I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS

...we've got the means to make amends. I am lost, I'm no guide, but I'm by your side. (Pearl Jam, Leash)

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Nil Lara's quiet residency in Miami

Over the months since I first posted about Cuban-American musician Nil Lara, I've gotten a steady stream of comments from folks who remember his music, liked him a lot, and wonder what happened to him. Well, for several months now he's been quietly playing a monthly show at the Transit Lounge in Miami around the first week of each month for those so inclined.

I wrote about him, "Lara is soulful and passionate and sings like his heart is burning. Add in heavy doses of warm & layered Latin percussion, traditional Cuban and Venezuelan string instruments, and his soaring chants and vocals (in a combination of Spanish and English) - and I was hooked."

I Will Be Free - Nil Lara
(I still absolutely love this song, put it on mix tapes gratuitously)

Check him out, my Floridian friends:
NIL LARA
TRANSIT LOUNGE
THURSDAY JUNE 7 2007

17 Comments:

At June 03, 2007 8:30 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

bailemos heather...

This is one of those songs/artists that rhythm addicts look for in the summer...and lyrics too! Thank you.
_____________________

"come dance, cause my hand waits for your lead"~The Damwells

 
At June 03, 2007 6:15 PM, Blogger aikin said...

Generally, Latin music has worn out its welcome in my life (I feel like my parents: "It all sounds the same!"), but Nil Lara definitely sounds like something different.
If I get a chance next weekend, I'll check out the show.
thanks!

 
At June 04, 2007 8:23 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

I'm so glad this guy pulled out of his tailspin of depression. He is the King of Local Miami Music.

 
At June 05, 2007 6:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been switching between "I Will Be Free" and "Vida Mas Simple" on mix tapes for over ten years now and I nearly danced out of my pants when I heard his music being used on a Scrubs episode. Please keep us posted if he comes out with anything new!

 
At June 07, 2007 10:25 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW! Awesome - His CD is one of the best over the last 10 years - just love it. "My First Child" is my mix tape tune - just love that tune.

 
At June 08, 2007 8:16 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At June 08, 2007 8:18 AM, Blogger Unknown said...

Show was great last night. I caught the last set which was half acoustic and then he called up 'his backup band' (Birdman on Bass and his old drummer from the 90's, don't remember his name) and they raised the energy to Steven Talkhouse levels. Dude hasn't lost it and is now sporting quite the Fidel beard. This was the place to be if you wanted to Rock in Miami like it was 1996. All of the oldtime Miami crew was there and I couldn't believe some were still alive. Thanks for the heads up.

 
At June 12, 2007 4:05 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

I saw Nil in Chicago 10 years ago opening for Big Head Todd. It was one of the finest performances I've seen of any sort. I wish everyone had access to him, as his talent and lyrical passion are unmatched in anything I've come across since. I don't live within a reasonable distance, or I'd love to see him. To those able to see him, make sure he knows he's appreciated.

 
At June 16, 2007 6:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I saw Nil and his band sometime in 1997 or 8 at the Miami Hardrock Cafe. Before the show I introduced myself and Nil introduced me to his family. I knew instantly he was a man of class.

The show was mind boggling. Virtually the entire audience sang along. It will go down in my memory as one of the greatest musical experiences of my life, and that says a lot!

Thank you Nil, and remember, it isn't only Miami that loves you, but it is anyone who has ever heard your music. Come to Chicago and I'll introduce you to my family!

Peace,
Ron

 
At July 08, 2007 8:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't forget San Francisco -- we'd be so very happy if Nil would come out our way!!!!

 
At September 16, 2007 1:21 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've heard 3 songs, read 2 "bios" and I am totally wanting to see him perform live. Hooked. See you at a show next time he's in Chicago. That would be worth a drive from Dekalb, unless he'd rather play there. ;-)

Rock on Nil...

 
At September 28, 2007 8:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

NIL LARA IN NEW YORK CITY
@ THE BITTER END
147 bleecker street
greenwich village . new york . usa

SAT. NOV. 17 2007 @ 8 pm
MON. NOV. 19 2007 @ 7:30 pm

THANK YOU.

 
At October 01, 2007 2:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

First saw Nil with "KRU" at Fire & Ice in the early 80's (Was blown away)...Then saw him blossom in the late eighties/early ninties with his shows at Stevens Talkhouse and Rose (Was always blown away)...Was thrilled when he was singed for his major label debut and I still listen to his CD's in the car on road trips....And nice to see
that he is still around (I moved away from South Florida several years ago); One of the greatest musical artists that South Florida has produced over the past 30 years....God Bless Him

 
At November 17, 2007 8:58 PM, Blogger aubree smith said...

i saw nil in burlington vermont in 1995 or '96. he opened for someone famous - maybe it was the dave matthews band; my memory fails me. anyway, when he sang "fighting for my love" it was truly a revelation. i also love fuego for its simplicity. i hope to see him play again.

 
At February 10, 2008 6:59 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am hoping that Nil Lara will be in New York in 2008. Can you let me know his Tour Dates? I really miss his music.

 
At April 26, 2008 10:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

nil lara unplugged

nillara.blogspot.com

www.nillaraa.us

THURSDAY MAY 1 2008
@ TRANSIT LOUNGE . MIAMI

MONDAY APRIL 19 2008
@ THE BITTER END . NYC

 
At September 18, 2008 10:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nil had 2nd CD out in 2007, I believe; but after taking with the best record store out here in Austin recently (Waterloo), seems it was pulled or never really officially released??? They had tried to stock it twice; not even available now? Anyone know the scoop? His first is one of my favorites. 9/18/08 Cluster Chuck

 

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