Mandrágora

Mandrake (Mandrágora in Portuguese) is the name of a plant withaphrodisiac and fertilizing virtues, a medicinal root whose fruit issimilar to a small apple. The root of the plant has a human form andaccording to popular belief, screams like people when it is torn from theearth.It is also the name of a young collective from Portugal, which isdistinguished by the creativity of their original compositions. Music thatevokes the Portuguese musical tradition, exploring the meeting with othercultures and still sounding a wide range of influences frommodern music.In 2006, the group won the Carlos Paredes award, confirming the merit ofthis work. The aim of this prize is rewarding the best instrumental musicalbum, given the importance it has for the strengthening of the Portugueseidentity and culture.A personal reflection about portuguese intangible cultural heritage andits appropriation by sound. This work is focused on new approaches to theoral Portuguese tradition. A very particular and contemporary perspective.

Musicians:Filipa Santos: saxophone, flutes, bagpipe, vocals, effectsMiguel Moreira: guitars, percussion, effectsJoão Serrador: bass, kalimbas, percussionJoão Martins: drumsSome performances:Babel Europe 2002 European Meeting of Young Traditional MusiciansParthenay, FranceTraditional Music Festival, Casa da Música - Porto, PortugalAtlantic Roots Festival, Funchal - MadeiraPlaza Mayor de Salamanca - SpainWinter Festival - Serpa, PortugalFestival Med, Loulé ,PortugalFesta do Avante, palco 1 de Maio - Seixal, PortugalFestival Maré de Agosto, Sta. Maria - Azores, PortugalMusical Residence and tour, Britanny - with Jacky Molard, FrancePorto Bairro a Bairro - Porto, PortugalEthno.ambient Festival - Salona - CroatiaFMM Sines - Mandrágora + Jacky Molard, PortugalFestival Tonalidades - Auditório de Espinho, PortugalManobras no Porto 2011, PortugalPlasencia Folk Festival 2012, Spain