Smiling C Presents ‘Caminatas’ a Documentary on Mexican Experimental Jazz Artist Germán Bringas

Smiling C shares an intimate documentary on Mexican experimental jazz artist Germán Bringas.

For the past few years, the Santa Cruz-based archival project (and one of our absolute favorite new labels) Smiling C has been sharing the stories and songs of many forgotten artists. Working directly with the musicians, the Smiling C crew has been keying in on a number of lost and overlooked innovators from all across the globe. With only six releases so far, they’ve managed to assemble a stellar catalog of musicians who took artistic and creative chances during their time and who could only fully be appreciated now. For 2021’s collection Tunel Hacia Tí they continue their streak in reanimating another incredible lost musical treasure.

The compilation features sixteen songs from Mexican experimental jazz artist Germán Bringas’ cassette-only ambient jazz opus, Caminatas (Hikes), its spiritual follow up, Exposción Al Vacio (Vacuum Exposure), and a number of unreleased works created between 1991-2000.

Some backstory: Bringas plays every instrument on the record and his compositions are largely informed by his synesthetic experience. He witnesses colors with every note, exploring a spectrum of hues and tones in his own sublime and fantastical world. The teachings of Carlos Castaneda, ECM, and sci-fi films are also present here, and Bringas channels these influences into trumpet, saxophone, synthesizer, and native Mexican instruments to create a truly singular sound.

We couldn’t be more excited for the release, and are proud to present Smiling C’s documentary showcasing the man behind the music.

Watch “Caminatas: La Historia De Germán Bringas” here:

Tunel Hacia Tí is available for preorder and stream via Smiling C:
https://smilingc.bandcamp.com/album/tunel-hacia-t

Smiling C: https://smilingc.bandcamp.com/