Tamarindo Music-The Fat Lady Sings

We have seen and heard a lot of music here in Tamarindo, all the way from 50's and 60's Rock n Roll to modern Salsa.  But there are three groups that really stand out.

There is a group called Banana Blues who play at Witches Rock on Friday night.  There is a lead guitarist and singer, a base player, and, of all things, a violinist--who also sings. The base player and the guitarist really jam well together.  And the violin just adds that really unique touch.

 

The violinist is Patricia Azhaar from Wales.  Her voice has a sultry, raspy sound that she lends to songs like Crazy and The Girl From Ipanema.

They play on the beach with their feet in the sand and the Pacific Ocean over their shoulder.

Another group with a very unique sound plays at the Nibbana.  They are just two people--a woman who has a computer and synthesizer and a man who is a percussionist.  The uniqueness comes from one of the instruments the man plays.  It is a long "bow" made of bamboo that is strung with a thick piece of wire.  It also has a solid bowl attached to the bow that he rests on his stomach.  This bowl gives it stability and he adjusts it to create different sounds.

Unlike many percussionists, he does not play the drums with his hands but uses what appears to be large chop sticks.  
They told me they are from Argentina but I have looked all through the internet and can not find what the instrument is he is playing.  Their sound is very relaxing with a good beat and you can easily carry on a conversation while they are playing.  The atmosphere of the Nibanna is perfect for this kind of music.

We have also found a local group with a particularly unique sound.  This is a group of four men--a lead guitarist and singer, a base guitarist, a percussionist and singer, and a second percussionist.  Their uniqueness comes from the didgeridoo and the various types of percussion instruments.

The didgeridoo obviously provides a different sound...

 ...but the percussionist also uses everything from normal Bongos to coconuts.  All of the songs are very fast and upbeat.  And, although they are totally in Spanish, I heard some one behind me singing along.  When I turned around to see who it was, I saw this FAT LADY SINGING.

 

It struck me right then that it is time for us to go home.  We have to say Goodbye to Tamarindo.
It has been a wonderful, wonderful experience.