Miramar brings nostalgic love songs to a new generation. They revive the bolero, a traditional Latin American song form, by following in the footsteps of the great Puerto Rican troubadours of the 1950's and 60's, performing a mix of original and classical songs.
These nostalgic melodies, full of passion and soul, are interpreted in intricate harmonies by accomplished vocalist Laura Ann Singh and veteran Salsa singer Reinaldo Alvarez, who doubles on maracas. Their voices are augmented by acoustic guitar, bass, light percussion and the eloquent flourishes of band leader Marlysse Simmons who alternates between piano and a haunting B3-like organ.
Alvarez, an accomplished lyricist, composer and visual artist, was born and raised in Ponce, Puerto Rico. His passion for the arts and music may come from his lineage as he counts among his relatives various musicians, including the illustrious composer and musician Don Juan Morel Campos, the father of the "Danza Puertorriquena".
Alvarez, along with Simmons and Riccio, are the distinguished members of the internationally acclaimed Salsa Band Bio Ritmo, one of the leaders in the "new old school" Salsa movement. When the fresh, soulful vocals of Laura Ann Singh joins the group - renowned interpreter of Brazilian music known for her work with Quatro Na Bossa - Miramar is born in the spring of 2009.
Miramar's music evokes images and emotions of a distant lifetime - long gone, but never forgotten. Many of the songs featured are by the singer/songwriter Sylvia Rexach, known in Puerto Rico as one of the most famous and prolific composers of boleros but never duly recognized abroad for her musical legacy. Great influences include the inimitable Felipe 'La Voz' Rodriguez and the unforgettable duo Irizarry de Cordova.
Miramar's repertoire also reflects the universal appeal of the genre, including a selection of Italian, Portuguese and Greek songs that emerged from similar international song movements that paralleled the Latin American bolero revolution.