(José Luis García and Fany Álvarez)
After concluding his career as a guitarist and vocalist in Manta Ray and Viva Las Vegas, José Luis García continues composing. In 2008, together with Fany Álvarez, several of these themes were covered in words. This collaboration is the origin of Elle Belga.
“Everything we do must be able to be whistled.” With this declaration of intentions, 1971 (Acuarela 2009) was born, the name of Elle Belga’s first work. The sustenance of this album sung in Spanish is the melodies and voices, warm and luminous, although it is already very subtly hinted that there will be a more “uncomfortable” and gloomy later path.
In 1507 borrowed seconds, Elle Belga pays tribute to authors such as Paco Ibáñez or Joan Manuel Serrat. Although the voices continue to be the main substrate, the element with which they manage to make the songs their own, it is the atmosphere that surrounds the album that becomes the common thread. Refugio is the name of the third album, published by Gran Derby Records and it is the conclusion of what was envisioned. The rhythmic base and the guitars are recorded live and the melody, which remains the pillar of the composition, is covered with samplers that function as another instrument. Through disturbing sounds and lyrics of moving serenity, they enter a fictitious and quite disturbing rest.
