Drawing us in with an intricate Spanish guitar soundscape, expanding with a sublime violin performance, William Roblejo opens El Viento with a high emotional quotient and cinematic allure. The opus evolves with dramatic depth and rolling percussion textures.
We connect with the graceful evolution of the track which holds an onomatopoeic energy aligned with the title of the track. The ebbs and flows of the sound design genuinely feel like the wind. A more staccato energy emerges midway through the piece as we are gifted with vintage vocals tapping into the nostalgia of Cuban culture, performed by David Lagos.
David’s “Punto Cubano” style features microtonal scales and poetic prowess (courtesy of Mo Fini) before a transcendental violin solo from William sends us to another dimension, leading us through to layered, choral vocals and David’s classic presence as the guitar-work re-emerges, guiding us through to the final moments of the piece.
Ultimately, El Viento is a transcendent meeting of tradition and experimentation. The textured sonic universe feels both deeply Cuban and wonderfully international. It is a compelling reminder that musical heritage need not stand still to remain meaningful. We could imagine the track featuring in a key moment of a Pedro Almodóvar or Luca Guadagnino film.
We learn that the track’s international spirit is reflected in the wider story behind William Roblejo’s fourth album, an ambitious project which brings together established artists from Cuba, Iran and Spain. More than three years in the making, the album has travelled back and forth across continents, with a creative team comprising Mo Fini, William Roblejo, Christophe Rezai, Dayron Ortiz and David Alvarez.
William Roblejo’s musicianship is grounded in an impressive career that spans performance, composition and education. He is a graduate of Cuba’s prestigious Instituto Superior de Arte, and was a founding member of contemporary music quartet Traza. He performed with the Amadeo Roldán String Quartet, and is affiliated with the Cuban Philharmonic, as well as spending four years performing with acclaimed Cuban singer-songwriter David Torrens.
Today, as Head of the String Department at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, he continues to contribute to the development of Cuba’s next generation of musicians. These experiences help explain the extraordinary command and expressive personality he brings to the violin on El Viento.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added El Viento to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of William Roblejo, including Los 3 Mosqueteros, Despertar and Lyle.