Mash House – Edinburgh
24 / 06 / 2024
From Peru to Scotland, making his Edinburgh debut tonight at the The Mash House was the incredibly talented guitar player Manzanita Berardo Hernandez. Born and raised in Peru, Manzanita was surrounded with music from a young age and took to the guitar like a duck to water. Self-taught in the art of guitar playing, he has reinvented the sound of the 60s and 70s Peruvian Psychedelic Cumbia Guaracha for, not just a new generation, but for many generations to come.
It seemed inevitable that Manzanita would end up being a legendary guitar player, especially when he had a musical genius as a Father. One can only imagine the New Year parties in the Hernadez house. This show was surely to be a sun splash of tropical delights.
A very privileged audience filled the floor of the Mash House for a 2 hour journey through the history and the music of tropical Peru , and the sound of South America resonating through the old town of Edinburgh will be a memory many shall cherish for a long time to come. Manzanita has this ability to create an electrifying fusion of slick Latin guitar chords that pulls together this conceptual sphere that transcends his music to another level. Practice makes perfect they say, but dedication makes a guitar hero !!
Los Chichanos are the Edinburgh-based Cumbia legends that were hosting the night, and were the accompanying band on Manzanitas tour. A smooth-silk guitar, uplifting bass lines, percussion and infectious key boards that create the unique sound of the melodies of Lima. Song after song, guitar riff after guitar riff the venue was filled with a mela of dance crazed Latino movers. This was fast becoming a very memorable moment.
Having always loved the music and guitar playing of Carlos Santana, one felt that Manzanita was exceeding that same level. Absolutely mind blowing. With snake-like fingers, Manzanita plucks, caresses , strokes and fondles his guitar strings in a way a have never witnessed before, pure magic. As the heat increased and condensation droplets released themselves from the ceiling above the crowd were truly engulfed in a magical musical wonderland.
This was an experience between artist and audience that is like no other. The story and message within Manzanita songs and playing is educational and profound. Beautiful, warming, and connective, Manzanita has delivered a set with pure love and affection for his guitar and fans. More of this in Edinburgh please.
Raymond Speedie
Mumble Music 