Bascolombia - 60 Jazzaldia

Bascolombia

Oreka TX:

Harkaitz Mtez. de San Vicente (txalaparta -wood, stone, bamboo, barrel-), Mikel Ugarte (txalaparta - wood, stone, bamboo, barrell-), Mixel Ducau (alboka, wooden clarinet, soprano saxophone), Ángel Unzu (guitar), Iñigo Egia (percussion)

Phonoclórica:

Leonel Merchán (marimba de Chonta), Leonardo Peña (percussion), Isabel Reyes (vocals, seeds)

At the heart of the BASCOLOMBIA project, two groups, Oreka TX and Phonoclórica, bring us a fusion of Basque and Colombian music, spawned from instruments whose roots are similar, and from a contemporary perspective.  

In 2024, the txalaparta player of Oreka TX, along with Leonel Merchan, marimba player and leader of Phonoclórica, took the first steps towards the configuration of the project during an artist-in-residence stint. Both groups, are, at present, immersed in the creation of this live event*.

Oreka TX was created in 1997 by Harkaitz Martínez de San Vicente and Igor Otxoa. Since then, they have tirelessly investigated and disseminated the possibilities this instrument offers, experimenting with its musicality as well as with its construction materials (from the base material – wood - to stone, bamboo…even ice!). They clearly enjoy working with this wonderful instrument as much as they allow others to enjoy what it exudes.   

They have presented their works in all five continents, winning over audiences and specialised critics alike, thanks to the colourfulness of the instrument and the energy of the group. In addition to research, Oreka TX also like doing things with other artists, mixing genres and becoming involved in projects. Proof of that is the quantity and variety of collaborations they have undertaken throughout their career thus far: Phil Cunningan, Ara Malikian, Manu Dibango, Aziza Brahim, Motoko Hirayama, Silvia Iriondo, Carlos Nuñez, Rai National Synphony Orchestra, Hakon Kornstad...

In addition to musical fusion, they also dabble in other artistic disciplines, such as dance, the circus, the audio-visual world, rural sports and other elements that spur them to create suggestive universes. For Oreka TX, there is no greater pleasure than sharing with the world their passion for the txalaparta and Basque culture. 

Phonoclórica is the futuristic echo of Colombian tradition, bringing together, as it does, the voices and dance of the new Cosmopolitan tribes of the world.

Inspired in the peach-palm** marimba of the Pacific and the drums of the Caribbean, they have created a sound that combines regional rhythms and sounds with electronic street beats. Their music reflects their singular vision of Afro-Colombian and Afro-Latin music. 

Leonel Merchán, leader of Phonoclórica, is multi-instrumentalist, musical producer, pedagogue, creator of music for media and cultural affairs director/arts manager all rolled into one.  

After 17 years of activity, Phonoclórica has won many awards and prizes, performed in many countries and festivals, collaborated with artists like Oscar Jimenez and Lalo Cortes, and made two records: El grito (2013) and Con la Gente (2022).