PROJECTS>COBA

"Coba blends Colombian...root musics into an energetic jazz-rock stew."
The Village Voice

An important and active member of the emerging new Colombian music scene, Coba is a New York-based ensemble featuring compositions and arrangements by guitarist Sebastián Cruz. Since 2001 Coba has been a platform to explore new approaches to traditional Afro-Colombian music through original songwriting and un-traditional instrumentation, offering a very personal and fresh take on a community's ancient and profound legacy.

Canción Mandala is the new recording of "Coba" released by "Chonta Records," a new record label with the purpose of representing and promoting new Colombian music. Coba's CDs feature a number of special musical guests, a fortunate selection of wonderful singers, and a rich and varied textural palette.

In its larger format Coba includes clarinet, trombone, violin and cello. An exceptional group of musicians, such as singer Lucía Pulido, clarinetist Adam Kolker, trombonist Mike Fahie, violinist Sergio Reyes, cellist Greg Heffernan, and others, have been featured in Coba's performances that include venues like BAM Cafe, Culture Fest in Battery Park, The Knitting Factory, Galapago’s Artspace, Satalla and Queens Museum of Art among others.

Listen:
1.Hilo y aguja. Canción mandala
2.Cisnes. Canción mandala
3. En una servilleta. Coba
4. Mirada Primera. Coba
5. Gotacandela. Live at the Knitting Factory
12/04 (poor recording quality)
6. Sin levantar los pies. Live at the Knitting Factory 12/04 (poor recording quality)

Musicians from different versions of Coba include:
Sebastián Cruz-Guitar, composition.
Emilio Teubal-Keyboards.
Jim McNamara-Upright bass.
Chris Michael-Drums (cobatería)
Martín Vejarano-Percussion.
Lucía Pulido, Joana Santos, Iván Benavides, Sofía Tosello-Voice.
Ryan Keberle, Rafi Malkiel, Mike Fahie-Trombone.
Adam Kolker, Anat Cohen, Sam Sadigursky-Clarinet.
Sergio Reyes, Roland Satterwhite-Violin.
Greg Heffernan, Anja Wood,
Analisa Cecilia Martínez-Cello.
Ihán Betancourt-Percussion

Photo: Mónica Sánchez