Jorge Drexler lives in the Gran Rex theater. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
Always ready for the challenge of not repeating schemes in his records or in performing his concerts, Jorge Drexler premiered his new show on Friday in the first of six recitals at the Gran Rex Theater, before continuing his tours to Paraguay, Chile, France, Spain, Brazil and the United States.
From what he saw in Argentina’s debut ink and timeor, what he did was a simple setting, with some elements but a different arrangement than usual.
One can draw a musical parallel to his new album, where his style of songwriting is enhanced by original and fine ideas, such as the incorporation of orchestral arrangements, cheering and even touches of electronics undergoing his duet song with C Tangana, Hold you.
Jorge Drexler at the Gran Rex theater, along with drummer Borja Barrueta, bassist Campi Campón, singers Alana Sinkey and Miryam Latrece, and keyboardist Meritxell Neddermann. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
The stage looks strangely naked, with a sort of almost empty central corridor. On the sides the band is arranged, but the musicians face each other, sideways in public. And in the background there is a large curtain that can change color to light and flash on the cover of the new album when it is completely white.
It’s a fairly simple idea, without being enticed by large video screens or a blockbuster, but an original twist that is not disconcerting or distracting, but lets you see the musicians in action from different angles. What is said is beautiful, beautiful and -even in appearance- cheap.
Jorge Drexler kisses the stage of the Gran Rex theater at the start of his concert. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
a party atmosphere
After starting the show with the voiceover of his cousin Alejandra Melfo, who told him in a WhatsApp audio some ideas and reflections linking the evolution of Man with love, Jorge Drexler took the stage, greets and kisses on the stage floor. He wore a shirt inside his pants with a belt, buttoned jacket, glasses and very white sneakers.
The first theme is the master plan, whose letter is related to what his cousin said. The band is impeccable, there are choirs from almost all musicians, lots of clapping and a section with an extra ukulele. Great Rex explodes and Drexler is clearly playing at home, before the most eager and loyal fans quickly sold out the first show.
Jorge Drexler at the Gran Rex theater. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
“Good evening, Buenos Aires,” he greeted. “Can’t wait to be with you! It’s been three years. Please be patient and love us because it’s almost the first time we’ve done this. The songs were created with the thought of getting here and like light, like missing point at the end of the darkness. Thanks for using six, something that has never happened to me before, “he added.
Immediately after, he began to march to his place, like a band, and the whole theater imitated him. This is the rhythm of strange heartanother new song that people immediately recognized even though the album was released on digital platforms yesterday.
But the repertoire’s plan was not to play the whole new album in a row, because soon one of his first great successes came, You do me good, and the room exploded again.
Follow Fusion (“Where does your body end and mine begin?” Echo, 2004), with the guitar in hand, almost for the first time that night. There shines especially the great voice of Alana Sinkey, from Guinea-Bissau.
Jorge Drexler, the two singers and Argentine guitarist Javier Calequi. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
An impeccable list
The list of themes is impeccable, with perfect threading and climate management. Do blessed confusionanother gem of the new work, in which Argentine guitarist (“from Colegiales”) Javier Calequi joins in a verse.
The first chord of the hit not appropriate he was also immediately recognized by the audience, howling with happiness and applauding Meritxell Neddermann’s piano solo.
The Uruguayan singer-songwriter then presented will love which specifies that it was among one of the first albums and that it was definitely 30 years since they started. Add a quote to bridgeby Gustavo Cerati, and the people applauded him.
Jorge Drexler and his buttoned jacket, at the Gran Rex theater. Photo Rolando Andrade Stracuzzi
In the middle of the show, the premiere of oh algorithm (“a song about free will”), Screensaver, Asylum (a duet with Miryam Latrece) and the distinctive theme ink and timeprevious band performance.
One fan was awarded
Sitting with his guitar and alone with the keyboardist, Jorge Drexler prepares to perform the day you premiere, but in silence evaporates the cry of a fan who says he has traveled a thousand kilometers to see it. The musician is grateful and offers to make a song when requested. The fan makes me 730 dayss and the Oscar winner agreed, outside the program, with tremendous sympathy and charisma.
The original repertoire is taken again and they do the previously delayed song, where the voice is somewhat distorted with a vocorder effect, and they close this intimate section of Asleepdedicated to his mother.
Now with the whole band back on stage, they arrived motion, those times (“From an old record I”) and the addictive rhythm of Hold you.
It looks like the show will end PhoneDrexler thanked all the staff and said goodbye along Silencebut clearly there is more: the encores are The Concord Guerrilla, White Belt, Luna de Rasqui and a new farewell to Everything changeson which stood the whole theater.
“Thank you, Buenos Aires, every time I come here I leave with all my heart,” Drexler said, excited.
The inevitable comeback for another theme is love of artand the excitement that passed the debut, that overcame the nerves and finally enjoyed the reunion of the public after so many months of inactivity, waiting with ink and time.
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Source: Clarin
