| Mar de Copas | |
|---|---|
 pictured in front: Luis Garcia, from left to right: Manuel Barrios, Claudia Salem, Eduardo Leverone, Phoebe Condos and Cesar Zamalloa
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Lima, Peru  |
| Genre(s) | Alternative Rock New Wave Soft Rock Latin Rock |
| Years active | 1992 – Present |
| Label(s) | Mar de Copas Productions S.A. |
| Associated acts |
Los Trece Baladas Ultramotor Narcosis El Aire Circo Ficcion Los Hnos. Brother's |
| Website | Official Website |
| Members | |
| Jose Manuel Barrios Phoebe Condos Luis Garcia Eduardo Leverone Cesar Zamalloa |
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| Former members | |
| Claudia Salem Felix Torrealva |
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Mar de Copas is a popular Peruvian rock band from Lima. The band is regarded as the best alternative band from Peru. They marked a period when founded in 1992 by Manuel Barrios and Eduardo "Toto" Leverone. They began recording in 1993 with their debut album Mar de Copas. [1] They are well known in their country but not internationally. Their lyrics are rich in poetry and metaphors, and their melodies have a melancholic feel. They are known as a "Cult Band" by their fans. Mar de Copas' music is influenced by english and latin songwriters from the 1960's to the 1980's. [2]
Contents |
History
Mar de Copas was founded by Manuel Barrios and Eduardo Leverone in 1992 right after splitting up their band "Los Inocentes". Barrios and Leverone are the co-writers of most of their songs. They have influenced and produced for many bands in Lima. Their lead singer Luis Garcia was the vocalist of the 1980's Peruvian rock band Narcosis. Claudia Salem and Phoebe Condos were friends of the band. One day Barrios asked them to sing along while they rehearsed, and he liked the sound as a whole. [3] Condos has co-writed a few songs and Salem left the band in 2005. Cesar Zamalloa was introduced to the band after their first album and has had great influence in their recordings ever since. He has played for "Orgus", "Cimarrones" and "Circo Ficcion".[4] Mar de Copas gained great popularity because of their style of music and lyrics. They brought back to the 90's melodies from "La nueva ola" (spanish new wave style of music from the 60's and 70's), and added new melodic rock tunes that are not common to see in a Peruvian band. They combine ballads with high-speed guitar riffs and acoustic solos. Music critics specify that Mar de Copas ranks alongside contemporary artists such as "Duncan Dhu", "El Ultimo de la Fila" and "Soda Stereo". Their lyrics talk about ordinary lives, passion, depression, solitude, strength and falling in love. Mar de Copas influenced and contributed to bands such as: "Libido", "Campo de Almas", "TK", "Dolores Delirio", "Indigo", "Cementerio Club", "Wayo", "Voz Propia", "Daniel F", "Zen" and "Los Hnos. Brother's". The band pushed rock music back in the radio stations and sold over 30,000 copies of their first 5 albums. Mar de Copas has always preferred to rely on sales than in concerts, TV appearances or going abroad. They have a close relationship with their fans by playing in small but cozy venues, fighting against the local black market, advertising their own merchandise, writing songs dedicated to special requests, and never changing their style. They have club lists throughout Peru, each one with its own website. These “lists” are clubs of fans that get together for parties, covers, after concert reunions and to meet one another.
In 1993, Mar de Copas signed a contract with the label "El Virrey" and recorded their first album "Mar de Copas" on the studio of Miki Gonzalez. Barrios sang half the songs while the other half were given to the recording producer at the time and current vocalist: Luis Garcia. That August, they made their first live appearance at the "Phantom Pub" in Lima. In 1994, before starting their new album "Entre los Arboles", Felix Torrealva left the band and Cesar Zamalloa took over on bass. They had a few hits and each member started alternate music projects that lasted until 1996. Mar de Copas has created their own recording studio (Villa Ruby and Villa Ruby II) and label (Mar de Copas Productions S.A.), where they updated their first 2 albums and recorded all their upcoming records. [5] In 1997, their third album "III" was finished and their first video "Mujer Noche" was produced with a new version of the song. In 1999, the album "Suna" and 3 new videos were made. Mar de Copas started a "new wave" era in Lima by the end of the millenium, where they became more famous and headlined for new alternative bands. By request, in 2002, they recorded their first double live album "En Vivo" and they moved their studio to "Villa Ruby II" in Miraflores. That November, Mar de Copas recorded a media album "Ramera" including their 4 videos, an electric version of Ramera, a demo song by Barrios, and 4 acoustic songs. [6] In 2004, Mar de Copas finished "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire" and a month later presented the album in "El Parque de la Exposicion" (Central Park of the Exposition in downtown Lima). That October, the band recorded the first DVD Peruvian production "De Tierra" at the "Teatro Peruano Japones". Mar de Copas edited these songs for their upcoming album "De Tierra" with acoustic songs and 3 unreleased demos: "Cada vez", "Vacio" and "Luis", this last song was written for a fan who died before their new release. In 2005, the DVD was released including the concert, rare footage of the band, never seen videos, demos and interviews. They always play to sold out concerts at "La Noche" Pub in Barranco on Fridays and Saturdays, at least once a month. As of December 2007, the band is working on their new album.
Members
- Current Members
- Jose Manuel "Manolo" Barrios - Lead guitar and vocals.
- Phoebe Condos [7] - Keyboards and back vocals.
- Luis "Wicho" Garcia - Vocals, harmonic and production.
- Eduardo "Toto" Leverone - Drums.
- Cesar "El Maestro" Zamalloa - Bass.
- Former Members
- Claudia Salem [8] (1993 - 2005) - Back vocals and tambourine.
- Felix Torrealva [9] (1993 - 1994) - Bass.
- Secondary Musicians
- Miki Gonzales - Guitar on "Aqui en el borde del mar" and harmonic on "Dulce y veloz".
- Victor "El Gato" Villavicencio - Piano and keyboards on “Prision” and “Cancion”.
- Miguel Navarro - English Horn on "Cuenta la historia".
- Jose-Javier Castro K. - Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1996).
- Abel "Capitan Pomada" Salcedo - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1996 & 1998).
- Alonso del Rio - 12 chord guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1998).
- Gerardo Cristobal - Acoustic bass on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performance at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (1998).
- Jorge "Coqui" de Tramontana - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performances at “Centro Cultural PUCP” (2001), “Teatro Peruano Japones” and “Colegio San Agustin” (2004). Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ performance at “Don Jijuna” (2006).
- Christian Molina - Acoustic guitar on Mar de Copas’ acoustic performances at “Teatro Peruano Japones” and “Colegio San Agustin” (2004). Electric guitar on Mar de Copas’ performance at the stadium of “Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos”, “La Noche”, “Lima Fest”, “Boss Xtreme Club”, “Salesiano School” and “Centro Cultural PUCP” (2006).
Discography
| Album | Statistics | Songs |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mar de Copas
|
Songs
|
 |
Entre los arboles
|
Songs
|
 |
III
|
Songs
|
 |
Mar de Copas
|
Songs
|
 |
Entre los arboles
|
Songs
|
 |
Suna
|
Songs
|
 |
En Vivo
|
Songs
Disc 1
Disc 2
|
 |
Ramera
|
Songs
Multimedia Videos
|
 |
Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire
|
Songs
|
 |
De Tierra
|
Songs
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Album | No in Radio Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | "Mujer noche" | Mar de Copas | 1 |
| 1993 | "Prision" | Mar de Copas | 5 |
| 1993 | "Dulce y veloz" | Mar de Copas | - |
| 1993 | "Fugitivo" | Mar de Copas | - |
| 1994 | "Entre los arboles" | Entre los arboles | 2 |
| 1994 | "Tras esa puerta" | Entre los arboles | 1 |
| 1995 | "Prendi otro fuego por ella" | Entre los arboles | - |
| 1995 | "Pais de tus sueños" | Entre los arboles | 8 |
| 1997 | "LB" | III | 13 |
| 1997 | "A Dios" | III | - |
| 1997 | "CPAM" | III | - |
| 1999 | "Suna" | Suna | 1 |
| 1999 | "La maquina del tiempo" | Suna | 5 |
| 1995 | "El rumbo del mar" | Suna | - |
| 1999 | "Enloqueciendo" | Suna | 11 |
| 1999 | "Adios amor" | Suna | - |
| 2002 | "Un nuevo intento" | En Vivo | - |
| 2002 | "Ramera" | Ramera | 1 |
| 2004 | "Balada de un encuentro fugaz" | Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire | 1 |
| 2004 | "Si algo asi como esta en el aire" | Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire | 1 |
| 2004 | "Perdido" | Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire | 1 |
| 2004 | "Llevame" | Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire | 1 |
| 2004 | "Despedida" | De tierra | - |
| 2005 | "Un dia sin sexo" | Un dia sin sexo Soundtrack | 1 |
Videography
- "Mujer noche"
- The first official video made by the original members including former bassist Felix Torrealva. The edition of the song was recorded in 1998 specially to fit the video. The video has scenes from a live concert in "La Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru" in 1993. The song is a classic rock tune in Lima. The video was directed by Hugo Martinez, edited by Giancarlo Paz and Visual Art managed by Patricia Salazar.
- "Enloqueciendo"
- The second official video was made as a 16MM movie. The real meaning of the song remains hidden under the different pictures and portraits. The video features cities in northern Lima, its coast and Barranco highlights. The video was written and produced by Rafael Besaccia.
- "Suna"
- The third official video is the first Peruvian band's attempt to make it with animated drawings. All the pictures are made by Rafael Besaccia on paper. The themes are classic visual poetry scenes from the 20th century. Barrios states that "Suna" is an angel that we cannot see in the video. At the end, there is an acoustic version of the song that was suggested by Garcia to be the music style for "Suna", but the band decided to add it as the ending of the song.
- "El rumbo del mar"
- The fourth official video is one of the most acclaimed videos of Mar de Copas on the web. The video is full of pictures and recordings about the band's origins and where are they now. Some of the scenes on the video are: Live concerts in "La Feria del Hogar", "La Noche" and "La Estacion" in Barranco, the entrance to Villa Ruby, live recordings and their fans. The video was produced and edited by Gerardo Cristobal.
- "Un dia sin sexo"
- The fifth official video was the most transcendent video made for a Peruvian movie with the same name. The video features clips from the movie and former member Claudia Salem before she left the band. The song was number 1 for 7 weeks in Studio 92 (Peruvian radio station). The video was produced and directed by Frank Perez-Garland.[10]
- Other videos
- There is an early demo video version of "Tras esa puerta" and 2 not official videos of "Fugitivo" and "Perdido" made by an independent director and by "La Pontificia Universidad La Catolica del Peru" respectively.
- "De tierra" DVD
- First DVD Peruvian production of a live unplugged concert played in 2004. The DVD has 17 songs that are not usually played in concerts. These songs are called "caletas" by their fans. It features videos, rarities, interviews and TV appearances. [11]
| Album | Statistics | Songs |
|---|---|---|
 |
De Tierra DVD
|
Songs
|
Earlier Projects
- "No Name" was a Beatle tribute band formed in 1981 by Luis Garcia, Mario Gomez, Joseph Newell, Daniel Padilla and Coco Mariazza.
- "Narcosis" was a punk band that lasted 8 months and was formed in 1984 by Luis Garcia, Jorge Madueño and Cachorro Vial. Narcosis recorded 1 album "Primera Dosis" in 1985.
- "La Banda Azul" was a pop rock band formed in 1986 by Luis Garcia, Miguel "Coyote" Denegri, Edgar Cuentas, Augusto Castro and Manuel Garrido-Lecca. They recorded 1 album with Luis Garcia on vocals "Cuestion de Lugar" in 1987. [12]
- "Los Inocentes" was a band formed in 1987 by Manuel Barrios, Gustavo Jimenez and Toto Leverone. They influenced Mar de Copas and Los Trece Baladas.
- "Cimarrones" was a rock band formed in 1990 by Daniel Flores, Constantino Alvarez, Cesar Zamalloa, and Chevo Ballumbrosio.
Alternate Projects
- El Aire
- Rock band formed in 1996 by Jose Javier Castro on lead guitar and vocals, Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Manuel Barrios on guitar and Constantino Alvarez on drums. Some other artists that have helped the band are: Luis Sanguinetti, Adrian Arguedas, Gonzalo Farfan, Carlos Criminal, Crinsom Sinclair and Armando Andrade.
- Circo Ficcion/Avispon Verde
- Circo Ficcion was formed in 1996 by Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Ramon Perez-Prieto on guitar and vocals, Jorge de Tramontana on lead guitar, Constantino Alvarez on drums and Grimaldo del Solar on guitar. In 1997 Avispon Verde was formed by Rafael Morales on keyboards, guitar and vocals, Pierpa de Bernardi on drums and Cesar Zamalloa on bass. Both bands had only one album ever recorded.
- Los Trece Baladas
- Soft Rock band formed in 1998 by Manuel Barrios on guitar and vocals, Toto Leverone on drums, Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Abel "Capitan Pomada" Salcedo on guitar and Jorge de Tramontana on lead guitar. Los Trece Baladas arrange covers of "La nueva ola" and they have gained international recognition from their 2 albums: "Lo que un dia fue no sera" and "Volume 2". Some of the artists they covered are "Nino Bravo", "Jose Jose", "Leonardo Favio", "Jose Feliciano", "Camilo Sesto", "Nicola Di Bari", "Juan Gabriel", "Manolo Galvan", "Los Iracundos" and many others.[13]
- Los Hnos. Brother's/Ultramotor
- Los Hnos. Brother's was a Hard Rock band formed in 1999 by Cesar Zamalloa on bass, Eduardo Chaparro on vocals, Jorge de Tramontana on lead guitar and Hector Quintanilla on drums. Ultramotor is a Hardcore band formed in 2001 by Cesar Zamalloa on guitar, Constantino Alvarez on drums and Alfonso Montesinos on bass.[14]
- Luis Garcia & Fernando Chirinos
- Duo that sings and plays songs "a capella" (acoustic) of "Los Secretos", "Antonio Vega", "Pistones", "Duncan Dhu", "Gabinete Caligari", "Nacha Pop", "La Granja", "Metadona", "Narcosis", "Enrique Urquijo y Los Problemas", "El Ultimo de la Fila", "Mama", "Los Bolidos", "12 Garras" and "Radio Futura".[15]
Soundtracks
- "No se lo digas a nadie"
- The 1998 movie (Peru/Spain) directed by Francisco J. Lombardi featured 3 Mar de Copas songs: "LB", "Vaquera" and "Despedida". The novel was written by Jaimy Bayly and produced by Andres Vicente Gomez.[16]
- "Y si te vi, no me acuerdo"
- The 2001 movie (Peru/Germany) directed by Miguel Barreda Delgado and produced by Stefan Kaspar had 57 songs written and recorded by Luis Garcia.
- "Bala perdida"
- The 2001 movie (Peru) directed by Aldo Salvini and produced by Iguana Productions had 36 original songs by Manuel Barrios and 2 by Luis Garcia who edited the songs a year later.
- "Un dia sin sexo"
- The 2005 movie (Peru) directed by Frank Perez-Garland and produced by Fabrizio Aguilar had 5 Mar de Copas songs (4 of which were unreleased): "Viejo amor, nuevo amor", "Lisa en el espejo", "Llevame", "Falso amor" and "Un dia sin sexo".
Trivia
- The original name of the band was "As the Copas", but because "Rey de Copas" was a Spanish band, Barrios suggested to change it to "La Suerte". Garcia asked for "Mar" while having drinks on a bar in Lima. At the end everyone thought "Mar de Copas" was the most coherent name in all night suggested by Barrios. Weeks later, a radio DJ asked for a name while playing one of their songs, and the only name they all agreed was "Mar de Copas".
- At the end of the album "Entre los Arboles" there is a piano solo played by Luis Garcia. The piece was recorded while in session and Barrios asked Garcia to include it.[17]
- The song "Adios Amor" was inspired on the war between Peru and Chile. The theme is about a peruvian soldier who departured on his wedding night and died in the battle of Tacna.[18]
- Manuel Barrios' influences are Nino Bravo, Leonardo Favio, The Smiths, The Beatles, The Rolling stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Gabinete Caligari, Pistones, Fragil and R.E.M.[19]
- The album cover of "Suna" and all the pictures in it were taken by Manuel Garcia Miro in Scotland and the Netherlands.
- Luis Garcia has produced the albums for local band “Campo de Almas”. He has been invited to perform in some of their concerts.
- The song "Pais de tus Sueños" was inspired in the song "Vencidos" by Joan Manuel Serrat.
- At the beginning of the song "Vuelve Conmigo", there is an arabic piece from the 1970's.
- Until 2004, Mar de Copas finished almost every concert with the song "Cancion".
- Phoebe Condos has written a children's book called "Colores para franela".[20]
- Manuel Barrios is fan of Peruvian Football Club "Alianza Lima". [21]
- The song "Samba" features a rhythm of "Samba Argentina". [22]
- Manuel Barrios and Claudia Salem are married. [23]
References
- ^ [1]: The complete history of Mar de Copas (spanish).
- ^ [2]: The band (spanish).
- ^ [3]: Manuel Barrios profile (spanish).
- ^ [4]: Cesar Zamalloa profile (spanish).
- ^ [5]: Eduardo Leverone profile (spanish).
- ^ [6]: Discography.(spanish)
- ^ [7]: Phoebe Condos profile (spanish).
- ^ [8]: Claudia Salem profile (spanish).
- ^ [9]: Secondary musicians (spanish).
- ^ [10]: Mar de Copas videography (spanish).
- ^ [11]: Mar de Copas "De Tierra" DVD (spanish).
- ^ [12]: Luis Garcia profile (spanish).
- ^ [13]: "Los Trece Baladas" (spanish).
- ^ [14]: "Ultramotor" (spanish).
- ^ [15]: "Luis Garcia & Fernando Chirinos"(spanish).
- ^ [16]: Mar de Copas Soundtracks.
- ^ [17]: Mar de Copas songs & lyrics (spanish).
- ^ [18]: Mar de Copas Albums Commentaries (spanish).
- ^ [19]: Manuel Barrios influences (spanish).
- ^ [20]: Phoebe Condos "Colores para franela"(spanish).
- ^ [21]: Manuel Barrios Interview (spanish).
- ^ [22]: Interview in Peru.com (spanish).
- ^ [23]: Jose Manuel Barrios marries Claudia Salem.
External links
- Mar de Copas.com.pe - Official Website
- Mar de Copas Radio - Official Radio
- Mar de Copas Radio Lycos
- Mar de Copas Myspace
- Mar de Copas Cyloop
- Fan Club "La Lista" in Lima
- Fan Club "La Lista P"
- Fan Club in Arequipa
- Fan Club in Chiclayo
- Fan Club in Cusco
Band references
- Manuel Barrios & Luis Garcia - Official Intro
- Mar de Copas Interview - Narcosis & Mar de Copas
- Luis Garcia Interview - Intro to "De Tierra"
- Luis Garcia & fans "Un nuevo intento" Live
- Manuel Barrios & Luis Garcia "Mujer Noche" Live
- Manuel Barrios & Cementerio Club & Libido "La Maquina del Tiempo" Live
- Popurri "Recompensa-Perfume Barato-Heroe del delito"
- Lista P Cover "Falso Amor"
- Lista Y Mar de Copas Tribute
- Efektos Concert
- Studio 92 Anniversary
- Mar de Copas Live Acoustic songs
Music references
- Music Videos
- "Fugitivo (1993)"
- "Prision (1993)"
- "Tras esa puerta (1995)"
- "Mujer noche (1998)"
- "Enloqueciendo (1999)"
- "Suna (1999)"
- "El rumbo del mar (1999)"
- "Perdido (2004)"
- "Un dia sin sexo (2005)"
- "Lisa en el espejo (2005)"
- Live Videos
- "Palabra de honor"
- "Tras esa puerta"
- "No me imagino"
- "Sol soberano"
- "Despedida"
- "Si algo asi como el amor esta en el aire"
- "Prendi otro fuego por ella"
- "Devuelve un corazon"
- "El tiempo no pasa en vano"
- "Otra cancion/Con el mar/Recuerdos de una noche"
- "Pais de tus sueños"
- "Esos dias"
- "Balada de un encuentro fugaz"
- "Insurreccion"
- "Dejame"
- "Momento de ti"
- "La maquina del tiempo"
- "Ni por un segundo"
- "Cancion"
- "A Dios"
- "Entre los arboles"
- "Llevame"
- "Adios amor"
- "Sobre las vias del tren"
- "Al pasar de las horas"
- "LB"
- "Una historia mas"
- "Desconcierto"
- "Corazon de acero"
- "Aqui en el borde del mar"
- "Dulce y veloz"
- "Ramera"
