VOCAL IROKO - Pimienta Negra (2018)

VOCAL IROKO is a Geneva-based Cuban ensemble directed by singer, music teacher and pedagogue Ondina Duany. Quintet or sextet format with a polyphonic vocal trio, piano, percussion and optional bass, the band daringly revisits the Afro-Cuban sacred music repertoire. VOCAL IROKO was born from the collaboration between Ondina and Cuban singer and actress Amanda Cepero. With a strong drive to revisit Cuba's vocal repertoire and traditional rituals, together they develop an original polyphonic, harmonic and rhythmic interpretation which brings these songs a new light that combines spirituality, cosmopolitism and modernity. « Pimienta Negra », VOCAL IROKO's debut album, is a tribute to the African roots of their music and culture. It also features singer and actress Arlety Valdès, leader of SEXTO SENTIDO, Cuba's leading vocal girls group, who appeared in the 2005 motion picture 'Habana Blues'. Arranging : Ariel Perez Vocal arranging : Arlety Valdès & Ondina Duany Musical direction : Ondina Duany Vocals : Arlety Valdès, Ondina Duany, Amanda Cepero, Diana Granda Ibarra Piano : Dayron Perez Bass : Yadier Noa Drums : Alberto Batista Percussion : Luis Aballe & Eulogio Arguelles Puey Mambi Recording, mixing & mastering at Studio La Clave Records, Lausanne, Switzerland