Dingungu, 2016

A call to the Mother of Rhythm

“His music shows his capability to elaborate in a distinct way different musical influences, both international (mainly folk and pop) and national (Argentinean folklore and rock nacional). Julián has a beautiful voice, a great harmonic sensibility, a sophisticated sense of rhythm, and a very special dramatic instinct. His first album, Dingungu, makes of him, in my opinion, one of the most promising Argentine musicians of his generation. Afrogonia and Si el espíritu te mueve, for instance, are very powerful songs, both musically and conceptually, since they focus directly or indirectly on African-Argentine culture, which has been in recent years a hot topic in the country’s music scene, and beyond.”

— Esteban Buch - Musicologist (Paris, France)


The longtime experience of bassist and percussionist Pablo Méndez (Dee Dee Bridgewater, Tryo, Sapho, Minino Garay, among many others) joins the musical and artistic leadership of arranger, composer, singer, and guitarist Julián Muro, generating a unique blend of musical complexity, technical dexterity, and freshness that will surely make you dance and laugh.

Dingungu is focused on highlighting the rhythmical richness of Argentina's traditional music, while generating a danceable ambient for improvisation. Cumbia, Candombe and Chacarera gather in the groovy proposal of this supergroup, formed by some of the finest musicians of Argentine Patagonia.

Dingungu has a deep commitment to Argentina’s colonial history, and to the country’s present, longing to establish a sense of respect to the afro-argentine communities that have been largely abused, mistreated, and ignored throughout the history of the country, and in the present.

 

Musicians

Julián Muro: production, composition, arrangements, guitar, and voice.
Pablo Méndez: production, arrangements, electric bass, and percussion (shaker, bombo legüero, cajón peruano, bells).


Hernán Lugano: Nord Electro 2, Mini moog.
Ignacio Ingaramo: cajón peruano, congas.
Diego Beveraggi: drums.

Claudio Méndez: piano on "Dalca".
Guadalupe Muro: voice on “Si el espíritu te mueve” and “La tuya es negra”.
Marco Barbieri: shekere, djembé, bells.
Mauricio Deambrosi: tenor sax
Gabriel Sainz: trumpet.
Juan Canosa: trombone.
Franco Espíndola: trombone on “Si el espíritu te mueve”.
José Maradei: additional voice on “Cambonde”, “Ahora vi”.

Music composed and arranged by Julián Muro.

Lyrics written by Julián Muro, except “La tuya es Negra”, in colaboration with Guadalupe Muro.

Artwork: Lucía Barron after a drawing by Julián Muro.

Recoded at Estudios El Pie, November 2015. Additional voice and trombone on “Si el espíritu te mueve” recorded at Sale La Luna in May 2016.

Recorded, mixed and mastered by Brian Iele at Santa Cecilia Sounds.