Lienzos

Track art by Nora Guerrero

The title track of the album is one of the most diverse, including five different styles (rumba, danzón, salsa, timba, and an adapted mix of Gahu and mozambique) and two different languages, Spanish and French. The “le pase” coro at the end is a French phrase taken from the end of Gahu. It means “the past” and is not just an obvious reference to our overall theme but also a continuing tribute to the Ewe traditions that are part of the basis for much Afro-Cuban/Afro-Caribbean music. This track also features percussionists Felipe Fernández, José María Piedra, and Michael McSweeney, and was written by Michael McSweeney and lead vocalist Braden Astorga-Rollins.

Original Lyrics

Música: hecha de amor, sentimiento y tradición,
Nunca se venderá su corazón,
Se encuentra una riqueza en cualquier canción.

Cada género musical,
Contiene algo muy especial.
Sin que importe generación,
Se ve que cada región tiene su versión.

Esta es la canción que se toca en la radio en la navidad,
Esta es la canción que a tus tíos y primos les pone a bailar,
Esto es el producto, pero no el final,
Esto es el lienzo blanco que nosotros queremos pintar

Cada refrán,
se escribe y de repente volará,
Pa’ deshacerse del creador que lo amará,
Y forma parte de lo que seguirá.

Esta es la canción que te causa nostalgia y felicidad,
Que nosotros cantamos con cariño y con humilidad,
Esto es nuestro arte,
Que te hace vibrar,
Esto es el lienzo blanco que nosotros queremos pintar.

Cuando se ve una belleza hay
(Que contemplar, hay que aprovechar)
Hay que contemplar mi hermano
(Hay que contemplar, hay que aprovechar)
Y hay que aprovechar también.
(Hay que contemplar, hay que aprovechar)
La riqueza que está en tus manos
(Hay que contemplar, hay que aprovechar)
Sin maldad, sin barreras y sin desdén.

Le pasé, le pa’, le pa’

Personnel

Braden Astorga-Rollins Vocals
Allen Mendez Trumpet
Josh Nuss Trombone
Tom Hartnett Keyboard
Jorge Brito Bass
José María Piedra Bongó/Campana, Batá
Felipe Fernández Congas
Michael McSweeney Drum Set, Timbales

English Translation

Music: made of love, emotion and tradition;
It’s heart will never be sold,
You’ll find a treasure lies in every song.

Each and every musical genre,
Offers us something special,
From generation to generation,
Every place you go has their own version.

This is the song sounding on the radio on Christmas Day,
This is the song that made your whole family dance,
This is the result, but this isn’t the end,
This is the blank canvas that we wish to paint.

Every refrain,
It’s written and all of the sudden it takes flight,
To cut ties with it’s loving creator,
Becoming part of what follows now.

This is the song that brings you nostalgia and happiness,
That we sing with humility and tenderness,
This is our art,
Making you vibrate,
This is the blank canvas that we wish to paint.

When you see a beautiful thing you,
(Have to contemplate it, have to seize the moment.)
You must contemplate it my brother,
(Have to contemplate it, have to seize the moment.)
And you must seize it as well.
(Have to contemplate it, have to seize the moment.)
The treasure that's in your own hands,
(Have to contemplate it, have to seize the moment.)
Without malice, without obstacles or disdain.

The past, the past, the past