It couldn't be easier. La Mar de Ruido 2008 ended with hugs, kisses and a see you soon. A simple setup around the emblematic stage of the Parque del Muelle, hosted the “most unique festival of the Asturian summer” for the fourth consecutive year. That is the emblem and the maxim that we are using from the organization, and the truth is that by repeating it so much, it is becoming a lapidary phrase.
Artists of different backgrounds, conditions, cachet… from New York, El Entrego, Vigo, Santander, London, Oviedo and Avilés. Different musicians who are left speechless when they arrive in their vans at the festival stage:
-Shall we play there?
-Yeah.
-But what if the stage is round?
-Yeah.
-Fuck!
-That's what I say, damn, he's handsome, right?
…..
The Avilesinos Distortion Pro are brutal. Their album had left me indifferent, possibly because what they do does not fit my standards. But I have always said that I am a guy open to all types of music, although I publicly acknowledge that I don't usually last more than 40 minutes in a row with almost anyone. They have a sober live performance and as soon as they have a bearing on twenty gigs, they will be a steamroller. Congratulations to Kala and company.
Ban Jalen have earned a place in the memory of the festival. When we promote the festival, they always ask me about previous editions, the musicians who have been there, etc. The Avilesian Ban Jalen will be one of them. Dave, from Avilés, best known for Paco Martínez (Virgen, Australian Blonde,…), in addition to being one of the best Asturian musicians, and from Avilés of course, promised me an unforgettable show. I have appreciated Paco a lot for many years, and I never doubted his words and the truth is that he left me overwhelmed. The group sounds perfect; They are a millimeter Van Halen clone machine. What else can I say, their tights, wigs, pyrotechnics... A visual display. Your concert will be unforgettable.
The Killer Barbies have experience, and Silvia Superstar knows what to do with the microphone stand, with the microphone, and even with the guitar. He has a special gift for the television camera and therefore for the eye of the viewer. The target and his face love each other at first sight. Their musical proposal remains the same, which in the mid-90s will definitely push them forward, and although they follow a path with intermittent appearances, it is always a pleasure for the ears and the eyes to see them in action. Silvia was more “star” than ever.
The Ministers are the milk. I can't say much about a band that sums itself up as The Ministers of Rock. I would call them the governors of Asturian rock. You are good, very good!, as a good friend would say. La Mar de Ruido 2008 was flooded with the best guitar riffs in rock history. Long live the Ministers.
Gastelo broke with Friday night in a total way. Fragility, simplicity and category of an artist capable of reaching wherever she sets her mind to. The songs from his album Save the Flowers are priceless, and his band for the occasion boldly joined in with his poise on stage. We are waiting for Gastelo, because without a doubt, he will return to Asturias, to other scenarios, to complete that long-distance race that he is obsessed with.
Nuberu came to say goodbye to the Villa del Adelantado, this is how Chus Pedro began the last show of the most emblematic band of Asturian folk-rock. The Park was packed, and the expectation was great, and the concert was one to remember. Everything was recorded on TV at the festival, to enjoy it, later, at home, and our website, of course.
Elliott Murphy & The Normandy All Stars. It's an animal!. I say this with all due respect. This New Yorker, says Jerry González, who spells himself like that, is an exceptional artist. It's a guarantee at any festival. It has the magic that the road gives it, 30 albums, and thousands of concerts around the world. Elliott becomes another of the stars who have passed through the festival.
Pablo Moro is a genius. It's cool to hear him acoustically, but the concert he gave on the Sunday day of the festival was simply plethoric. My friend Rafa, the writer of the book Nobody is Saved, says that Pablo has an incredible future. And I sign it right now.
Graham Foster, was my personal bet. No one knew him, even though his resume is brutal. Meeting old sea dogs like Graham along the way is the best thing that can happen to you. It's as if you were going to run through Marquesa Park and you ran into Abascal or Gebreselasi - is it spelled like that? Graham is a master of the blues, and I'm glad to have introduced him to all of you.
The Deltonas sound as always. Remarkably good. Jack, knight and king. And the truth is, does anyone want more? It was a pleasure to have you on our stage.
And I don't continue, I'm very tired. More next year. If they let me, of course.
