
Vayo Raimondo
expresses the poetry of South America with a dramatic new voice and style.
Inspired by the great vocalists of the past, Vayo explores the interaction
of his voice with a brilliant multitude of musicians from his initial
efforts on "I Am A Tango / Yo Soy Un Tango," (released February 2001 on
Alula Records) with Mario Nuñez - guitar and Toto Damario - bandoneon and,
now, on his second release (also on Alula Records) Vayo defines a musical
direction that embodies the growth of the popular musical forms of his
homeland. His interpretation of classic themes and of his own compositions
captures the passion and elegance of the cultural mecca of South America.
"Our album At the Edge of
Night is the result of single uninterrupted and complete takes, without
cuts and splices, in the manner of a live performance. We present new
manners of expression in pieces that may not necessarily have a
conventional structure or rhythmic base, nor can they be easily
pigeon-holed into a familiar genre. Poetry prevails while the music
attempts to depict a complementary mood or state of mind. These themes
cover a range of life's experiences, from the tenderness of a cradle song
to awareness at the moment of death.
Those of us who perform a
popular art often find an audience sensitive to our concerns and our
themes. While the desire to create new music is the prime driving force,
our challenge for relevance starts with the content and reach of our
poetic message. We feel that our work in the musical and poetic medium
engages the senses and expands the mind. Thus, we have the opportunity and
the responsibility to question ourselves, and to question our world that
is less interested in the individual and that increasingly belongs to a
relative few.
The conceptual approach
for the production of At the Edge of Night has required a bridge from the
traditional tango to the music of today, an attempt to express
contemporary realities. Our album, inspired by our questions, is the
foundation for our music of today and the scenario for our music ahead. "
-- Vayo
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