Lunfardo is a language developed in the lower classes of Buenos Aires at the end of 19th century. It is a mixture of European, African and native Argentinean languages and is bound inextricably with the music of the city and of the peoples that have congregated there. Lunfardia refers to the world that surrounds this unique, rich tongue, and the group brings together original compositions by Ariel Hernandez and traditional Latin-American pieces: a trip from the heart of Buenos Aires through the magic Tangos, Milongas and Candombes, the rough-hewn Chacareras and Zambas from the Argentinean northwest, the cheerful Huayno from Bolivia, the strong percussive beats of Afro-Peruvian rhythms, the vertiginous Joropo Venezolano and the fast melodies of Choros from Brasil.

Acollarados

Lunfardia’s new album is named after a traditional Argentinean device used to yoke together two horses of opposing characteristics so that the good traits of each may influence the other. The band have now spent three years pooling their musical identities in performance and recording, and the unique, strong voice that has emerged has been exploited to the full on this latest release with material composed for the group by its leader, Ariel Hernandez from Buenos Aires. The sound is a sophisticated mix of South American idioms with elements of classical and jazz, always highlighting the characteristics of its virtuosic musicians.

Diatribe is pleased to announce the launch of Solo Series I at 5.00pm – 6.30pm, Friday 16 April 2010 in the Contemporary Music Centre, Fishamble Street, with performances from 7.30pm – 9.30pm in the Kevin Barry Room of the National Concert Hall.

Solo Series I is a 4-CD set with individual records by pianists Isabelle O’Connell and Izumi Kimura; clarinetist Paul Roe and guitarist and bass player Simon Jermyn. Altogether 25 contemporary composers including 16 Irish composers are featured. The series is partly funded by the Music Network/Arts Council Music Recording Scheme 2009 and Diatribe Recordings.

Diatribe Records curates the Solo Series in order to give a voice to contemporary artists working in the highly demanding and challenging medium of solo performance. The aim of the series is to showcase the work of leading artists from a broad spectrum of musical genres in Ireland.

The Solo Series I launch at the Contemporary Music Centre will include a video installation by Simon Jermyn. This will then be followed by three half hour concerts featuring Isabelle O’ Connell, Paul Roe and Izumi Kimura in the Kevin Barry Room of the National Concert Hall.

Solo Series I will be available to purchase online, at the launch event and through Diatribe’s distribution network in many European countries and through New York based North State Distribution in the USA.

For more information about the launch event at the CMC, visit http://cmcireland.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/cmc-launches-diatribe-series1/.

Tickets for the NCH performances are available through www.nch.ie.