The sailor soldiers of the streets of Bilbao
A group, a duo and a soloist perform for EL CORREO the most emblematic song by Fito y los Fitipaldis, which this Saturday will host one of its biggest mass baths in San Mamés. The concert signal will be broadcast live on our website
The most special performance of the musician Luis Salido was in the heart of Madrid’s Gran Vía. He was playing ‘Soldadito Sailor’ when a passerby decided to sing it with him. It wasn’t just any duet. He was the author of the emblematic song, Fito Cabrales. Such recognition to street artists. At the end, the composer from Bilbao knelt before the guitarist from Cordoba as a sign of respect.
This anecdote is a sample of the close character of the leader of Fito y los Fitipaldis, who this Saturday faces the “most important” concert of his career. The group performs before more than 45,000 people in San Mamés. EL CORREO has brought together a band, a duet and a soloist who play in the streets of Bilbao to perform a song with the flavor of an anthem.
Kalekoak
“There is always someone who thanks us for coloring their day”
The name of the band Kalekoak picks up its essence. “When we play in a room it seems strange to us, we miss the street,” they say. In fact, the group was formed precisely playing on the sidewalks of Bilbao. Sara (vocalist) listened to Jon (guitar) and Rafa (drums), contacted them through social networks and they soon formed a trio. Today there are six thanks to the incorporation of Iker (bass), Samuel (trumpet and trombone) and Johnny (keyboards). They have barely been playing together for a year, although they already have a good number of followers, some of whom have already become friends. One of them, Lorea, has lost count of the times she has asked for ‘Sailor Soldier’. “She always asks us: Are you going to play something by Fito today?” Sara explains with a smile. The author of the order nods satisfied. Today yes yes.
His first “official” concert was at Bilborock. They enjoy improvising, but they also make versions adapted to a more reggae style and have created some of their own songs in their local. They perform in bars and venues, but they are clear that their favorite place is the street. “The best advertising. When people stop to listen to you, they really appreciate your talent. The contact is closer”, explains Samuel. In each bolus there are words of encouragement: «There is always someone who thanks us for coloring his day».
Hugo Alterach (Flaco) and Laiyo Alves
«One day playing ‘Through the mouth lives the fish’ Fito appeared. I was white »
Hugo Alterach, also known as Flaco, will never forget the day he played ‘Por la boca vive el pez’ in front of a very special audience. “I looked up and via Fito. I went white and stopped singing. ‘No, no, master, go on, please,’ he said to me ». His face lights up at the anecdote. His style has nothing to do with Platero’s ex and you, but the version caught on. «He shook my hand at the end and he told me that he liked him a lot. He was already a fan, but from that moment, much more ».
He also met his partner on the street. Laiyo Alves was approached one day in full performance and accompanied him on a song. A month later they called him and since then they have enjoyed twice as much when they sing together. For Alterach he has been “a breath of fresh air” after more than a decade alone, and for Alves, the push he needs to dare to act on the sidewalks.
Alterach is from Ushuaia, Argentina, and he came out with the guitar eleven years ago, when he had to close the construction company where he was a master builder. He learned songs in Basque like ‘Lau Teilatu’ and ‘Xalbadorren Heriotzean’ to win over the Basque public. Alves arrived from Venezuela a couple of years ago, and while managing the paperwork to work, he found a way to earn extra money in street music. In his country he combined a career in law with singing and guitar. He was in various groups, has his own songs and has played in Brazil and Mexico. “They have to listen to him singing in Portuguese. It is a delight”, adds the Argentine, who acts as the perfect godfather with him. “It gives me peace,” he says. «I feel calmer. I sing with a smile on my side”, Alves replies gratefully.
yoan darz
«Playing in the street I have grown as a musician and I have made many friends»
Yoan Darz made his solo debut on the streets of Bilbao. Until then he directed an orchestra, taught classes and had an academy in Venezuela. But the crisis came and two years ago he moved to the Biscayan capital. “With covid it was much more difficult to get a work permit. Immigration was closed and I couldn’t open a bank account. A countryman got me to ask for a permit at the Town Hall to perform in the street and thus earn some money ». Later, he entered the Bilbao Choir and through them he chose a contract as a teacher. He teaches percussion to a group of ESO students: «They have a lot of rhythm and I learn as much from them as they do from me».
His first street performance was in Casco Viejo. «I was only 15 minutes. I was very nervous and the letter was leaving me ». This new scenario has tanned him. “I’ve grown as a musician and made a lot of friends.” At first he asked for help with the repertoire. “ABBA always wins. Silvio Rodríguez, José Luis Perales and Pablo Milanés also work. I know Fito because they have asked me at some time.
Since he is a teacher, he no longer depends on the coins that fall into the case of his cello or his guitar, but he appreciates the praise after each performance. «One day a blind man stopped and guided him to listen to me. The blind man cried and hummed. When he finished he told me that he had recorded him at the time when he could see. The street is tough, but it’s very rewarding.”