Anam CARA: SOUL FRIEND
Trio pROJECT, 2016-
A Gaelic concept that translates loosely as soul friend, Anam Cara is an ongoing musical collaboration project led by Anjeline de Dios (vocals), Ryan Villamor (piano, harp), and Tusa Montes (kulintang, percussion) based in Manila, Philippines. It is a space of spontaneous musical and lyrical conversation between different instruments, genres, and sensibilities guided by an open-ended dynamic of listening—of connecting across distance and difference. At heart, Anam Cara locates soul in the organic resonance between inner and inter-subjectivity, and proposes improvisation as an emergent practice of friendship with oneself and with others.
As a core trio, Anam Cara has performed frequently at Tago Jazz Cafe from 2016 with a repertoire of extended improvised sets and interpretations of jazz and folk standards. In 2017 they staged a two-hour special performance at the UP Vargas Museum, featuring existing work as well as improvised collaborations with artists Pauline Vicencio-Despi (visuals) and Buboy Raquitico (dance), and improv jazz duo Project Yazz. A harp/vocal sub-unit (Villamor and de Dios) likewise performs and records under anam ćara principles of attunement and sonic contemplation. Here are a few recordings of Anam Cara’s in-studio sessions and jams from 2017-2019.
Image: Buboy Raquitico and Anjeline de Dios at ‘Anam Cara at the Vargas’, 6 August 2017. Photo by Dayang Yraola.
AWAY (JAM)
Kulintang, Keys, Vocals2018
Recorded live at the de Dios residence, Manila, Philippines on 17 April 2018.
COMPOSING MODE (JAM)
Djembe, Keys, Vocals2018
Recorded live at the de Dios residence, Manila, Philippines on 17 April 2018.
DANCE FOR THE END OF THE WORLD
Harp, Vocals2017
Improvised and recorded live at Soundweavers Studio, Manila, Philippines on 27 December 2017.
HELP YOURSELF
Harp, Vocals2017
Improvised and recorded live at Soundweavers Studio, Manila, Philippines on 27 December 2017.