LaMarisoul sends ‘Love Notes’ to her father and theworld
As lead singer of La Santa Cecilia, La Marisoul was in a good place. She certainly wasn’t planning to release a solo collection of classic Spanish-language love songs.
Her band’s adventurous sound, a mix of traditional Latin rhythms, pop and rock, appealed to fans around the world. They earned three Grammy nominations, including one win for Latin rock, urban or alternative album. They wrote songs for the films “The Book of Life” and “Coco.”
Earlier this year, as a sweet gesture, La Marisoul planned a solo concert as a tribute to her father near the one-year anniversary of his death. It was recorded in Los Angeles with a 24-piece live orchestra, including members of La Santa Cecilia.
“I wanted to honor my dad’s memory, his vision, and I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to record it to document the experience,” La Marisoul says. “Since I was a kid, I always loved whatever my dad was listening to, whether it was Jose Jose or Juan Gabriel or Frank Sinatra. I love music because of him. I just wanted to honor him.”
That show was Feb. 22. Less than three weeks later, La Marisoul and much of the country were in quarantine because of COVID-19. She found herself at home with a partner, a 4-yearold daughter and a struggle with identity.
“It was cool because I was home. But at the same time, I was like, ‘Oh, (expletive), dude. I’m home 24/7 with this fouryear-old.’ I’ll tell my partner, ‘Remember, dude, I used to be a
singer. Yo era artista. No era no más la cleaning lady, la cocinera de esta niña.’ At times it felt like that.” La Marisoul says. “I cried many times, and I felt frustrated.”
Parents will understand that’s no slight against her daughter. She even let mom take over her room, “with negotiations,” for Zoom interviews. La Marisoul painted the walls and put up an array of colorful photos as a backdrop, a way to welcome people into her world. They’re also surrounded by a “quaranteam” of family and friends in Los Angeles who are happy to help.
Music, of course, was La Marisoul’s main coping mechanism. She returned to that February concert for comfort.
“We went back and we listened to the music. I thought, ‘This sounds good.’ We played it in the kitchen, and we were dancing. Sebastian (Krys, La Santa Cecilia’s longtime producer) was like, ‘Why don’t we release it?’” La Marisoul says. “I felt like I’m cooking you up un guisado, un mole or a chicken pot pie. Whatever your comfort food is, I’m just trying to
do it musically and share it.”
That is indeed a perfect description of “La Marisoul and The Love Notes Orchestra (Vol. 1).” It’s an elegant, effortless feast of sounds. Her voice is warm and inviting, particularly on “Urge,” made famous by the legendary Vicente Fernandez; and first single “Un Telegrama,” a 1959 classic by Chilean singer Monna Bell. The vibrant video was filmed in a friend’s garage and features La Marisoul as a retro, kitschy secretary.
Given the band’s acclaim and audience, La Marisoul could have easily waited a year or more to release a standard, 12-track album recorded in a studio or a collection of A-list duets. And she has no plans to leave La Santa Cecilia. The band is almost done recording a “super-danceable” new album.
“Honestly, it feels a little weird. Never did I have plans like, ‘Hmm, I feel like 2020 is the year for me to go solo.’ I love my bandmates. But this solo thing is awesome, too,” La Marisoul says.
And sometimes the most creative moments come out of necessity. In La Marisoul’s case, it’s a fitting tribute to the guiding force who has carried her this far.
“We called it ‘The Love Notes Orchestra’ because I was trying to send a note, I guess, a love note to my dad. I imagine that he was there, in his hat, in his suit, smoking his cigarettes, drinking his mezcalito. This is a love note to my father, but also to the world, just to share some love, to tell everyone, ‘I miss you,’ ” La Marisoul says.
“That one night has continued, to hopefully having the chance to share it with other people that are at home or going through tough times. Until we meet again, my love.”