Album Notes

Primal rhythm, swirling dancers, ancient instruments and futuristic technologies blend with mythic archetypes and alternative rock to create a musical, visual, sensual experience. Kan’Nal’s “Shamanic Rock,” conveys the power of these spectacles.

For years, songwriter/vocalist Tzol was drawn to explore Mexico and Central America. On one particular journey in early 2001, Tzol met guitarist Tierro in the village of San Marcos on the magical lake Atitlan. Writing songs and performing together in Guatemala inspired them to capture their vision on an album.

After recording the first Kan’Nal CD in Tierro’s hometown Toronto, the two returned to lake Atitlan the following year. At their very first show, they were joined by songwriter/bassist Rodolfo Escobar and performance artist Teresita Hinojosa. With this addition Kan’Nal gained a new visual and mystical dimension. Living together near the lake, all four drew inspiration from the beauties and hardships that surrounded them.

One by one the group encountered the others destined to join their tribe. Aaron Jerad, another traveler on “La Ruta Maya,” came into the picture while they were visiting the Yucatan peninsula. His foundational percussion and solid didgeridoo playing added further elements of trance and rhythm Leaving Mexico they added Gilly Gonzalez, whose ferocious drumming had made him a figure of legend in Texas. Completing the circle, artist and dancer Akayate joined the band in Colorado. Her gift for costume design and movement enhanced the band’s visual and storytelling elements.

One people, one color, one earth.

The Band:

Tzol: Vocals, lyrics, and rhythm guitar.
Tzol\'s voice ranges from angelic to primal, powerfully expressing the vision and inspiration he finds from a deep connection to the earth and nature.

Tierro: Lead guitars.
Blending spanish gypsy, native trance and psychedelic leads, Tierro is a world traveler and an artist of sound.

Rodolfo: Bass.
Captain of Fun and king of the groove. If you\'re not dancing, then Rodo\'s going to have to use his super powers on you.

Teresita: Performance.
Part gypsy dancer and part fire dragon, Teresita lights the stage with her ceremony, poetic flows and performance art.

Gilly: Drums and percussion.
Somewhere in-between Animal and Zakir Hussain, Gilly drives an intense tribal beat embellished with intricate middle eastern flavor.

Aaron: Didgeridoo, percussion, and samples.
Offers foundational rhythm and deep presence carried in the hypnotic sound of the didge.

Akayate: Performance and design.
A seeker of balance in both movement and design, Akayate is subtle and precise, a ninja of dance theater.