Over the last decade Ariel Hernandez has sought to marry his passionate interest and love of Traditional Folkloric South American music with the ever-changing, challenging form of Jazz. Hernandez was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1977. He moved to Ireland in 2004, where his versatility as a composer and performer have led to a number of musical projects in Ireland and abroad. Presently, this love of Argentinian Folkloric Music and Jazz, have brought about some wonderful collaborations as well as personal ensembles across two continents.
His colaborations and compositional projects are as colourful and versatile as his musical history:
Alongside Dermot Dunne (Accordion), Hernandez (Guitar and vocals), has established a wonderful duo that explores Argentinean Folk and Tango.
Again, with a strong South American influence, Lunfardia is an etxraordinary 5 piece ensemble that brings together the talents of international players: Dermot Dunne (Accordion), Ioana Petcu-Colan (Violin), Frank Vidal (Percussion), Malachy Robinson (Double Bass) and Ariel Hernandez (Guitars and vocals).
Led by Conor Gulifoyle, Havana Son is a culturally diverse , dynamic group playing Cuban "Son", the precursor to the ever-popular Salsa. As a sound very much driven by the Cuban guitar (Tres), Hernandez not only plays this instrument, but lends his vocal talents to the ensemble, playing original and authentik pieces.
Playing and composing not only with well established Jazz professionals in Ireland, but also the cream of young talent emerging from the ranks, Hernandez has contributed to musical projects alongside Ronan Guilfoyle, Conor Guilfoyle, Phil Ware, Greg Felton, Dave Redmond and Sean Carpio.
Working together with Caroline Moreau and Oleg Ponomarev, Hernandez moves easily from energetic Gypsy music and sultry French Chanson to melodramatic Astor Piazzolla compositions. Both ensembles carry the weight of experienced and vibrant musicians who perform regularly to a dedicated audience.
Whilst in Argentina, Hernandez recorded several CDs with two popular groups. The innovative Grupo Huancara : poets and artesan musicians who explore and test the sounds of their creole and pre-colombian instruments with intellect and spirit, bringing these ancient instruments into our century by combining original compositions based on Folklore music's traditions. At the time Hernandez composed and arranged most of the band's repetoire.
With a foot more firmly in the past, Banda de Skuris El Ombligo gave their own interpretation of the music of the Altiplano from Argentina and Bolivia to Peru, Chile and Ecuador. Hernandez was at the inception of this group and arranged for strings, winds instruments and percussion.
For full calendar of shows click Here
