BIO
The irresistible acoustic groove of Golpe Tierra bases its sound on the philosophy that, when we come together in music and dance to “beat the earth,” we are truly celebrating the act of community. Nick Moran, Juan Tomas Martinez, Tony Barba, and Richard Hildner make up this guerrilla-style ensemble, employing the traditional Afro-Peruvian guitar-bass-cajón set-up. The group embarks on a musical journey throughout Latin-America, flirting with blues, jazz, and shades of soul. This uniquely-presented original and traditional music is sure to get you out of your seat to dance!
ALBUMS
THE BAND
Richard Hildner Armacanqui
has studied and played extensively with one of the leading world exponents of the Afro-Peruvian cajon, Juan ‘Cotito’ Medrano and also studied in Peru with the legendary Afro-Peruvian guitarist/bassist/composer, the late Maestro Carlos Hayre. He currently plays with a wide range of musical groups such as the Acoplados Latin acoustic duet, the Brazilian Pagode band Grupo Balanca and is the guitarist for Natty Nation.
Nick Moran
has performed with a diverse collection of internationally renowned acts, including Jorge Drexler, Ben Sidran, Lee ‘Scratch‘ Perry, Clyde Subbelfield, David ‘Fathead‘ Neuman (Ray Charles’ sax player), Ana Laan, Juan ‘Cotito’ Medrano (Susana Baca, Novalima), dance hall pioneers Chaka Demus and Pliers, and hip hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc. In 2001, Nick was honored to record and perform with master of afro cuban percussion and Grammy Award winner Roberto ‘Vizcaino” Guillot. In 2014, Nick was awarded Isthmus Jazz Personality of The Year by mayoral proclamation.
Tony Barba
Tony’s career has spanned many genres and bands as a much in demand freelance woodwind specialist, performing and recording on saxophone, clarinet and flute with many diverse artists such as Bon Iver, Glen David Andrews, Pete Yorn, Josh Ritter, Escort, Kirk Knuffke, Andrew Hill, the Glen Miller Big Band, David Murray, and Tony Malaby. As a member of the Youngblood Brass Band, Tony has completed many tours and played numerous festivals throughout, Europe, the United States, Canada, and Africa. He initially joined Golpe Tierra on their inaugural trip to Camaguey, Cuba and since then has been bringing a whole new layer of complex textures to the acoustic sound of the trio.
Juan Tomás Martínez
With a 20 year musical career, he has participated in more than seven CDs as a percussionist, vocalist and arranger. He has seasoned his musical talent on the madrilean nightlife with an afro-caribbean attitude, has been part of the world-touring spanish band Canteca de Macao for almost ten years, combining it with other projects like Blueskank and El Sombrero del Abuelo. He has performed at various music venues around the world, from Argentina to Morocco, from ChicagoChicago to Berlin and shared the stage with well known artists in the world music scene such as Aureliano Martinez or Ojos de Brujo.
