Interview by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi (February 16, 2014)
Lautaro Burgos (photo by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi)
What do you know about Argentina? What do you about her history and culture? Have you heard of Argentinian musicians, such as Mercedes SoSa, Astor Piazzolla, Gato Barbierei, Lalo Shifrin,.. or Lautaro Burgos?
Lautaro Burgos is a drummer from Argentina who lives in Williamsburg and has been playing in New York for some time He’s not only a great drummer, but also a very bright and enjoyable person to speak with. After watching this video, dear reader, I’m sure that you want to see Lautaro in one of his next concerts. You may also be inspired to travel to Argentina!
“Lau” – as he’s called by his friends and fans – is a “real” Argentinian. He’s an avid soccer fan who playing chess on his lap top with opponents around the world. He likes to start and end the day with yerba mate tea whenever possible.
Lau has many other interests, which you’ll learn of in this four part video interview. In this series, Lau will share where he’s coming from, his experience of being an Argentinian, about being a musician and his life in New York, what he’s been up to and what he wants to do in the future. The end of the interview will also feature a musical performance.
P.1: Lautaro – the past
P.2: Lautaro – today
P.3: Lautaro – tomorrow
P.4: Lautaro – plays the drums
My personal impression of Lau’s musicianship is that he’s a versatile drummer who feels home and comfortable in many various music styles: jazz, rock, roots, dance and improv. He has “great ears” and can follow any melodic instrument. He’s not just playing a groove but also a very visual and imaginative drummer. He is always open to to collaborate with musicians and be a creative part in a music project. He got his own unique and personal sound, and has a very striking stage presence.
Photo by Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi
Lautaro’s short bio
Lautaro Burgos, born in Chaco, Argentina. Studied music in Escuela De Musica Contemporanea in Buenos Aires. Curious of traditions and cultures, in the search of blending roots with contemporary modern sounds. Played with traditional figures of the Argentine folk and tango, such as Maria Volonte, Marina Santillan, Broder Bastos and Sebastian Ibarra, as well as avant-garde jazz with trio del futuro and Javier Lozano. Big bands Kaymanta Kayman and Banda Hermetica and rock bands Papas Negra and Ojo Iman. As a session drummer worked and recorded for renown artists Ruben Goldin, Emanuel Arias, Guadalupe Luccia, Maru Rosa, MAURI. In New York City took master classes with Tony Malabi and Ari Hoenig. His works include co-leading electronic Cumbia band Darling Del Oeste, rock bands Foxy and Quickly Quietly. Vital part of traditional Mexican Afro-Amerindian music group Jarana Beat, “new world trash music” with SoSaLa, Brazilian influenced bands JBabun and Trio Matapuercos. Collaborations with afrobeat band People’s Champs. Session work, recording and touring with LaLA Brooks, Diego Garcia, David Bronson and Richard Shepherd. Session works for Perfect Mixes Studios, The Mission Studios, Studio G and others.
So let’s start with the interview…enjoy!
P.1: Lautaro – the past
P.2: Lautaro – today
Here are some YouTube links of bands with which Lautaro has played for a while:
With Diego Garcia (WYEP’s Live & Direct): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_pk8WDttfA
With LaLa Brooks in Calgary at Webber Academy Performing Arts Centre: http://vimeo.com/54343733
With SoSaLa performing “Leyla” @ Spectrum (NY): http://youtu.be/sF02RtOB2kw
With Darling Del Oeste: http://youtu.be/YnhICy_7tu0
P.3: Lautaro – tomorrow
P.4: Lautaro – plays the drums
