Paraguay Purahei was the inaugural work of Purahei Trio.
When all the members were still living in Buenos Aires, they came together to carry out the development of a musical project based on a research previously conducted by Romy Martinez based on Paraguayan popular songs.
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Later on, departing from the diverse influences of their musical experiences - jazz, classical music, folklore, Brazilian music -, but with a very solid basis on the musical genres, rhythms and forms, the creative musical work of the trio resulted in
a contemporary sound of traditional Paraguayan music themes.
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The arrangements were all made by Agustín Roy and reveal his maturity as an arranger and expert Latin American pianist. This is depicted on fresh sonorities added to these traditional songs as well on the expertise with which traditional musical genres are played on the piano, performing rhythmic and interpretive finesse. Romy Martínez, founder and author of the project, is proficient in Spanish, Guarani, Portuguese and English. She translated the lyrics in Guarani so as to lead the listener towards the wide sounding universe that
represents this land.
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The repertoire which became the trio's first album, includes songs written by some of the most relevant Paraguayan composers whose songs and inspirations described the country, its myths and realities; soughing scenes from childhood and nostalgia; comforting sadness and awakened genuine joys.
Paraguay Purahei project
Featuring rhythms and genres ranging from polka to guarania, Paraguay Purahéi is felt as a musical journey which immerses the audiences into Paraguayan culture not only through music, but also into the poetry of its songs that tell us about the history of the country and its people. In this sense, the use of the indigenous language Guarani takes us straight away into the roots of Paraguay's culture. At the same time, through the presence of the inherited Spanish language, the rich diversity of Creole traditions are introduced. Bilingual songs and songs in 'yopara' are also included. The latter combines words of both languages in the verses, featuring a powerful example of how the the diversity of these cultures eventually merged into a unique identity: the Paraguayan identity.
From the very first creative stages of the group, the need to cross some borders was felt. It seemed to be the natural path since the trio is formed by an Argentine, a Paraguayan and a Brazilian. For this reason, in addition to Paraguayan polkas and guaranias, the repertoire includes "chamamês", gualambaos, as these rhythms were also inspired in the region of the triple border between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Through it all, this is encounter that brings us closer to the cultural beauty and art which is featured by the uniqueness of this country, as part of a lively, rich, diverse and strong Latin American continent.
