With their densely danceable percussive grooves, punctuated with brass accents, indigenous flute overtones, festive horn lines and gritty guitar riffs, La Cumbiamba NY invites listeners to join their celebration of Colombian culture. capturing the inclusive spirit of the outdoor parties that take place in Colombia, known as "cumbiambas," this ensemble revives several distinct Colombian/South American musical genres by reworking these traditions within a contemporary cosmopolitan sonic context. While founded by percussionist, arranger/composer Martin Vejarano and a group of Colombian musicians based in NYC, the band also includes members from diverse backgrounds such as the Middle East, Europe and the US. As a testimony of their traditional, contemporary and cosmopolitan approach to Colombian music, the band has recently released a double album entitled "La Palma" where entirely traditional formats contrast harmoniously with the powerful large band format. Still, the band keeps its characteristic sound, which has made it one of the most reliable and successful dance party ensembles in NYC's music.
La Cumbiamba NY has performed shows and taught master classes on Colombian Music in some of the most renowned venues and institutions in the US, such as Summer Stage at Central Park, Lincoln Center Out Doors, Summer on the Hudson Festival, River to River Festival, Joe's Pub, Harvard University, Princeton University, Columbia University, Wesleyan University, and SOAS University of London. They have also collaborated with artists such as Marc Ribot, Dan Zanes, Lucia Pulido and Marta Gomez. Some of these new sounds have been documented in their newest CD, "La Palma," which was released in both the US and Colombia.
La Cumbiamba NY performs concerts and workshops with traditional instruments from both the Indigenous cultures and the European and African Diasporas as well as the mestizo/criolla culture of Colombia. All of which are blended together to create the traditional musical styles that developed throughout the colonial era and continue to evolve.
La Cumbiamba NY is currently working on the third musical production, which will primarily feature their electric SEXtet.
