Latin
America and the Caribbean through a vast array of rhythms.
Their music reflects the traditional roots of
Latin music, playing close attention to arrangements
from different areas. Balaton features the national
folkloric stringed instrument of Puerto Rico,
the cuatro, as well as accordion, bass, percussion
and vocals. From the Cuban rumba, guarachas, bolero,
güajira, and cha cha, to the Puerto Rican danza
and the Cuban descarga, Balaton brings Latin rhythms
to life, injecting their own arrangements and
musical ideas into traditional songs and original
compositions.
Group Biography
Founded by Gian Carlo Buscaglia
(from Puerto Rico), and Roberto Cassan (from Italy),
Balaton began performing in 1994 in
their current form. Featuring Buscaglia on vocals
and guitar, Cassan on accordion Manolo Mairena (from
Costa Rica) on vocals and percussion, Bernardo
Hernandez (from Venezuela) on cuatro, Santiago Greco
(from Argentina) on bass, Luis Blanco (from
Venezuela) on percussion.
Balaton's primary purpose is to interpret as rich a variety of dance
rhythms from the popular Latin
repertoire as possible,
as well as original compositions. With Mairena
adding his street-flavored improvisations into the
Afro-Caribbean numbers, no two performances are ever
the same. Indeed, all of Balaton's musicians are
capable improvisers, creating constant changes of
rhythmic and melodic flavor in their presentations.
Balaton performs regularly at festivals,
universities, clubs and special evens in the New
England area.
What the critics say...
" Balaton is a tight septet that plays music from all
over
Latin America... (their musicians) give the group a
wide spectrum of instrumental
voices, enabling it to navigate the astonishing
range of styles with wonderful grace and
artistry... Balaton kept the crowd at a fever pitch with
constant changes of rhythmic and melodic flavor."
The Boston Globe
"Their concerts are acoustic excursions through the breadth of
Latin music... It is rare to hear
acoustic music that is irresistibly danceable or
wild rhythmic workouts that are as satisfying to the
ear as to the body, but Balaton provides both,
plus some of the sweetest harmonies around."
The Boston Globe
LILLI'S(608 Somervile Ave.Somervile) Every Thursday/10-1:45/great dance
floor/$7 cover/full band
Western Front(343 Western Ave.) Starting Augusts 25/ Every
Sat./10-1:45/great
dance floor/$10 cover/ full band/
