In 2016, at ages 24 and 17 respectively, Andy Martínez and Francisco Vázquez started to give form to their shared dream of creating a folk music group. They began adding friends along the way.
The marimba sounds under the hands of Francisco Solórzano, or Chico as everyone calls him. Álvaro follows and with his base, calls on the rest. Andy is on percussion while Leiner plays saxophone. José Javier blows the trumpet, Fran on guitar and, on vocals, he and Grace. Together, they make up GuanaSon, a Nicoyan group that plays pampa tunes.
Two-and-a-half years after forming the band, they’ve had an international tour to Panama and are planning another one to Cuba this year. They plan to record an original folk music disk in 2020.
We don’t have to let die that which identifies us as Guanacastecans,” Andy Martínez, percussionist.
Contrary to what some outside the group might thing, it’s not hard for them to find time for songwriting. Several of them have performed music since they were little and their passion is so strong that all most all of them have chosen it as their profession. You can tell when they play, in their attention to detail and precision as each instrument joins in. Music as made them a family that gets together to compose, but also to enjoy.
GuanaSon is a mix of traditional songs in the province and original pieces. Though they always add their own touch, combining the influences of chorotega roots with fresh ideas from the youngest members of the groups and the experience of the older members.
They interpret genres such as tambito, pasillo, son, balada, trova and even Latin rhythms like cumbia and salsa. Their shows are a musical and entertainment spectacle as they make the crowd laugh with jokes. A trova show (three musicians) performed by the group Costs ¢150,000 ($250) while folk music (seven musicians) starts at ¢250,000 ($400) and could increase depending on the length of the event and distance.
They recently explained on social media that a dance group interpreted one of their original songs in a folk festival in Paso Tempisque, Carrillo. They said that seeing how their melodies are presented throughout the province motivates them to continue creating Guanacastecan music.
If you want to contact them, you can do so at 6272-1483.
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