Benito Cabrera's "Islópolis" Blends Tradition, Modernity in New Album

Benito Cabrera has a new book-album out called Islópolis, created by Multitrack. It transforms the idea of being an islander into a heartfelt experience that's open to everyone.

The album features 13 songs by Cabrera, who plays the timple (a traditional Canarian instrument). Some tracks are well-known, while others include guest artists like Cristina Ramos and Árgel Campos. It blends traditional sounds with modern ideas, showcasing Cabrera's creativity and sense of identity. He sees it as "a musical map of the Canary Islands and a vision of shared living through sounds, emotions, and journeys."

Islópolis was produced musically by Alberto Méndez, also known as el Naranja. Paco Chinea, the director of Multitrack, handled the executive production, and Carmen Corujo designed the artwork. Benito Cabrera will be performing a concert to launch Islópolis on November 27th at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna.

These details were shared yesterday at the Teatro Leal in La Laguna. Attendees included Benito Cabrera, Adrián del Castillo (the town's Culture Councillor), Cristóbal de la Rosa (Director General for Cultural Innovation and Creative Industries of the Canary Islands Government), Paco Chinea, and Sergio García de la Nuez, representing the musicians involved in Islópolis.

For this album, Cabrera collaborated with talented musicians like bassist Ehedey Sosa, flautist and Herreño whistle expert Pablo Díaz, percussionist and singer Sergio García de la Nuez, and guitarist Tomás Fariña. Cabrera, who also launched the Memoria Sonora de Lanzarote project this year, explained that Islópolis is based on the idea of the Canary Islands as open places where people have developed a way of life that connects them with other cultures, memories, and feelings.

Islópolis is presented as an imaginary city of sound, built with melodies and songs inspired by island life but reaching out to a global audience. The music includes both original songs and fresh takes on traditional pieces, creating a musical landscape that invites listeners to explore this unique city.

You can buy a physical copy of the album at multitrack.es and in bookstores like Lemus. It's also available to stream on all major digital platforms.