I may make a habit of following Guatemalan cellist and vocalist Mabe Fratti everywhere she records.
I’ve written about some of Fratti’s solo albums including 2024’s Sentir que no sabes, 2022’s Se Ve Desde Aquí, and 2021’s Estática with Concepción Huerta as well as 2023’s Vidrio as part of Titanic. Come to think of it, that habit started years ago.
Today’s pick finds Fratti as guest joining Mexico City-based Diles que no me maten (Tell Them Not to Kill Me) on their 2021 album La Vida De Alguien Más (Someone Else’s Life). I enjoy music that’s in no particular hurry, music that cooks on simmer allowing richer flavors to emerge rooted in improvisation.
The band:
Drums and synthesizers: Raúl Ponce
Guitar and synthesizers: Gerardo Ponce
Guitar and Drum Machine: Rogelio the IIIrd
Bass, synthesizers, and Mellotrone: Andrés Lupone
Vocals and lyrics: Jonás
Saxophone: Años luz
Clarinet: Dewey Martino
Cello: Mabe Fratti
The album, which was reissued on vinyl last year by Moonlight Activities, begins with the lyrics “Hoy es un día cualquiera pero yo ya no soy yo” (“Today is just another day, but I’m not me anymore“) and I recommend sitting back and letting the ensuing 34 minutes take you somewhere you’re not.