Alex “Apolo” Ayala Channels His Ancestors On Debut Album, “Bámbula”
Bassist Alex “Apolo” Ayala has made a statement with his debut album as a leader, entitled Bámbula. The record is a celebration of his Afro-Puerto Rican heritage while also serving as a tribute to his late mother and grandmother.
Bámbula translates to “the memory of a forgotten place” from Kikongo – one of the Bantu languages spoken by the Kongo people of Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Gabon.
“[Bámbula is] the act of re-remembering who you are as a person, tapping into the collective unconscious. The Bámbula is the oldest known rhythm of the Bomba complex,” Ayala shares.“Bomba is the music that our African ancestors brought with them to the Americas. It is the most authentic expression of Puerto Rican Blackness.” Each of the songs reflects on identity and pays homage to his ancestors.
Whether he’s crafting bass lines or weaving intricate solos, Ayala’s playing on the album is rhythmically mesmerizing. His punchy tone is reminiscent of Christian McBride’s attack, although his melodic voice is his own.
Hear some of his playing and the background on the project in this EPK:
Bámbula is available now on CD and as a digital download (iTunes, Amazon MP3, and Bandcamp).
Bámbula Track List:
- Bámbula
- Jíbaro Negro
- Bozales
- Café Y Bomba Eh
- Matriarca
- Agosto
- Ma, Bendición
- Las Caras lindas
