Martin Simpson

Andre Stephen

Bio


Alma Libre (Spanish for Free Soul ) is an apt description of this dynamic group co-directed by Andre Stephen and Martin Simpson. These two musicians met in 1983, while attending the same college. However, it wasn't until 1992, through a chance meeting, they discovered their mutual fascination with "World Music" and the diversity of the nylon string guitar.


When performing as a band, Alma Libre is joined by some of Vancouver's finest and most versatile musicians, such as bass players Danny Parker, Chris Tarry and Marc Rogers, percussionists Jack Duncan and Raphael Geronimo, drummers Randall Stoll and Phil Belanger, and keyboardists Lou Mastroianni and Chris Gestrin.


With the release of their extremely successful self-titled debut CD, "Alma Libre", and their second CD, "Precious" the band has been in great demand. Some highlights in Alma Libre's history have included opening for the Rite of Strings ( Al DiMeola, Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty) at the 1995 Vancouver du Maurier Jazz Festival, performing with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1997, a 2001 West Coast Music Award Nomination for "Best World Release" & "Best Instrumental Release", as well as many song placements in movies and television.


Whether in live performance, on television or radio, Alma Libre's unique sound captivates the listener.



Reviews

"In recent years the big temptation for acoustic guitar-led bands has been to play ever faster and flashier, at the expense of feeling. Alma Libre has the intelligence and taste to buck that trend. Precious, the duos second recording allows plenty of room for the melodic lines to develop in an unforced way.

Tony Montague "Georgia Straight"



"Alma Libre predates the current fascination for flamenco pop and Latin rhythm and no doubt will continue to hone their immaculate playing and smoothly contoured arrangements when it's over.

Tom Harrison " The Vancouver Province"



The sound on the band's self-titled CD is impeccable-you can feel the rolling bass lines and hear each echo-laden slap of the conga. Just as impressive are Alma Libre's musical chops. Either the band's members were born to play together or they've been practicing a lot. Alma Libre lets its music do the talking, and it has plenty to say.

Mike Usinger "The Vancouver Courier"



For the entire Vancouver du Maurier Jazz Festival (2000), Alma Libre was our top selling artist. You beat out the likes of Holly Cole, Johnny Lang & Cesaria Evora! Way to go. Throughout the festival I had the pleasure of seeing a bit of every show as I ran from venue to venue, and I have to say yours was the one that made me stop in my tracks and listen.

Christine Richichi, HMV



I had the honour of working successfully with the group on a collaboration with the Vancouver Symphony in July 1997. The concert was held at one of our favorite outdoor venues - and the audience went wild! The professionalism and musicality of Alma Libre was complemented by their enthusiasm and the group's incredible organizational talents.

Clyde Mitchell, VSO



Alma Libre made their debut on our program back in 1995 and the CD has been featured many times since then. The disc was not only well received by us, but by our listeners across Canada and the USA.

Ede Wolk, CBC Radio Two




Back to Index