As part of her curation at Le Guess Who? 2024, Mabe Fratti presents some very special Mexican and South American acts that have influenced her personal development, including experimental jazz artist Germán Bringas. The short documentary Caminatas, created by Smiling C, dives into the life and work of the multi-instrumentalist and ground-breaking composer.
When Bringas was six years old, a piano suddenly appeared in the house, bought by his father. He had no experience whatsoever with music, but when he was introduced to the instrument, colors began to dance before his eyes. In this way, over the years Germán Bringas developed his unique, intuitive way of making music: color palettes are to Bringas what notations are for many other musicians.
Based in the neighborhood of Portales (Mexico City), Bringas recounts the exploration of perception through American anthropologist and writer Carlos Castaneda’s practice, his connection with nature, and his first synesthetic music experiences.
Over the years, the legacy of Bringas and Jazzorca, his label and venue, became a point of reference for many trailblazing artists from Central and South America, including Mabe Fratti. The "father of Mexican experimental music" has produced over 70 records so far, has collaborated with celebrated artists like a.o. John Zorn and Fred Frith, and generated scattered curiosity around the world.
During his show at Le Guess Who? 2024, Germán Bringas will perform extracts from his career-spanning release Tunel Hacia Tí (2021, Smiling C), which compiles some of his early music, composed between 1991 and 2000. As part of the performance, he will also collaborate with his son, Iván Bringas, and like-minded Mexican sound explorer Rodrigo Ambriz.
Germán Bringas will perform at Le Guess Who? 2024 on Friday, 8 November. Also performing at the festival are a.o. Meshell Ndegeocello, Wadada Leo Smith, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Blanco Teta, Titanic and many more.
