Global Sounds on the Hill Celebrating Bolero with Miramar

Curated and hosted by iconic DC impresario and musician Jim Thomson

“With new album “Entre Tus Flores,” Miramar gives listeners countless reasons to love the bolero. Richmond-based bolero group Miramar is as closely knit as any trio you’ll find. Vocalists Rei Álvarez and Laura Ann Singh harmonize with so much precision and grace that it’s hard to imagine there was ever a day when they didn’t sing together. Álvarez and band-leading keyboardist, Marlysse Rose Simmons-Argandoña, finish each other’s compositional sentences as partners in songwriting and arranging, as well as partners in married life.Even Miramar’s stylistic focus—the famously romantic bolero with roots in Cuba dating back to the 19th century—exhibits a built-in sense of specificity. Yet this exceptionally tight trio is having an expansive moment. Big, varied arrangements can be found on “Entre Tus Flores,” its new album due out Friday, Jan. 10; with 10 tracks poised to reach a bigger audience than ever thanks to a new partnership with historic Latin music label Ansonia Records.” – Davey Jones, Style Weekly

In most of Latin America, if you are by the sea, there is bound to be a place called Miramar (“Look to the sea”) close by. It will typically have a postcard view of the ocean – and if music is playing, chances are it will be boleros, the romantic music genre that originated in the late 1800’s that became an international music sensation through the collaborations of Puerto Rican, Mexican and Cuban musicians.

When Puerto Rican singer, Reinaldo Alvarez, was naming the group, he searched for something simple that would be familiar to Spanish speakers, a name that would reflect the humble poetry of everyday life. Miramar seemed perfect: a romantic snapshot of a place both familiar and far away from home.

Miramar captures that poetry through their music with new interpretations of golden-era boleros and original songs that infuse the bolero with a variety of musical influences. They are associated with the Nuevo Romantico movement and carry the torch of Bolero-Beat, a popular genre defined by its blend of traditional boleros, psychedelic funk, and rock.  

The band features the “thrilling vocals” of duo Laura Ann Singh and Rei Alvarez – who is also the group’s main songwriter – and lead by pianist and arranger Marlysse Simmons-Argandona. Backed by a rotating group of all-star musicians on percussion, bass and guitar. Miramar’s shows often feature an accompanying string or chamber orchestra. They have collaborated with string players across the globe and been featured at multiple Symphony Pop’s Concerts.

About Jim Thomson: Jim Thomson owns and operates the Washington, DC-based boutique record label Electric Cowbell Records. He currently runs Multiflora Productions out of Washington, DC, an independent live music production agency that specializes in expanding the reach of eclectic traditional and non-traditional artists by creating a time and space where their work is presented in an environment where audiences and artists alike have a meaningful and significant experience together. In 2014 he became the music coordinator for the Capital Fringe Festival and also programmed the “Fringe Music in the Library ” series, which offered free live music in the DC Public Libraries through a sponsorship from the DC Public Library Foundation. He has booked several US tours for acclaimed artists such as Sahel Sounds recording artists Mdou Moctar and Les Filles de Illighadad, along with Zedashe from the Republic of Georgia, BCUC from South Africa, and several others. He is a founding member and played drums in: GWAR, Alter-Natives (SST Records), Bio Ritmo, and CSC Funk Band. He currently plays drums in the DC-based punk rock band, Time Is Fire.