Musica Eclectica plays Latin beats with touches of jazz, rock, and blues Guitarist Bryan Spainhower and percussionist Max Kelly have perfected Musica Eclectica, a blend of very danceable world music. Locally theyre known as Combo Vimana, performing instrumentals in popular dance clubs and bistros from Sarasota to Englewood. We kept quite busy during the summer months, said Spainhower. Last spring, Spainhower and Kelly fulfilled their lifelong dream by visiting Havana, Cuba, considered the Mecca of Salsa and Mambo. That experience exceeded our expectations, said Spainhower. In Havana, groups were playing on every street corner, and some invited us to join in from time to time. Although conversing in Spanish was a challenge, Spainhower felt at ease when musicians graciously invited him to dine at their homes or take him on tours around town. Kelly, who previously attended and taught school at the University of Madrid, speaks fluent Spanish. I took music lessons in Havana, he said. Cubans are natural masters of dance, and they constantly dance while performing. I learned a lot about instrumental differences. In the coming months Spainhower and Kelly, as Combo Vimana, are planning to release a second CD of original songs based on their travel experiences. I write songs about places and women, said Spainhower. “My first album, San Pancho, describes a town I visited as a guest guitarist in Mexico and is available on iTunes, CDBaby, and Amazon. Spainhower owns a number of acoustic guitars, but one, a Spanish-made Cordoba, is his favorite. I play six sets a week, and this guitar takes quite a beating. Customers love to dance non-stop until closing, he said. Kellys favorite instrument by far is his hand-made “Super Cajon,” a special “Stash & Carry” model that he designed with a door, bongo mount, snare, recessed microphone, and drum throne with a padded cushion. The ergonomic design makes it easier for him to play while sitting down. My Cajon also doubles as a storage unit and mini bar, jokes Kelly, who designed and built the bar at Englewoods Mango Bistro. As Vimanas percussionist, Kelly shakes bells with his feet and keeps time by beating on bongos, conga drums, and chimes. During the day he works as a graphic designer, website designer, and photographer who may be contacted at maxkelly. Combo Vimana performs Musica Eclectica from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at The Hub Baja Grill on Siesta Key; from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Mattisons City Grill in Sarasota; from 6:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Mango Bistro in Englewood; from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at The Cottage on Siesta Key; from noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Mattisons City Grill in Sarasota; and from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 at The Cottage on Siesta Key. On the first Thursday of every month Combo Vimana performs at the Englewood Farmers Market in Pioneer Park, next to Mango Bistro, 301 S. Dearborn St., Englewood. Check dates and times for future performances on their website, bryanspainhower. Theyre available for private party bookings by calling Spainhower at 512-921-3705 or via email at bryan@bryanspainhower.
Posted on: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:41:04 +0000
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