These guys were a great influence on me as friends and musicians. They put out two albums before moving on to their own projects, but it was their live shows that set them apart. I was honored that Matt, Alex and Alexi (with Amy Rude) played at my wedding. I keep this page here to remember times and places that shouldn't be forgotten. ~ BT
from The Durango Herald, Mar. 23, 2001
Pan-American Project: Band blends roots and creativity
The members of JuanaLaCapilla, clockwise from upper left,
are Matt Valverde, Alexii Carey, Brett Pavlik, Thomas McKenna
and Alex Silage.
By Matt Joyce
About two years ago, in an alley off of east Fifth Street in Durango, the musicians who would one day form Juana La Capilla gathered weekly to play on a handmade stage at a friend’s house.
"Local musicians would play whatever they wanted," said Brett Pavlik, conga player and percussionist for Juana La Capilla. The events became known as Chupacabra.
"You’d wake up in the morning and people would be strewn about the dance floor," Pavlik said.
From the dark, late-night musical sessions in south Durango, the musicians began exploring a potential musical project, and by February 1999, they knew they had a band.
After two years of practicing and solidifying its membership, Juana La Capilla will celebrate the release of its first CD on Saturday night at Storyville.
Juana La Capilla has developed a loyal following around town, particularly among those who enjoy sweaty world music.
There’s no shortage of dancers at JuanaLaCapilla shows. Along with the typical solo hippie dancers, couples attempt their best Durango versions of the Salsa.
The self-titled CD features 12 songs of the music that the band members call "Pan-American." The music, characterized by percussion and guitars, blends Latin American folk music, jazz and American folk. Some of the songs are sung in Spanish; others in English. All but one of the songs are originals.
Tracks like the opener, "Agave Whiskey," have a distinctly traditional Latin American feel. Others, such as "Karla," use electric guitar, and exhibit more of a rock influence.
"Everyone in the band had a different genre of music they were really focused on," said Thomas McKenna, the trapset and djembe player. "More and more, we’re finding there are as many commonalties as differences."
In playing music based on traditional styles, Juana La Capilla hopes to preserve folk music from around the world – perhaps creating a music suited to the Southwest of the United States. Along with Pavlik and McKenna, JuanaLaCapilla's members are Alex Silage, classical and electric guitar and vocals; Alexii Carey, stand-up bass and vocals; and Matt Valverde, steel-string guitar and vocals.
"We dedicate all of our music to the indigenous music of the world," Carey said.
Added McKenna, "We’re all about the non-homogenization of multiculturalism."
The band recorded the CD at Pavlik’s home studio in Hermosa. Making the CD was part of Juana La Capilla’s decision to promote itself and move beyond the limited opportunities of Durango, Silage said.
He said the band was successful in its trip to Santa Fe last weekend – its second out-of-state gig.
"There’s no doubt we came out of the studio three times a better band than going in," Silage said.
McKenna said the recording project was part of a growing process for the band.
"If we can manage to combine our energies to make a CD totally independently, then that could be something our esteem could feel good about," he said.
Saturday’s CD release party at Storyville, 1150 Main Ave, will last from 7 p.m. until closing. Rumba Colectiva, and The Reds featuring Amy Rude will also perform. Cover is $5.
