Tranquila is an interesting world music album, featuring voice, guitars and drums, to present a journey through the life of Chavela Vargas. The voice of Celeste Alías is accompanied by Santi Careta (guitars) and Oriol Roca (drums). While liner notes are few, my on-line research indicates that Tranquila has songs of freedom, love and life, a party for the dead, a celebration of the life and death of a key figure in the world of popular music, Mexican singer Chavela Vargas. The year 2022 celebrated the tenth anniversary of her death.

Isabel Vargas Lizano (17 April 1919 – 5 August 2012), better known as Chavela Vargas was especially known for her rendition of Mexican rancheras, but she is also recognized for her contribution to other genres of popular Latin American music. Chavela was a pioneer of the LGBTQ universe, and this album travels through his life conveying biographical passages, reflections and confessions. These reveal the meaning of some of her songs, such as the well-known “Macorina” which was a clear queer claim of the time. She also had hits like “El último trago,” “Volver, volver” and “Juan charrasqueado.”  Celeste Alías reinterprets these songs with new insight to acknowledge the legacy and character of this great inimitable lady.

Following her “Celeste Sings Antonio Machín” show, she now returns to the stage to pay homage to Chavela Vargas.  Costuming, choreography and drama add excitement to the show, and one might want to search You Tube for some video of the performance. Celeste Alías puts her face, voice and name to this celebration, exploring new sounds accompanied by the talented guitarist Santi Careta and drummer Oriol Roca. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)