Developing from a production concept unknown in this neck of the woods, Macaco not only reaffirms his ethical and aesthetic principles but takes them to their highest level. Rocksteady becomes rumba, the mandolas tune to a hip hop key and the port is scratched into a magnificent CANCIONERO (songbook) of love and evolution. The great Peret –the ultimate Catalan rumba artist– is the patron of a repertoire featuring outstanding tracks like “Moving”, “Tengo” (I Have) and “Los mensajes del agua” (Water Messages). Among distinguished collaborators, we can find; Javier Bardem, Jon Sistiaga, Alberto San Juan and Kira Miró.

Gato Perez meets Bob Marley, with the feet on the ground and the hand up in the air, Dani Macaco makes the difficult look easy: synthesizing the very essence of popular music into a piece of work that leaves behind clichés of fusion and crossover and moves forward to a future devoted to communicating. Anticipating other revolutions to come (“Sideral”) and certifying –with no demagoguery or fundamentalism– his compromise (“Mama Tierra” [Mother Earth]), he definitely sets himself up as a true pioneer of fusion without confusion. Collaborating artists include Muchachito Bombo Infierno, La Mari (Chambao), Caparezza, Naçau Zumbi, former-Planet Hemp B-Negâo and Ms Maiko, among others.

The concept: connecting the old –the root– and the modern –the antenna– in an amazing trip through space and time. The structure: a double CD which illustrates the adventure travelling both ways, from handcrafted electro-organic to the power of a band embarked on the search for groove. The result: “Giratutto”, “Todos” [All] and “Se mueven” [They move] leading a 20-songs track list rounding off the first trilogy of an artist who has found his own voice. As collaborators here we find El “Langui” (La Excepción), Lilian (Zuco 103) and Nubla, among others.

Serving as a tribute to Narcís Monturiol, inventor of the Ictineo –the first Spanish submarine device– the second album by Macaco understands the Mediterranean as an open door to the world. After leaving his imprint on the discography of King Changó and Los De Abajo and participating in the motion picture soundtrack of “Amnesia” (Gabriele Salvatore), Dani Macaco unfurls his sails to a bolero-dub rhythm (“La Burbuja” [The Bubble]), abyssal reggae (“S.O.S”) and ventilator fans which fly and fly (“Pirata de Agua Salada” [Saltwater Pirate]). Collaborating we find artists like Chico Ocaña (Mártires del Compás), Senegalese band Touré Kunda, Brazilian artist Lenine, Mexican band Control Machete and Italian artist Roy Paci (Mau Mau, Radio Bemba).

Reflecting the inspiration and madness of an effervescent post-Olympics Barcelona, Macaco’s debut connects to the Catalan rumba and Latin son tradition. Musically, by combining elements from rock, funk, hip-hop and reggae; and with respect to literature, giving way to a gallery of characters (“Gacho Peléon”, “Tío Pedrito”) which join the altarpiece of what the media likes to call “crossover”. Collaborating artists include Joan Garriga (Dusminguet), Amparo Sánchez (Amparanoia), Mucho Mu (7Notas 7Colores), Juanlu and Carlos (Ojos de Brujo) and Robert Trujillo (Suicidal Tendencies, Metallica). The band covers “Chan Chan” (Compay Segundo) and former-Talking Heads David Byrne remixes “Delaveraveraboom”.