Gaia Nostra

Gaia NostraRarely the term ‘boundary crossing’ could be applied to a new album, but this time it fits Gaia Nostra’s impressive debut album. Two female singers, with a wealth of musical baggage, pour out their hearts on the amazing debut called Hold You Once Again. A collection of eleven compositions which will take you around the world.The foundation for this project was laid down nine years ago, when Gaia Nostra vocalists Eva and Roos met each other at a part-time vocal course. They continued their musical journey on the conservatory of music; a trip that took them through various kinds of pop and rock, with sidesteps to classical music, country and folk richening their interests. This journey stopped at traditional world music, the breeding ground that would start a new project: Gaia Nostra. A project in which they could pour their musical preferences, ranging from pop to folk, world music and rock.Averse to any musical ‘labels’ the debut resulted into an album on which the ladies of Gaia Nostra wrote unique songs and worked with two befriended arrangers (T. Langedijk and W. Koster) who rendered classics like ‘Scarborough Fair’ (Simon & Garfunkel) and ‘The Times Are A-Changin' (Bob Dylan) into contemporary new versions, combined with the original material, adapted traditional folk songs and even a Spanish prayer song. All was intented to keep the original feeling intact while giving these songs a new ‘Gaia Nostra’ sound. Immersed in an intriguing musical bath, which links a commercial pop- and new age sound with Celtic, Spanish, Hebrew and Balkan influences, Gaia Nostra’s debut album has become a CD that will attract a wide audience.Flamenco guitarist Gil Lopez shares the same musical and cultural interests as both vocalists. He directly connected with Gaia Nostra’s music and was asked to produce the album. Drummer Nop Ton, who has worked with the girls for years, was also co-producing the album. Spanish star Hevia, known from his fabulous skills on the Gaita bagpipe, fell in love with the music and contributed to the track ‘The Times Are A-Changin’. German flutist Praful (Project 2000, Zuco 103) was excited as well and performed the tin whistle and bansuri parts. He can be heard on the title track of the Gaia Nostra debut.The first single will be ‘Emma’. The album Hold You Once Again will follow shortly after. For Gaia Nostra 2008 is all about an extensive tour, accompanied by a full band, that will take them to the clubs as well as theaters throughout the Benelux countries.