Saturday 5th September 2009 @ Academy, Bristol

From the piano’s quick, delicate notes to the full throttle ten-piece band explosion of jazz, Quantic and His Combo Bárbaro created quite the transfixing, psychedelic, modern funky take on original tunes from deep within South America’s musical heritage. Back in 2007, William ‘Quantic’ Holland moved to Cali, Columbia, to uncover a beautiful selection of indigenous high spirited, invigorating sounds and record the resulting album, Tradition In Transition, a journey which also became a series of short films. The charismatic South American superstars that feature have since been transported to England, and tonight specifically, the South West.

With his Combo Bárbaro (a name that translates as ‘group of barbarians or people from outside Europe’) Quantic has also imported a sumptuous slice of South American charm straight into the consciousness of the weary generic infused listener. Delicious, and yet it felt quite bizarre taking place in the capitalist pants of the Bristol O2 Academy. The films in the background, a little spy camera into the nether reached of Columbia, depicted a life so removed from that of the venue’s dark stairways and air conditioned corridors; however, this is essentially the ‘tradition’ being in ‘transition’, the joy of travel and continuously evolving music. It felt like these people were opening up their jukebox with smiling generosity; character and soul oozing from every note, the musicians performed with gusto. Will Holland, himself on electric guitar, looked on with pride as the audience cranked out the love and appreciation for these energy rife, confident people.

Particularly marvellous was Pacific folklore singer and award-winning writer Nidia Gángora who sang her vibrant song, Un Canto A Mi Tierra, in a stunning, white twirling, embroidered outfit with a straw hat and an exceptionally broad smile. As well as legendary Panamanian soul singer, Kabir, whose deep sounds were filled with rhythmic passion, respect and pride.

Performed live on stage, Quantic and His Combo Bárbaro are enthralling, and soulful. I left appreciating a little more about why the Columbian’s feel so powerfully and dance so very, very well.

www.quantic.org

Helen Martin