FACE TO FACE WITH

Alma de Boquerón, rumba and fusion band

Alma de Boquerón: Self-discipline, sacrifice, and refinement

License Creative Commons

David Rabadà

I don’t think I’m mistaken when I say that the success of this rumba and fusion band lies in their closeness, effort, and skill during their performances. Closeness with their audience, effort through their perseverance, and skill thanks to the blend of musicians from different backgrounds and styles. Just watching how they express themselves on stage, you immediately understand that they convey joy and a desire to dance, like musical notes flowing across a stave. In this band, strings and percussion unite with pure enthusiasm, brimming with creativity and adrenaline.

But beyond their musical waves, there’s also the lyrics to their songs—steering clear of stale, romantic clichés, they depict everyday situations as comfortably as a pair of well-worn slippers. In short, they’re restless souls, a free spirit miles away from a tin of anchovies. On the contrary, Alma de Boquerón boasts a unique sound with its own stamp and a strong personality. Their work speaks for itself. We’re talking about albums like ‘Guitarrazos de sobremesa’, ‘Raspall Caracas’, ‘Cuerda pa Rato’, ‘Sonrían por favor’, and ‘Contra viento y marea’.

The band members have plenty to say in this interview. Jordi Nacenta—lead vocals, composer, lyricist, and guitarist—is the cheeky voice on stage. Carlos Mendoza—guitar and vocals—is a sensitive and dedicated soul. David Antonin—electric and classical guitar, vocals—is a showman when he sets his mind to it. Jorge Satorres, with his discreet intensity, wields a five-string bass. Juanillo Álvarez—cajón, vocals, and percussion—is a “serious man” only on the surface. Miki Ortilles adds his drumming to the already vibrant rhythms, and Rosabel Gutiérrez brings vocals, logistics, and saintly patience. They’re often joined by guest collaborators, so much so that it’s hard to keep track. Now, let’s hear from them.

Jordi, one of your first gigs was at the Café Rock’n Roll in Gràcia back in January 2015, but when did Alma de Boquerón really begin?

The band started in autumn 2014 when we recorded our first album, ‘Guitarrazos de sobremesa’. That gig at Café Rock’n Roll was, in fact, our very first live performance.

Who had the idea to start the band?

Honestly, it happened a bit by chance… A friend opened a recording studio and knew I had a lot of songs I’d never recorded, so he suggested I lay them down. I happily agreed, and then I showed the songs to Carlos and Will to see if they’d help me out in the studio… and that’s how it all began.

And you, Rosabel, what do you think about it?

We never actually planned to form a rumba band. Everyone in Alma de Boquerón comes from different musical backgrounds—rock, blues, and so on. But since Jordi is always writing, he showed his songs to Carlos and Willbert, and from there, it all just flowed naturally. They started playing them, and here we are today.

Jordi, so, why Alma de Boquerón?

From the start, everyone who heard us said we sounded very “rumbero”. Despite playing different genres, there was a certain soul that tied it all together—something unlike anything we’d done in our other bands (rock, pop, blues, funk…). Add to that our fondness for vermouth, banter, taverns, and the sea, and calling this new musical spirit ‘Alma de Boquerón’ just felt right.

Jordi, how long did it take to build this “musical community”?

The community we are today grew gradually and organically. In summer 2014, Rosabel and I shared our “chosen” songs with Carlos and Will—long-time friends—who instantly got on board. That’s how we started as a “guitar trio”. In the autumn, David joined us on the cajón, and Paula O’Rourke came in on bass, and that’s how we recorded our first album. Paula soon moved to the US, so in 2015 and 2016, we performed as a quartet—or as a guitar trio plus cajón. If percussion was missing one day, Miki Ortilles stepped in on cajón, and if a guitar was absent, David played the missing part. Rosabel was always there too, adding her harmonies and working tirelessly as the band’s road manager.

After all that hard work, what was the big moment in December 2016?

We were invited to play at Barcelona’s Rumba Day at Fabra i Coats. We wanted to do something special, so for the first time, we all played together—Miki on drums and Jorge Satorres on bass, and neither of them has left since. That day, Carolina Mendoza joined Rosabel on backing vocals and dance—another family member who has accompanied us on many occasions.

Hang on, isn’t there still someone missing from the line-up?

Yes, the last addition was Juanillo Álvarez on congas in summer 2018. Soon after, David—who’s a professional guitarist—swapped the cajón, too hard on his hands, for the electric guitar, which has really shaped the sound of our last two albums.

The most recent change came in 2022 when Will officially left the band due to time constraints… but he’s still one of us and collaborates or turns up at gigs whenever he can.

Rosabel, you’ve got loads of fans, but how long did it take to build up that following?

It’s taken 10 years since the line-up Jordi described, with countless gigs in bars, bodegas, beach bars, and local festivals. Over time, we’ve built a wonderful community of loyal fans who follow us, bringing incredible energy—even when we perform abroad.

Jordi, you write most of the songs. How would you link your songwriting technique to your educational background?

I compose all the songs—music and lyrics—but honestly, there’s little connection between what I studied and what I do. I’ve never had formal music training—I’m completely self-taught. I’ve always written for the sheer joy of it. In fact, before picking up a guitar as a teenager, I’d already entered a few storytelling and poetry competitions. When I started playing guitar, I found the perfect way to express what I wanted to say through my writing.

Rosabel, we both know Jordi writes with great skill and creativity. How do you see his humble side?

Jordi has an innate talent for writing—he’s developed it without any formal training. All his songs are complete stories, capturing slices of everyday life. He says they aren’t personal, but let’s be honest—many of the stories he sings about have happened to him or to us… He might deny it, but the truth is, he’s a bit of a snake charmer.

Juanillo, what do “effort” and “dedication” mean to you?

To me, it means what we need to plant in order to reap the rewards that allow us to keep doing what we love, which is performing live and having people recognise our work.

And for you, Jordi?

It’s the unseen side of music—just as vital as what happens on stage. Most people have no idea about the work, effort, and sacrifice that goes on behind the scenes.

“Repetition means polishing the songs until they feel seamless and natural—so they trigger emotions during live performances”

David, what does the word “repetition” mean during rehearsals?

Repetition means polishing the songs until they feel seamless and natural—so they trigger emotions during live performances. Though I have to admit, we’re more of a stage-rehearsal band than a studio one.

A bit daring, then?

Yes, slightly kamikaze at times—mainly because we’re often short on rehearsal time. Everyone does their homework at home, so when we get together, it all comes together quickly.

Juanillo, so when do you actually rehearse?

We have little time for that with all the gigs in between.

Your lyrics are quite original. To achieve such creativity, what’s more important—mastery of language or a bohemian lifestyle?

Self-discipline, sacrifice, and refinement—all essential for growth—plus a healthy dose of debauchery and a laid-back life.

And where does inspiration come from?

Mostly from what happens to me and those around me. As I often say at gigs, not everything I sing about has happened directly to me—otherwise, I’d be quite the tragic figure. I actually consider myself a pretty happy person. But yes, many of the lyrics hide reasonably true stories—whether they’re mine or someone else’s, well, that’s another matter.

A wish for your future?

Juanillo: To keep things going just as they are now. Jordi: Good health, lots of love, and to keep enjoying music—so our songs can reach more and more people, adding to the ever-growing “Boquerón Family”. Rosabel: To keep enjoying life, staying united like the big family we are, writing wonderful songs, and performing them in front of larger audiences who appreciate our unique music and style.

And a secret dream?

Rosabel: To open for Estopa. Carlos: And world peace.

Let’s hope so!

Source: educational EVIDENCE

Rights: Creative Commons