2020 brought a lot of things that we wish we could give back — especially the 'rona — but it also brought a substantial number of quality musical releases. Among our favorites was Agüita, the latest from talented singer-songwriter Gabriel Garzón Montano. The album found him further blurring the lines of genre until they were almost non-existent. In case you missed the release, he took the time to sit for NPR Music's Tiny Desk (Home) Concert series to give fans a taste.
He chose three selections from the album – "With A Smile," "Muñeca" and "Tombs" – to give a feel for the project. "With A Smile," like the title suggests, has an upbeat feel as he reminisces about an affair that had him willfully trippin'. The song also highlights the crew of musicians backing him, including a harpist, violinists and more. He then pared that all down to a guitar and drums for "Muñeca." Even stripped down, it still managed to convey the reggaeton flavor. In fact, it enhanced just how impressive his flow is as he kicked rhymes in Spanish while rocking with his band. The lilting "Tombs" was a fitting finale for the set. The rest of the musicians returned as Gabriel commanded the performance from the piano. Meanwhile, he sang of a love the spans dreams and reality, life and death, with his signature intense romanticism before switching back to guitar to deliver an eerie solo to close things out.
Gabriel Garzón-Montano is perhaps one of the most eclectic artists out there. While showing off his musicianship during this Tiny Desk, he also showed us just how versatile his talent is. Get a front row seat to his talents when you press play.
