Based in Esmeraldas, a town on the Pacific coast in the north of Ecuador, and named after a river that flows just over the border in Colombia, Rio Mira rework and revitalise the music of the slaves who were brought over from Africa, some of whom escaped to find shelter in the region. The region’s music has a unique style that has been granted cultural heritage status by Unesco, but there is nothing quaint or old-fashioned about this intriguing and enchanting band. Their distinctive sound is dominated by two marimbas – a xylophone-like instrument that has its roots in Africa – matched against drums and shakers, along with impressive call-and-response vocals and harmonies. The result is a set that ranges from Latin dance songs driven on by the slinky, rhythmic marimbas, to Aguacerito, an exquisite a cappella piece with a haunting melody based around some impressively high notes.
