Canada and Mexico — the album’s title is a fitting metaphor for Locarno’s essence. Landa’s journey, both personal and musical, reflects a delicate balance between two worlds. His connection to Mexico's rhythmic soul and Canada’s modern vibrancy forms the beating heart of this record.
Colibri Caliope is a masterful blend of original compositions and reimagined Mexican folk songs. Each track brims with the energy, melancholy, and introspection of a migratory soul. Landa’s rediscovery of his Mexican roots takes center stage in tracks like "Cupido", "La Iguana", and "La Despedida", which artfully incorporate the Son Jarocho tradition.
Meanwhile, the album delves into Colombian rhythms with "Bomberos Y Curanderos", featuring the infectious groove of cumbia and vallenato. Salsa enthusiasts will revel in the dance-floor-ready "La Pachangosa", where horns and percussion create a joyous frenzy.
Adding depth, songs like "Yanga" bring history to life, paying homage to Gaspar Yanga, a legendary figure in Mexican history, while the title track "Colibri Caliope" acts as a soul-stirring anthem, embodying the migratory journey between two vibrant cultures.
Landa’s reflections on his upbringing — moving from the bustling Mexico City to the quieter landscape of Northwest Ontario as a teenager — echo throughout the record. In his own words: “Like the Calliope hummingbird, I learned to belong to both places. I’m proud to be both Mexican and Canadian. This album reflects exactly that, the journey between both places and the importance of cultural heritage and belonging.”
Through Colibri Caliope, Landa’s musical journey has come full circle, melding his deep reverence for Mexican musical traditions with a modern Canadian sensibility. The result is a musical odyssey that not only honors heritage but innovates it for new generations.
Locarno’s stellar lineup breathes life into each note. With Landa’s dynamic vocals and mastery of instruments like the jarana and guitar, the band’s rich palette is enhanced by Kalissa Landa’s emotive violin, Robin Layne’s commanding percussion, and the vibrant brass section helmed by Jocelyn Waugh and Nick La Riviere. Together, they craft a sound as diverse and colorful as the cultures they draw from.
Colibri Caliope is more than an album; it’s a testament to the power of music to bridge borders, generations, and identities. Locarno’s ability to weave traditional Latin genres with modern sensibilities creates a dynamic, uplifting record that resonates deeply with listeners. Whether you’re a fan of salsa, cumbia, or simply great storytelling through music, this album is an essential addition to your playlist.
In Colibri Caliope, Locarno has crafted a work of art that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Prepare to be moved, to dance, and to feel the soulful wings of the Calliope hummingbird in every beat.
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