Asì Seguimos Andando

Named after a mountain in Argentina's north-west, this impressively talented all-female trio pay homage in everything they do to that region's most celebrated, most missed artist: Mercedes Sosa. Singing usually in ensemble, they ape her incantatory vocal style, sweeping from valley-deep baritone to alto highs, giving each phrase an almost religious intensity. That Ninon Valder (bandoneón, flute), Chloé Breillot (ukulele) and Valentine Jé (flutes) are from France is indicative of Sosa's influence across the globe, and that Argentinians took ‘La Negra’ somewhat for granted and can't claim to ‘own’ her legacy. Sosa's sometime producer Nicolás Brizuela created Las Famatinas in 2015 and is credited as musical director of this album and co-author of ‘Ña Lucia’, an experimental and expansive take on the chaya (a popular dance music genre from La Rioja province).

Covering classics by Andean music legends such as Gustavo Leguizamón, Horacio Salinas and Atahualpa Yupanqui, these three musicians are respectful but not deferential, adding jazz phrases, creative arrangements and experimental vocal touches. Some choral treatments might have been more affecting as solo vocals. But, on zambas, a milonga, a cueca and a huayno the trio stamp their artistic authority. This album is never folksy, but neither was Sosa; a tribute to an unforgettable performer, Asì Seguimos Andando is also a step forward, a celebration of a deathless deep-rooted musical tradition.