NIL LARA

NIL LARA [Author: Roberto Carlos Alvarez-Galloso]

I had the experience of going to a cultural fair which is held in Coral Gables Florida every first Friday of the Month. This occurred on the day of the 3rd of November 2007. As I arrived at the festival, there was a singer who I knew existed with songs that were familiar. The open air concert had an air of familiarity with the singer inviting people to enjoy the music.

His name is Nil Lara and his music which was written by him is a refreshing alternative to the fast food music churned out by the musical conglomerates. Nil Lara is one of the few US Latins born in the USA who has been able to combine the Old Cuban Trova Style Music with some of the Folk Rock Like Music that existed in an era when singer songwriters wrote from the heart.

After the concert, I had the opportunity to talk with Nil Lara and his band which was the equivalent of being in heaven while on earth. Their down to earth approach in engaging the public and the music won a convert. I bought his CD “Nil Lara” and a Silver Ring from his band [who had a kiosk at the side of the concert]. I also had the opportunity to obtain his autograph on my CD and he received my business card as a souvenir of the reunion. I am now a believer in his music and that his music is a beginning of a rennaiscence for great music.

Nil Lara’s song tells a truth that few people dare to express on the outside. “Money Makes the Monkey Dance” evokes a reality that exists in today’s world with our politicians and businessmen doing deals just to get the money regardless of whether the deal was a legitimate one or not. It is a song that exposes our leaders [or at least most of them] for what they have become, a group of faceless hypocrites who say anything to get elected only to break their promises. This also includes those who say anything to get into power only to destroy democracy and freedom and replace it with a puritanical dictatorship that controls all forms of thoughts and expressions.
It is this song that inspired me to think and do all that is possible for a better world.

“I Will Be Free” evokes the desire of people to be free to decide for themselves what they want in life without the interference of outside forces. It is an anthem for Universal Freedom that only an artist could express. “Baro” and “Vida Mas Simple” were other songs that evoke the greatness of Nil Lara.

“Baro” is one of the songs composed and interpreted by Nil Lara that draws from the Cuban Trova and Afro Cuban Beats which makes the song worth listening. The words to the song are also great.

“Vida Mas Simple” which was interpreted with the vocals of Nil Lara while playing his guitar evokes a desire of a return to a simpler life. It is this simpler lifestyle that is almost disappearing in the throngs of sordid ideologies and beliefs which torture the mind. “Vida Mas Simple” was an inspiration to go and find an alternative lifestyle that evokes relaxation and liberty. It is through the simpler things that one can attain personal liberty. “Vida Mas Simple” was a mixture of Cuban Trova, Bolero, and Folk Rock Music of the soft kind. In my opinion, this is one of Nil Lara’s greatest Songs for all eternity. “Vida Mas Simple” was one song that took over my soul.

Nil Lara was born in New Jersey to Cuban Parents and lived between the USA and Venezuela. During his life, he managed to absorb the cultures of Cuba, Venezuela, and the USA to create a truly new American Music which defies classification. Unfortunately our world does not allow such independence. Regardless, he has plowed the paths for future singers with album releases such as “Smile”, “My First Child”, “The Monkey”, “Nil Lara”, “Testimony”, and “DA” and tours throughout North America, Europe, as well as singing with greats such as Lenny Kravitz, Blues Travelers, and Natalie Marchant.


His music has even appeared in soundtracks for movies. One example has been “Fighting For My Love” in the Scrubbs Soundtrack. “Fighting For My Love” was another song that evokes the realities of today’s society. It had me reminding of my days of looking for a true love until I found it with my current wife Marlene.

“My First Child” reminds me of my daughter Veronica and I have played this song for her. She likes it since she is my first [and only child]. The songs called “Baby”, “Bleeding”, “Crawl”, and “Mama’s Chant” were also excellent.

Anyone who wants to see and hear a true singer songwriter for today’s era should see Nil Lara. Nil Lara will be an artist that people talk about in the future when all other stars have long disappeared from the limelight. Why? Because Nil Lara and His Music ARE THE REAL THING WITH NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS!!!!