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Montalvo's voice resonates across globe
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Tucson Citizen , Montalvo's voice resonates across globe >>
by ROGELIO OLIVAS
Chanteuse Mariana Montalvo is a woman of the world who often thinks in many languages.
Born in Chile and now a resident of France, the elegant 51-year-old diva has performed all over the globe and fits in nicely in the category of world music.
When asked if she speaks French, she answers without hesitation, "Sí, of course I do." Throughout the 20-minute phone interview she continues to slip in and out of Spanish and English, with a little French and Castilian thrown in.
The multilingual Montalvo is one of three performers featured in Putumayo World Music's Latinas: Women of Latin America tour, which makes a stop at Centennial Hall on Saturday. She's joined by Colombia's Totó La Momposina and Belo Velloso of Brazil, who also record songs for the Putumayo record label.
"The American audience is very receptive. It's beautiful. I'm very surprised," says Montalvo, while on a bus en route to another performance.
It's been a long journey for Montalvo, who fled Chile in 1974, a year after military leaders, led by General Augusto Pinochet, overthrew the Allende government. Since she had studied in Paris and was familiar with the country, she decided to move to France. The romantic notion of living in Paris, home of the Sorbonne, also appealed to the then-21-year-old student.
Despite the language barrier, the young singer was able to connect with French audiences.
"The road of music travels a long way," she says. She also helped audiences by explaining the lyrics and background of her material during concerts.
Her move paid off. "I have an audience in France now," she says without a hint of conceit. "I don't have any regrets. It's wonderful to live in Paris."
Her reach now extends way beyond Paris. As she's done on her previous recordings, she's experimented with the sounds and traditions of other countries on her latest CD, "Piel de Aceituna" (Olive-Skinned). On one of the tracks, "Encuentro (The Meeting)," she performs a duet with Congolese singer Lokua Kanza that features Castilian and African responses.
"I like to mix sounds but the foundation is fundamental," Montalvo explains. "It's Latin American music with Latin American rhythms, with lyrics in Spanish and with a Latin American soul, and that is where I invite other sounds into the music."
She also incorporates poetry into her music - her own and that of more famous writers. She is often credited with helping to keep alive the South American musical movement of nueva canción (new song). According to press materials, Montalvo and her predecessors have been inspired by the tradition of payadores - itinerant rural poets - composing new songs in their style and using traditional Andean instruments.
"I don't compose traditional music. Traditional music is the music that comes from the country, and I wasn't born in the country and therefore I can't compose it," she explains. "Instead my music has a mix of urban music with traditional influences, because in our countries there is a lot interrelation among folkloric music."
Poetry comes into the mix because Montalvo doesn't "like to express obvious things in an obvious manner." She prefers the subtlety and mysterious beauty of poetry, which she says is the best way to convey the soul of Latin America. "To me it is what is drawn from life."
Listening to her music is like taking a ride on an emotional roller coaster.
"It is a reflection of everything I feel like saying - all the joy, sadness of Latin America - songs to dance to, songs to listen to, songs to laugh to and songs to cry to," she says with a chuckle.
IF YOU GO
What: Putumayo Presents Latinas: Women of Latin America with Totó La Momposina, Mariana Montalvo and Belo Velloso.
When: 8 p.m. Nov. 13.
Where: UA's Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd.
How much: Tickets are $18-$36.
Information: Call 621-3341 or visit www.uapresents.org. 11/11/04 >> go there
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