Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet - El Muki

[GA Russell]

Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet's "El Muki," Due August 15 From Saponegro Records, Celebrates the Group's 20th Anniversary Lima- & NYC-Based Band Plans Fall U.S. Tour, Including Dates in New York, Washington DC, North Carolina   July 10, 2025 The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet is set to release its 20th-anniversary recording, El Muki, on August 15. This album, the group’s 7th, commemorates their two prolific decades as champions for Afro-Peruvian jazz music. More importantly, it’s an expression of the transformative power of the music—a sound rooted in the real human experience found when people on the streets of Lima and New York come together.   Inspired by El Muki, a mythical figure from Andean culture in Peru that is said to protect miners working in the mountains, the band assumes this protectorate role for music, safeguarding the essence of human-driven music itself. The Sextet’s mission is clear: to resist any attempt by technology to replace humans in the inspirational process of creating works of art.   Gabriel Alegría, now a dual national of the U.S. and Peru, infuses his bicultural identity into every aspect of his music. His life—immersed in both the vibrant traditions of Afro-Peruvian culture and the improvisational spirit of jazz—drives the band’s pursuit of a unique musical language that bridges worlds and elevates consciousness.    Saxophonist/composer Laura Andrea Leguía, an integral force in the group, beautifully encapsulates the creative spirit behind El Muki. Before this record, she navigated the profound changes brought on by motherhood, which reshaped her perspective and artistry. “This album represents my return to writing music,” she says. “Motherhood changed everything—including my brain—and with this recording, I was happy to discover my writing chops are back!” L. to r.: Gabriel Alegría, Hugo Alcázar, Julio Flavio Maza, Jocho Velásquez, Freddy “Huevito” Lobatón, Mario Cuba The compositions are crafted with intention, utilizing traditional Afro-Peruvian acoustic instruments such as the cajón, cajita, and quijada, layering cultural narratives into a dynamic soundscape that, like the roots of jazz and Afro-Peruvian music, are true alter egos of one another.   The return of producer Jocho Velásquez, who lent his talents as guitarist to the band’s 2008 debut album Nuevo Mundo, adds another exciting dimension to this new project. His expertise is a perfect fit for his experience as producer and arranger of some of Peru’s greatest Afro-Peruvian artists.   Each track offers a visceral exploration of contemporary themes. “El Muki” asserts the role of musicians as guardians of cultural authenticity in a world increasingly saturated with mechanized sound. On “Luciérnagas,” the mysterious groove called lando is stretched to 7 beats to represent the equally mysterious communication patterns of fireflies. “Mala Señal” (“bad sign”), a fast festejo described as “aggressive” by composer Leguía, disrupts the traditional minor blues form.   The Amazon River is home to the protagonist of the festejo “Panabe,” named after the rare pink river dolphin, while “Vista Panorámica,” a metaphorical journey in 5/4, takes the listener through and above an urban landscape.   “Ausencia,” another new composition by Leguía, captures the void felt in the absence of life and limb. The melancholic cello conjures our collective yearning for connection.   The harvest season is known as la zafra, particularly as it refers to sugar cane in some areas. “La Zafra” contrasts the poignant and the sweet, while “Despertar,” written to a sunrise, is meant to evoke and reawaken. The track was named by an anonymous fan who left the suggestion written on a napkin at a club performance by the Sextet.   The album concludes with a tribal arrangement of “Walking on the Moon,” the Police hit written by Sting. In this setting, walking on the moon is a dangerous prospect. The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet will preview El Muki at an official concert on Sun. 7/27 at the 800-seat Teatro Segura, a landmark venue in Lima, Peru that dates back to 1615. The band’s signature “Journey to Peru—Behind the Scenes” project offers fans an intimate opportunity to travel to Peru for the preview concert and experience life with the band in the vibrant cultural setting that inspires their work.   Weekly Friday night live-streamed performances from Lima are available free of charge on the band’s official Youtube Channel. The band performs Wednesday and Friday nights at Lima’s quintessential club The Jazz Zone.   In addition, fans can engage with the Sextet during their fall U.S. tour: Cameron Art Museum, Wilmington, NC, Thurs. 10/2; Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance, Pittsboro, NC, Fri. 10/3; Blues Alley, Washington, DC, Mon. 10/6; Origins Concert Series, Oneonta, NY, Thurs. 10/9; The Cutting Room, NYC, Fri. 10/10.      Photography: Christian Braun  

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