Momotombo

30 November 2009

By Jonathan Jackson, Photography Christopher Sataua
(Originally published in March 2009)

Volcano Momotombo stands off in the horizon overlooking the shore of Lake Xolotlán in Managua, watching, and waiting. Geologists say it has not erupted since 1905. They are wrong. Those in the know will tell you that Momotombo continues to erupt, up to several times a month, spewing forth hot guitar licks, molten keyboard riffs, burning drum sticks and smoldering sampled hits.Led by Guillermo Norory, the self-proclaimed son of the volcano, the band Momotombo has come together to form a unique blend of sounds and ideas. Multiple genres, let alone one, cannot contain their sound. A Mexican journalist called their instrumental music ‘electro latin punchis jazz.’ I describe it as ‘electro-jazz-funk smoothed out on the latin-psych-rock tip with a pop feel, appeal.’ Anything you call it, it’s difficult to imagine that two people would hear it and describe it the same way. That is a testament to both the group’s creativity and the uniqueness of their style.

As a band, Momotombo has been active for close to 8 years. In 2005, the self-titled debut album ‘Momotombo’ was released, and more recently a 2-track EP dropped in’07. Over that time the lineup has fluctuated, but Norory and his production has remained constant. The current band includes a few of Managua’s hardest working musicians: Bikentios Chavez on drums, Augusto Mejía on bass, and Andres Sanchez on guitar.

Momotombo is a band based on collaboration, within itself and with other artists. Special guests are common at their live shows and have included Carlos Luis Mejía, Clara Grün and more recently Belén Cardenal. However musicians are not their only collaborators. The ‘Minister of the Image,’ Israel Lewites, creates the trippy videos that accompany many of Momotombo’s performances and correlate with the music as it is being played. In December Momotombo headlined a show at Bar Fussion where the artist Dirian spontaneously painted a mural behind the band as they played. Norory says that the music of Momotombo evokes colors and landscapes and for these reasons it is only natural that the band works with visuals, adding another dimension to their live shows.

In addition to continuing to tour, Momotombo has plans to release a new studio album in 2009. Norory also stays busy with his Momotombo Production Company. Founded three years ago to help the development of the art and musical expressions of Nicaragua, Momotombo Productions has recorded material for the likes of Perrozompopo, Milly Majuc, and the recent debut album from Belén Cardenal. With all of his endeavors, Guillermo Norory has ensured that the name Momotombo will continue to be associated with Nicaragua’s wonders, both natural and artistic.

3 Responses to “Momotombo”

1. Stephany says:

   14 June 2010 at 2:48 PM

   que forma de tocar !! es una energia que se contagia y se mete a los huesos. mis respetos. saludos desde guatemala
2. robert says:

   30 June 2010 at 4:32 AM

   Un Capo de la música….
3. richardgranera says:

   9 August 2010 at 8:32 PM

   me tome l amolestia de conseguir su disco y me dejo impresionado el stylo de musica es un excellente musico inspira energia arriba MOMOTOMBO…….queremos mas musica musica nica