Dutch guitarist Marnix Alexander DuCroock presents his first collaboration with vocalist Mellin Moon: “So Far”
Holandaluz is a Dutch guitarist who has developed a new approach to psychedelic flamenco. What defines his music is how he integrates flamenco techniques and sounds with other styles such as pop or jazz. One of his great musical inspirations is Roger Waters. His love for Pink Floyd can be seen in many of the effects the artist applies to his studio work.
His first album “Psycho Body Flamenco” was published on platforms in 2021 and received good appraisal from music critics. From then until now he has written another three albums for a side musical project: the rock band The Last Wave.
The latest compilation that the guitarist has in his hands will be a continuation of the first psychedelic flamenco album. It is titled “Sonidos Azules” and is released in late 2022. This album contains very powerful Cuban percussion, thanks to 3-time Grammy Award winner Richard Márquez of the Buena Vista Social Club group.
Coinciding with the beginning of Spring 2022, the artist presented “Selva de mar”, a song that is part of the LP “Sonidos Azules”. This song is pop in style, with a lot of technique and flamenco sound. The guitar in the chorus has a bit of a Fandangos/Tangos flamenco vibe but it’s still an acoustic pop song. This, in combination with a violin and a Jazz double bass, makes it a unique piece of music. The Tango/Jazz type of piano blends very well with the guitar throughout the entire song. Richard Márquez also participates and sets the pace in the piece.
Another track that is also part of the compilation is “Ciao”, released during the month of June (2022)
This song is the opening theme of “Sonidos Azules”. It is a rumba with character and summer airs. In it, Richard Márquez participates again on percussion, as well as the Taiwanese double bassist Julian Wittich/Xi Ann, known for working with great Chinese personalities. We will also be delighted by Antonio Moreno Glazkov’s trumpet, which blends perfectly with Shana Brown’s violin and her Armenian touch. The introduction of the song is a 2019 recording of a concert that Holandaluz gave in Rome and in which we can hear a market in the background. This combination of different cultures makes “Ciao” a deep song with a very original touch, maintaining the Spanish influence and the Catalan rumba.
His next release is “A letter to Syd Barret”, a song dedicated to the former leader of Pink Floyd in its early days. From the British artist, Holandaluz rescues the strange and free structures, the sounds and the hooks of his music to try to transfer that imagery to his favorite style: flamenco. In this piece the vibe of tangos or tanguillos is combined with more progressive and atmospheric music. It is at this point of crazy mixes that Syd’s enormous influence on the flamenco guitarist falls.
As a Christmas present, the Dutch guitarist gives us an extended edition of his album, adding a live version of “Ciao” and a previously unreleased piece entitled “Rubio”. “Rubio” is the newest song from Holandaluz; a masterful mix of flamenco guitar and percussion with a carefully arranged sax line. The Dutch guitarist and composer offers an energetic piece where, although the guitar is still the base of the melody, it leaves some space for the saxophone to shine and raise the level of the song. A strong and omnipresent bass enriches the sound and gives strength and punch to the guitar and sax melodies.
Dutch guitarist Holandaluz joins forces with singer/songwriter Mellin Moon to release a beautiful, intimate and relaxing acoustic pop song. “So Far” is a song about love, about not wanting to give up the idea of not loving someone anymore. The guitar takes you to the great ocean with this idea, delivering a guitar solo with flamenco notes played masterfully by Holandaluz with a western guitar. An ideal song to listen to while having coffee in the morning or relaxing by the sea.
