Chambao and Bebe

If you want an unusual mix of influences in your music creating something that is overall incredibly unique, then Malaga based band Chamboa is your answer. Their inspiration seems to derive from that of traditional Spanish flamenco music and electronic, creating a sound that is clearly Spanish and appeals to a native audience but also has your typical electro vibe that is universal. Thirteen years as a trio has seen them create seven albums, one of which (Endorfinas en la Mente aka Endorphins of the Mind) was nominated for a prestigious award by Radio Barcelona. Chambao played a very recent set in the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo in June 2014 and it contained everything you could've expected from a band who produce the unexpected. With not much light in the venue and massive triangles on stage as a backdrop, Chambao made quite an eerie entrance. Their first song Respira built up the tension perfectly, where only symbols, synths and quite a sinister singing voice could be heard, but soon everything became a lot more vibrant as lead singer La Mari strode onto the stage to rapturous applause. Although the tune was quite slow moving and not too catchy, it was the perfect way to introduce La Mari's talents as a vocalist as she put on a mesmerising performance. The song that followed was the ballad 'El Vaiven', a simple duet between singer and pianist that was very powerful and was a tune that everyone in the audience could wave their hands to. Since the song was stripped back to its raw elements it had a very natural feel to it, which was clearly appreciated by the crowd. La Mari was on fire yet again and the piano playing was astonishingly good. Another one of my favourites was Volando Voy, a tune that all of the trio joined in as traditional flamenco acoustic guitar featured as well. It was certainly a catchy number as the audience clapped along to the guitarists intricate finger picking patterns. Such a diverse range of music was on show that night in Bulgaria and its no wonder why they were so popular a few years ago. Hopefully a new tour will reignite their popularity again amongst fans.

Bebe is a Spanish singer-songwriter and actress, who has earned herself a place in the entertainment industry with her fantastic stage presence and songwriting. Her success has not gone unnoticed by the Grammys, as she was nominated for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for “Y.” in 2010. Tonight this auditorium is filled to the brim of punters who have been waiting for a couple of hours in line to see this fantastic artist do her thing. She launches into her set performing “I Can’t Stop Drinking About You”, which has the audience dancing immediately, and singing along. The audience’s response to the introduction sounds as though people are going to war; it is just that loud in here. “Malo” is a song that follows seamlessly in this fantastic set, I mean, it was written with hit maker Avicci. It is no wonder that Bebe takes time writing and recording these songs as they are so well put together. There must have been a lot of trial and error in the control room getting everything just right. It of course reflects with this live performance this evening.