Libérica - Alé Iberian Chants (2025) [Hi-Res]

The group Libérica, led by bassist Manel Fortià, presents their second album ALÉ – Iberian Chants, featuring an all-star lineup, including standout contributions from Alba Careta, Antonio Lizana, and Carles Dénia. Building on the success of their previous release, Libérica has performed on prestigious stages across Europe, such as Bimhuis in Amsterdam and the Vitoria Jazz Festival.

ALÉ is a tribute to the work songs and folk traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, blending Catalan, Valencian, and flamenco influences through a jazz lens. The album showcases the voices of Catalan singer Pere Martínez, Valencian Carles Dénia, and Cádiz-born Antonio Lizana, seamlessly fusing regional musical styles. The instrumental lineup includes Alba Careta on trumpet and vocals, Aina López on saxophone, pianist Max Villavecchia, drummers Raphael Pannier and Oriol Roca, and Fortià himself on double bass.

The album takes listeners on a musical journey through different regions, starting with "Rossinyol," which evolves from Catalan folk into a Soleá with Coltrane influences. Other tracks include “Sant Joan Feu-lo Ben Gran,” featuring a blend of Catalan and Andalusian lullabies, and "Malagueña de Barxeta," highlighting a duet between Martínez and Dénia. The album also features classics such as "Granaïna de Montaverner" and a unique take on "La Tarara," merging elements from Lorca, Camarón, and Valencian traditions.

Libérica skillfully combines improvisation and traditional melodies, with moments of interplay between vocals and instruments that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. The album concludes with "El Garrotín," an upbeat fusion of flamenco seguiriya with a New Orleans twist, offering a vibrant finale to this diverse musical exploration.

Pere Martínez, voice.

Carles Dénia, voice (3, 4 7).

Antonio Lizana, voice and sax (2,8, 9, 10).
Alba Careta, voice and trumpet (3, 4, 6, 8, 10).
Aina López, alto sax (1, 3, 4 7).
Max Villavecchia, piano.
Oriol Roca, drums (1, 6, 7, 11).
Raphael Panner, drums (2, 3, 4, 8, 10).
Manel Fortià, double bass and arrangements.

Tracklist:
1-1 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Aina López, Max Villavecchia & Oriol Roca;Oriol Roca;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Aina López;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Rossinyol
1-2 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Antonio Lizana & Raphaël Pannier;Antonio Lizana;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Raphaël Pannier;Libérica;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Sant Joan feu-lo ben gran
1-3 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Carles Dénia, Alba Careta, Aina López & Max Villavecchia;Carles Denia;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Alba Careta;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Aina López;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Malaguenya de Barxeta
1-4 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Carles Dénia, Alba Careta, Aina López, Max Villavecchia & Raphaël Pannier;Carles Denia;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Alba Careta;Raphaël Pannier;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Aina López;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Granaïna de Montaverner
1-5 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez & Max Villavecchia;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez & Max Villavecchia - Lo que lloró (granaína)
1-6 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Alba Careta, Max Villavecchia & Oriol Roca;Oriol Roca;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Alba Careta;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - La Tarara
1-7 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Carles Dénia, Aina López & Max Villavecchia;Carles Denia;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Aina López;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Cants de batre
1-8 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Antonio Lizana, Alba Careta, Max Villavecchia & Raphaël Pannier;Antonio Lizana;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Alba Careta;Raphaël Pannier;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - El comte Arnau
1-9 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Antonio Lizana;Antonio Lizana;Manel Fortià;Libérica;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Antonio Lizana - A dibujar esta rosa (alegrías)
1-10 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Antonio Lizana, Alba Careta, Max Villavecchia & Raphaël Pannier;Antonio Lizana;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Alba Careta;Raphaël Pannier;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - Cançó del lladre
1-11 Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez, Max Villavecchia & Oriol Roca;Oriol Roca;Pere Martínez;Manel Fortià;Libérica;Max Villavecchia;Libérica & Manel Fortia feat. Pere Martínez - El Garrotín