Recording: Mas Aya

Artist: Mas Aya

Song: Tú y Yo

Recorded at The Tranzac's Main Hall (TONE Festival), June 16, 2024.

Mas Aya - Tú y Yo

This night out at the TONE Festival reached back for some strong Healing Power vibes: not only had that scene/label issued some essential music (together and individually) from the night's co-headliners, but it was also a treat to hear HP co-principal DJ SlightBreezy (aka Wolf Nessel) slingin' and manipulating tunes between sets.

And as with his co-headliner, Brandon Valdivia's "solo" spotlight was anything but, bringing in family and friends to celebrate the sounds of Coming And Going. Leaning less on popsong frameworks than vibe-heavy compositional savvy, Valdicia served as the director on stage, co-ordinating the sonic inputs from rhythm compadres Reimundo Sosa (percussion) and Josh Cole (double bass, electric bass, bass synth) plus rotating guests including Colin Fisher and Isla Craig. And most heartwarming was the family band angle that saw vocals from Lido Pimienta (highlighted on this track) as well as the pair's daughter Martina Valdivia, whose presence was a joyful highlight.

Recording: Mas Aya

Artist: Mas Aya

Song: Mapale^*

Recorded at Festival Main Stage (BIG on Bloor Festival), July 21, 2018.

Mas Aya - Mapale

I dipped into this busy street festival just long enough this year to see Brandon Valdivia ignite a conscious party. His flute/vox/electronics were accompanied throughout by percussionist Reimundo Sosa, and the spirit was further enlivened by a very-pregnant Lido Pimienta who not only provided the stage area's jubilant/pointed artwork installation ("Families Belong Together") but also came onstage to dance and add vocals to "Hoy" and "Masters". (Congratulations to the truth-to-power couple on that child's recent arrival!) With happy children dashing about and friends and passers-by stopping to dance it felt like a joyful and positive space — this is what our streets should be for, after all.

^* Thanks to Brandon for passing along the title to this one!