Sol y Canto, a pan-Latin ensemble whose mission includes “connect[ing] us all to our hopes and visions of a better world,” performed in Boxborough on Saturday, October 25. Our reviewer reflects:
The moment Sol y Canto comes onstage, one is greeted by the exuberance and uncontained joy that spills forth from Rosi Amador’s introduction and is maintained throughout two sets. Husband, composer, skilled guitarist and longtime bandmate, Brian Amador’s warm baritone blends effortlessly with Rosi’s bright, fluid melodies. Originally from Puerto Rico (Rosi) and New Mexico (Brian), the couple sing in Spanish and English, offering us a translation ahead of most of the Spanish tunes, so that we may focus on the tight and unusual harmonies and the catchy rhythms.
The October 25 concert was a benefit for Cuba, “raising funds for food, medicine and supplies to help people in Cuba facing the worst economic crisis in their history,” and thus the group sang multiple numbers by Cuban composers.
They were joined by the talented Paul Lieberman on sax, flute and piccolo, adding a fullness to the already lush harmonies. Brain’s nimble and varied guitar is accompanied by Rosi on bongo, cajon (a box-like instrument with snares inside), cowbell, and shakers. Organizer of the event, Maricel Lucero, made a guest appearance, creating beautiful three-part harmony with the Amadors.
The group invited the audience to participate, rounding out the chorus or singing a creative call and response to Rosi’s improvisational licks. Their infectious rhythms made it inviting to clap along at times, or even to dance.
Their lyrics range from the highly personal in Brian’s upbeat love song to Rosi, to the political, taking note of current events. They are thoughtful: “Give a little love to the things that are ugly and see how sadness starts to change its color,” to silly “All the nations in the world love bananas.” They even offer a musical recipe for Brian’s brown rice, also available in written form along with multiple children’s books, CD’s, and a gold-engraved Sol Y Canto pencil if you sign up for their mailing list. Rosi’s spirited announcements and obvious delight make it compelling to approach her personally at the merch table.
It was an enjoyable evening of connection and beauty in song, and a pause for thought about how we approach one another; we can learn to accept what is different or usual, and even express what is not okay, in a way that demonstrates a love for the world around us. What a great way to express support for another country while being entertained and involved. It is a time when we are truly receiving more than we are giving, a gift that can repeat when we listen at home.
Meg Stafford is an award winning author of two memoirs, speaker, storyteller and columnist. Her forty years as a licensed psychotherapist have provided invaluable insight into the quirks and passions of the human experience.
