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Thread: Che Apalache

  1. #1
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Che Apalache

    Interesting band from Buenos Aires using bluegrass instruments to play Latin music.

    I don't know them but like this video and heard from a Baltimore old time and bluegrass email I subscribe to.

    Che Apalache, an innovative stringband from Buenos Aires, Argentina blending bluegrass with Latin jazz. Prepare to be wowed. They blend top-notch instrumentals on banjo, mandolin, fiddle and guitar with dazzling harmony singing and imaginative arrangements.
    Jim

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    So cool! I love it when forms and cultures get mixed and "creole-ized".

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    Teak 

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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    How did I manage to miss this? Saw these guys at the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax last year. Joe Troup (fiddle player) has been a Galax mainstay for 15 years or more. He's one of those guys you happen on jamming while wandering the grounds in the middle of the night - he'll be playing bluegrass, old time, jazz, latin - on fiddle, banjo, or guitar - and wowing on all of them. It was a treat to see them do their thing in what is in many ways such a staid, traditional environment. I think they went on a mini tour while they were here. Worth seeing if you get the chance.
    Mitch Russell

  6. #4

    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Thanks for posting, Jim, and bringing them to our attention.

    I have begun to listening to groups from south of the border and even though there is usually no mandolin content, I find the music refreshing and inspirational. Two that I have come across recently are 'Jenny and the Mexicats' (Mexico) and 'Monsieur Perine' (Colombia). One of the guitarists in Monsieur Perine plays some kind of mandolin-sized instrument on some songs.

    Jenny of the Mexicats is interesting because she was a jazz trumpeter from England who met up with Spanish and Mexican musicians and fell in love with Latin music. She learned to write and sing in Spanish and has become a rising star in the Mexican music scene.

    Life is too short to be stuck in some bluegrass/Americana rut.
    "Those who know don't have the words to tell, and the ones with the words don't know so well." - Bruce Cockburn

  7. #5
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Quote Originally Posted by Teak View Post
    One of the guitarists in Monsieur Perine plays some kind of mandolin-sized instrument on some songs.
    At around 7:30 on this video it looks like the guitar guy is playing some sort of charango family instrument. It is either a charangón or ronroco. I don't think it is a Colombian instrument.



    My absolute favorite Colombian music comes from Vallenato.

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    Registered User Jairo Ramos's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    At around 7:30 on this video it looks like the guitar guy is playing some sort of charango family instrument. It is either a charangón or ronroco. I don't think it is a Colombian instrument.
    It's a Charango...

  9. #7
    Gummy Bears and Scotch BrianWilliam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Wow! Awesome! Thanks!

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Garber View Post
    Interesting band from Buenos Aires using bluegrass instruments to play Latin music.

    I don't know them but like this video and heard from a Baltimore old time and bluegrass email I subscribe to.




  10. #8
    Registered User Jacqke's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    National Public Radio just ran a piece about them. https://www.npr.org/2018/08/14/63862...uegrass-fusion

  11. #9
    Registered User sunburst's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Joe Troop is a good friend of mine, and I've gotten to know the other guys in the band a little over the last couple of years. It's good to see them starting to get some recognition! I was just about to step out of the shop today when I heard the piece on npr starting. Almost missed it, but stayed in the shop to hear it.

  12. #10
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Great stuff, I heard the piece on NPR. Doubt if they will be touring near me, but I would go see them for sure.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Registered User Robbie Hamlett's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    Go to their website, https://www.cheapalache.com/ (If you can get on, it's pretty busy at the moment!) They are touring right now working their way to California and back and their schedule is on the website. Send Joe a message, you may just get them to come to you!
    "Doing nothing is very hard to do ... you never know when you're finished."
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    I'd heard OF these guys, but last night I actually HEARD them at a friend's house concert here in Los Angeles. I was blown away on so many levels. They're in town because of their Best Folk Album Grammy Award nomination:

    https://www.journalnow.com/entertain...5f951b7.html#2

    https://www.billboard.com/articles/c...roop-interview

    Make what you choose of their politics (happens to resonate for me) but their musicianship, craft, and charm are impeccable!

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  16. #13
    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    I'm looking forward to seeing them at Wintergrass in a month!

  17. #14
    Registered User DSDarr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Che Apalache

    I saw them at a house concert in Seattle in October 2018 and they are tremendous. Likewise looking forward to seeing them again at Wintergrass!!

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