EYEWITNESS REPORT FOR THE VOICE OF RUSSIA:

Nil Lara

Author: Roberto Carlos Alvarez-G

I had the experience of going to a cultural fair which is held in Coral Gables Florida every first Friday of the Month. The date was on the 3rd of November 2007 on that Friday night. When I arrived at the festival, there was an open concert with a singer whose presence and songs were familiar.

The singer even invited people to enjoy and participate in the music. While listening, I remember hearing the music while working in Key Largo, Florida where such music is popular.

After the concert, I had the honour, pleasure, and opportunity to talk with the singer and his band which was the equivalent of being in heaven while on earth. It was after the conversation that they gained a convert and someone who likes his music.

I bought his CD and a Silver Ring from his band [who had a kiosk at the side of the concert]. I also had the opportunity to obtain his autograph on my CD and he received my business card as a souvenir of the reunion. I am a believer that his music is a beginning of a renaissance for great music.

The name of the singer is Nil Lara and he writes all of his songs. The result is a refreshing alternative to the fast food music churned out by the musical conglomerates. Nil Lara is one of the few US Latins born in the USA who has been able to combine the Old Cuban Trova Style Music with some of the Folk Rock Like Music that existed in an era when singer songwriters wrote from the heart.

He has plowed the paths for future singers with album releases such as “Smile”, “My First Child”, “The Monkey”, “Nil Lara”, “Testimony”, and “DA” and tours throughout North America, Europe, as well as singing with greats such as Lenny Kravitz, Blues Travelers, Barenaked Ladies, and Natalie Marchant.

The CD that was purchased from him was titled simply “Nil Lara” and it has not deceived the underwriter. The various songs from this CD are simply too great in its interpretation.

“Vida Mas Simple” which was interpreted with the vocals of Nil Lara while playing his guitar evokes a desire of a return to a simpler life. It is this simpler lifestyle that is almost disappearing in the throngs of sordid ideologies and beliefs which torture the mind. “Vida Mas Simple” was an inspiration to go and find an alternative lifestyle that evokes relaxation and tranquility.

“Vida Mas Simple” is a mixture of Cuban Trova, Bolero, and Folk Rock Music of the soft kind. In my opinion, this is one of Nil Lara’s greatest Songs for all eternity. “Vida Mas Simple” was one song that took over my soul.

 “Baro” is one of the songs composed and interpreted by Nil Lara that draws from the Cuban Trova and Afro Cuban Beats which makes the song worth listening. The words to the song are also great.

His music has even appeared in soundtracks for movies. One example has been “Fighting For My Love” in the Scrubbs Soundtrack. “Fighting For My Love” was another song that evokes the realities of today’s society. It had me reminding of my days of looking for a true love until I found it with my current wife Marlene.

“My First Child” reminds me of my daughter and I have played this song for her. She likes it since she is my first [and only child]. The songs called “Baby”, “Bleeding”, “Crawl”, and “Mama’s Chant” were also excellent.

“Baby” was about the need for a pair to loosen their pride and to fall in love. It was one of the songs that I heard in the festival. “Bleeding” was another sad song with upbeat melodies that reminds people to maintain a sense of tranquility.

“Crawl” and “Mama’s Chant” was a great example of how Cuban Music is mixed with Rock Music.

He has recorded songs such “Sinking In Your Senses” and “Never Listen” which deals with couples that do not want to listen to each other and then appreciate too late. Both songs while sad have an upbeat like most rock music that is of a pure nature.

Anyone who wants to see and hear a true singer songwriter for today’s era should see Nil Lara. Nil Lara will be an artist that people talk about in the future when all other stars have long disappeared from the limelight. Why? Because Nil Lara and His Music are the real thing with no artificial colours.