Andrea Echeverri’s newly released solo sophomore album Dos is a gift! Recorded in her home studio, Echeverri orchestrated the entire production process of Dos – from the writing, the musical arrangements and recordings, to the final details, on her own. This is a process that entailed the pouring of Echeverri’s mind, heart and soul to deliver what is not only an artwork, but a gift to those of us who can truly appreciate the positive energy and message that Dos bespeaks.
Following the trajectory of her Grammy and Latin-Grammy nominated solo debut, Dos is a continued reflection on motherhood in which Echeverri lyrically exposes herself more by taking a deeper dive into her experiences as a woman, a wife, a daughter and as a dedicated environmentalist. As she describes on her official website: “The two fingers, forming a peace sign, is the second attempt at independence, the second attempt from the heart of a woman-mother-music.”
As such, Dos is also a paean to family, community, respect for the environment, and feminism. In addition, it is a strong plaudit to being oneself without compromise. This is conveyed in the chorus of Echeverri’s first single Yo where she sings: ‘I do not want to be anything, I do not want to be anyone, other than myself’. Her entire album is an exemplification of having realized just that.
Unlike her self-titled album, Dos is extra artistically innovative on the vocal and instrumental front. The first of eleven tracks, Mis 32 Dientes, is a cradle like song that swoons us with its euphonious sounds, which includes baby laughter and nature noises. In Madre Naturaleza, her tribute song to mother nature, Echeverri mellows the words ‘the golden light of the sun, rain drops on the balcony, thanks for giving us sun, sky and heart, mother nature’ to the rythmic backdrop of Guabina and Pasillo tones. Guabina is a music characteristic of the Andean region of Colombia historically used to sing to the land, and Pasillo is recognized as the national music style that follows a waltz tempo. Erase Una Vez ushers in a more folksy bluesy sound that is appropriately accompanied by the harmonica. Paciencia, a rock song with a hurried pace, reveals the trials found in learning and practicing patience when being challenged by loved ones.
Echeverri’s family also contributed to the album: the mellifluous vocals featured in the background are those of her daughter, mother and husband, which truly makes this album a family affair. Adding to the uniqueness of Dos is the album’s artwork which was designed by her daughter who clearly possesses artistic flair.
Globally recognized as Aterciopelados’ frontwoman (Colombian rock band), Echeverri successfully achieves full independence with Dos as she did not enlist the participation of her longtime professional partner, Hector Buitrago, whose perspective influenced the production of her solo debut.
Reminiscent of traditional Colombian music, Dos may put off some people whose ears are not readily accustomed to hearing alternative sounds. However, Dos is a rare gem and a significant artistic contribution that gives us insight into what the world of music would look and sound like if women had more space to materialize their artistic genius.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Avq178rgiYk