83/100
We have all had dark nights before – when grief is at its worst and the pitch black hours stretch the grimness out until it seems it will never end. No matter how bad those nights get though they are inevitably followed by morning – an event that, no matter how commonplace, can do wonders to alleviate suffering. And that clarion moment of hope when darkness gives way to light is what the new Roma Di Luna record And Then The Morning Came is all about. The blues/folk album sounds as if it has just recently emerged from one such evening and is in the process of shaking off the pain to make way for something new. The fact that four of the band members were taking care of newborns during the recording process surely had an impact on the theme– for who could bear to bring a child into a world that has no hope?
Roma’s cathartic sunrise is achieved courtesy of Channy Moon Casselle’s effortlessly beautiful vocals (she takes lead on every track save her husband Alexei’s turn in “Mars”) as well as a backing band that sounds more fleshed out than ever before. Horns have been brought in, courtesy of guests Martin Devaney (sax) and David Hanson (trumpet) and the guitar, banjo and violin have never sounded better. The group’s blues influences are prevalent, more so even than in past efforts, with tracks like “Miss You Too” sounding straight out of the Delta and “Before I Die” and “Hey Lover” sounding as if they are being backed up by a slightly more gospel-infused Dirty Delta Blues Band. Roma may not have Judah Bauer on guitar but to listen to the fretwork on some of these tunes you would hardly know it.
Morning also marks the first time that the entire band collaborated on song-crafting duties (in the past it has been just core duo Alexei and Channy). The cooperative effort really pays off in the sound’s richness – as does the production by Ben Durrant (who also plays guitar in Roma) who achieves a harmony of sound without sacrificing the band’s homespun roots.
Standouts from the record include most of the aforementioned tunes (particularly “Hey Lover”) but most notable is the heart wrenching album closer “Plans to Leave.” On “Plans” Channy sings achingly of an errant lover over spare piano chords and melancholy strings. It’s a tear jerker and with the sort of emotional resonance that’s brings perfect closure to an album about purging sorrow and opening the way for new beginnings. Over the final minute of the track as the vocals die away, all that is heard is the delicate chimes of a child’s music box that eventually give way to silence. And in those few hushed moments before the record ends you can almost feel the sunrise coming up on the dawn of a new day.
— Jon Behm
Roma Di Luna – Hey Lover
Roma Di Luna will be releasing their new record on October 2nd with a First Avenue performance that will also feature Dark Dark Dark and Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps.
Roma Di Luna: Site
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Charros of Escondido May Lose ‘Second Home’
La Prensa San Diego January 14, 2011 | Miranda, Carmen On a little corner Northeast of Escondido, Mexican charros have gathered for over 40 years. There they practice and enjoy charreadas (Mexican rodeos), music, food and family. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. see here escondido humane society
But an eviction notice to the charro association from the City of Escondido may change all that. As this article goes to press, the city council is planning future meetings to discuss the final fate of the charro lienzo (arena) on the eastside of the city.
The charros have been leasing the land for almost nothing, but paying property taxes for many years. Moreover, they have donated thousands of dollars to Palomar Hospital to buy some needed equipment.
In short, the charros and their families feel they are part of this community, and leaving their lienzo would be a tremendous loss for Escondido.
But city staffer Charlie Grimm said, “The city needs the property back because it needs to relocate its public works yard.” The city had promised the charros another location, but at the last moment officials told them that they had no other place for them.
Charros and their supporters dressed in their colorful costumes packed the June 12 Escondido City Council meeting and made two minute public comments for an hour. Several called the charro lienzo in Escondido their “second home.” Said charro Jose Cano, “We are Americans with Mexican decent roots, and we are law-bidding citizens. Charreadas are our tradition and we would like to stay here.” The charros often represent Escondido in parades and other shows around the North County. They also teach their children responsibility, respect, discipline and hard work.
Sergio Contreras who represents the charros said he was afraid that if the charros lose their site their children will not have a place to go after school.
“Does the city want our children with a rope in their hands or a spray can?” he asked. Contreras is a retired Marine who says he has enjoyed charreada for many years in Escondido.
Addressing the City Council Among those who addressed the Jan. 12 city council meeting was Dr. Julian Nava of Valley Center, a former U.S. Ambassor to Mexico. Nava says the dislocation of the charros is one of the first steps to make room for a San Diego Padres farm team.
“The Padres are a billion dollar team, and now they want Escondido to help them make more millions,” said Nava “To avoid messy litigation with the charros, I propose that the city discuss with the charros how to rebuild the arena, adapting it to cowboy and equestrian activities. This benefits everyone.” Filemon Jara, a charro and Chula Vista high school teacher told the council that if youth are denied the charro experience, they may turn to gangs. “Charreadas gives youth an identity, and it gives them hope.” Strict rules There was some concern from the public about horse tripping and other forms of animal abuse, but charro leaders say they have very strict rules to protect the animals. “If anyone breaks those rules, they will be suspended from this sport for one year,’ said one leader. site escondido humane society
Sergio Contreras said that anyone is welcome to the charreadas, “This is a family tradition, that’s what we do on weekends. Youths benefit from this sport. It keeps them away from gangs and makes them productive members of our community,” he added.
“Kids get to do what they love-spending the day with their parents and friends here.” Among those who addressed the council were volunteers from the Escondido Humane Society who told the council to strongly reconsider their decision. They said the eviction would also affect residents who use the horse trails and take their dogs for walks at the site.
Mayor Sam Abed and council members Michael Morasco and Gallo said they would look into the issue. Abed agreed to contact the charros for further discussions. He added that he was happy that the charros didn’t turn this into a racial issue.
The council is widely regarded as being anti-Latino in past years and some observers believe that with the charro issue Abed has a chance to rebuild his relationship with the Latino community.
[Sidebar] Former US Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Julian Nava (left in the gray sweater), talks with the Charros.
[Sidebar] Charreadas gives youth an identity, and it gives them hope.
[Author Affiliation] Miranda, Carmen
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