A creature of a strange morphology and dramatic grunts, the Mirlitorrinco is a unique monotreme mammal.
Crepuescular, hermaphrodite, polygamous, oblivious, and a deft swimmer, the Mirlitorrinco has been the object of study by many renowned twentieth century pataphysicians.
On the other hand is it also the name of a quartet from Bogotá that played its debut performance at matik-matik on July 27, 2017, in a lovely, intimate recital that established it as a prime parlour music ensemble. In resemblance with the little animal singularities, the group exhibits musical habits that are concrete and surreal, drawing from movie soundtrack sounds, naive and playful chamber music, instrumental proto-rock with an experimental bend, and picturesque jazz.
This unlikely mixture has been concocted jointly by Ricardo Arias, an internationally celebrated interpreter of rubber balloons, who for this occasion has dusted off his flute and soprano saxophone; Nicolás Eckardt, bassit, guitarrist and percussionist known for his work in bands such as La Sonora Mazurén, La Tromba Bacalao, Romperayo and the Conjunto Media Luna; Mauricio Ramírez, the legendary drummer of the group San Alejo, the punk jazz trio Pérez, Meridian Brothers and notable improviser; and María Valencia, alto saxophoneand clarinetist from Meridian Brothers, Mula and VienTox, whose personal projects (Tortuga alada, Curruncho) fluctuate between instant composing, anime and chamber spirited free jazz- and composer whose personal projects (Tortuga alada, Curruncho) fluctuate between instant composing, anime and chamber spirited free jazz.
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As part of their research agenda, in December 2020 Mirlitorrinco gon on a retreat to Tauratay - a small house in the countryside in the village of Sutatausa, Colombia - to record for 2 days what now becomes "Odas Mixtas para Criaturas Mínimas", Mirlitorrinco's first album. The session includes compositions - micro pieces -, by members of the group, and some pieces from the catalogue of Colombian composer Carlos Gómez, arranged by Mirlitorrinco.
The instrumental versatility of the quartet, which includes flute, soprano and alto saxophones, bass clarinet, kazoo, drums, glockenspiel, electric guitar, bass and some toys, allows for a changing variety of formats. The result are pieces that navigate between minimalism, chamber music, rock, jazz, avant garde, Colombian music, incidental music and pataphysical wordless song.
All the tracks were recorded at Tauratay, except Humo, which was recorded live at a concert at the emblematic Matik-Matik venue in Bogota. For that piece, Mirlitorrinco invited Eduardo Arias, a well-known biologist, musician (member of the legendary rock band Hora Loca), and journalist of the Colombian underground scene. In Humo, Eduardo not only sang/vociferates, but also wrote lyrics that erratically and ecleticaly explore different meanings and uses in Spanish of the word Humo (smoke).
credits
released June 10, 2022
Ricardo Arias: transverse flute, soprano sax, kazoo
Mauricio Ramírez: percussion, drums and jaguar
Nicolás Eckardt: guitar & electric banjo
María "Mange" Valencia: soprano & bass clarinet, alto sax, shehnai
Special guest on Humo, Eduardo Arias: voice
Juan Camilo Montañez Riveros: recording
Mix: Nicolás Eckardt at Estudios la Milagrosa
Master: R3myboy
Artwork: Marcelo Arias and Mauricio Arias
Desing and layout: Judith Saurel, María Valencia, Ricardo Arias
Arrangement: Mirlitorrinco
Production: Dur et Doux & Mirlitorrinco
Recorded on December 13 & 14 2020 at Tauratay, Vereda de Palacio, Sutausa, Cundiamarca except Huma recorded live at *matik-matik* in Bogotá on March 1st 2018.
supported by 24 fans who also own “Odas mixtas para criaturas mínimas”
all of it good: the whimsy, the drama, the wild, the cosmic; deftly dancing the line between order and chaos, between the sublime and the vile, between the fathomable and the ineffable. puts the listener in a liminal limbo you don't get to be in (and still enjoy!) often. Tim Patterson
supported by 20 fans who also own “Odas mixtas para criaturas mínimas”
unique, frenetic, provocative, surprising, amazing how they keep the listener on their toes while providing just enough structure to keep them grounded Tim Patterson