Biography

The musical traditions of Galicia, in the Celtic northwest regions of Spain, are brought up to date by Spanish-based sextet Na Lua. While their music remains embedded in Galician traditions, their incorporation of influences from Eastern Europe, Latin America, Portugal, Ireland, Africa, and Asia provide a modern, globally aware sensibility. According to Roots World, "Galicia has become the focus of the latest 'Celts of the world' fad, but this band exceeds expectations." Formed in 1980, Na Lua represents the musical vision of guitarist, percussionist, and bandleader Xose Ramon Pas Anton. The group is rounded out by Anton Rodriguez on flute, soprano saxophone, and wind pipe, Candido Lorenzo on clarinet, whistle, and wind pipe, Xabier Debesa on accordion, percussion, and vocals, Ricardo Pereiro on bass, and Xabier Camba Abel on drums and percussion. The band considers its "secret weapon" Anton's playing of the charrasco, a wooden instrument that has described as a "mixture of a bass drum, 16 tambourines, and four pairs of adult 'vieira'." Na Lua has performed on the soundtrack of a short film, O Segredo, by Daniel Dominguez and Uxia Blanco and medium-length feature films Rio De Sambias, by Dominguez, and O Outra Muller, by the production team A Serpe Do Carnavel. The group celebrated its 15th anniversary with a 40-city tour, 15 Anos De Musica, in 1995. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi