Maro At Barcelona Jazz Festival

Maro
Luz de Gas
Barcelona Jazz Festival
Barcelona, Eixample District
November 22, 2023

Mariana Brito da Cruz Forjaz Secca, professionally known as Maro, is a composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer from Lisbon, Portugal, whose distinctive artistic prowess, refreshing songwriting and unique voice have set her apart from any other sound on the market. The artist was performing at the Festival Jazz de Barcelona, where she presented the album horteã.

Having received classical training as a pianist from an early age, the artist obtained both the Conservatory Diploma and High School Diploma by the age of 17. Following her studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Maro transitioned to regularly performing as a singer and songwriter.

The following year proved to be a pivotal moment for the musician, which led to the release of her debut album in three volumes: Maro Vol. 1, 2, & 3, while her sophomore release, it's OK, came outat the end of 2018. After a 4-year hiatus, the artist resurfaced with a third studio project, can you see me?

An exceptionally creative and curious artist, Maro commenced honing her skills as a self-taught guitarist, which later became a vital instrument in her compositional approach, in addition to her exquisite songwriting dexterity.

As per the album hortelã, the final result is a look within oneself aimed at promoting growth and vulnerability to move ahead, almost akin to an exercise in sadness which the audience received, au contraire, with enormous zeal.

Maro's concert took place at the chic venue of Luz De Gas, located in the Eixample District. Renowned for hosting a diverse lineup of live music events, Luz De Gas is situated within an antique theater. The venue boasts an intimate and lively ambiance, accentuated by lavish chandeliers, elegant red velvet curtains covering the main stage, and a centrally located bar for the audience to enjoy the show while savoring their preferred beverage.

The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial in the fairly small, albeit intimate room, as a host of mainly young attendees took their spots at the front of the stage, excitedly awaiting Maro and guitarists Darío Barroso and Pau Figueres to appear. At 20:30 sharp, the trio emerged from the backstage and took their seats while the attendees welcomed them with a warm round of applause. Before the music began, the artist cheerfully expressed her gratitude to her fans for attending the show.

Maro's guitar trio brought an alluring, eerie aura, opening the concert with the gloomy hues of "oxalá." Segueing the opening number, Barroso and Figueres took a few moments to tune their guitars as Maro interacted with her audience, letting her witty sense of humor shine through. Playfully, she remarked that the opening songs of the repertoire were among her more "depressive" works, whereas the second half would be livelier, ensuring the audience would "go home happy."

The boss anova-infused "fui passo calculado" commenced with a few light guitar plucks complemented by Maro's stunning, warm vocals. "just wanna forget you" showcased the artist's stirring lyricism, interchanging languages that emphasized the tapestry of guitar melodies recounting a tale of heartbreak and recovery. "há-de sarar" allured the audience into the aftermath of heartbreak, adorned with exquisite Middle-Eastern scales and arpeggios, accentuating the musicians' skills and Maro's intense interpretation, which surpassed the album version.

Several highly respected and talented names in the jazz scene joined Maro on stage as surprise guest artists, including multi-instrumentalist Rita Payes Roma who performed "ouvi dizer," songstress Silvia Perez Cruz,—"juro que vi flores,"---singer and musician Pol Batlle offering his remarkable interpretative talent for "something bout tomorrow," and Spanish singer—songwriter Judit Neddermann providing the lead vocals for "hortela."

Subsequently, Maro took a brief respite from the stage, allowing supporting artists Barroso and Figueres to present two compositions, which revealed their impressive musical expertise through intertwining chords and entrancing melodies.

As the musician revealed, the upcoming themes would be a groovier and more rhythmically centered section of her repertoire. The trio offered a medley of songs from Maro's 2022 album can you see me? The audience was invited to sing along to the soulful renditions, including "we've been loving in silence," infused with ethereal vocals, the title track—as the artist explained—was a homage to her grandparents and delivered with emotive depth, and lastly "am i not enough," rendered with haunting, breezy, layered vocals. The compositions were rearranged to a jazzy key, suiting perfectly the trio's sound and the ambiance of the concert.

In a stunning finale, accompanied by surprise guest artists, Maro returned to the stage for a conclusive encore. The performance consisted of a blend of the song "saudade" and a rendition of Coldplay's "Fix You," to which the audience partook enthusiastically.

The artist's guitar aptitudes, bewitching the audience with enticing melodies that lingered long after the show, were particularly noteworthy and a testament to her burgeoning talent. Maro's capability to connect effortlessly with her audience was one of the high points of the show; the amusing interludes and engaging quips unveiled her relatable magnetism.

Maro's excellent performance undoubtedly left an unforgettable impression on all the attendees, while her natural charisma was captivating, leaving everyone anticipating her future performances.

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