My high school was situated directly opposite the largest music store in Costa Rica, Instrumentos Musicales Bansbach. As you can imagine, I probably spent more time inside the store than in the classrooms.
There, I managed to befriend several people, including Don Dotti, the administrator, and Diego Fournier, who was in charge of the piano and keyboard sections, among many others.
In 2016, while I was still studying guitar and not yet a fully-fledged musician (though I hope to be one someday), Diego invited me to see his son perform at Amon Solar.
He shared that his son lived in New York and was a xylophonist, working as a producer and full-time musician. Diego, an accomplished pianist himself, was very proud of his son and wanted me to meet him and listen to his performance.
One of my best friends, another remarkable pianist, producer, and composer named Alberto Zuluaga, was keen to attend the concert and record it for Diego.
What followed was one of the most amazing jazz concerts I have ever attended. That’s quite a statement. Years later, I even had the opportunity to briefly spend time with David Garfield and Alex Ligertwood.
The following year, Felipe went on to win a Latin Grammy for the album ‘Las Caras Lindas’ with Mariachi Flor de Toloache.
Today, after years away from the limelight, I feel a deep, melancholic longing for those times when I played live. But also for those moments when I attended concerts as an audience member, utterly captivated by the composition, virtuosity, and sheer magic of the music.
Costa Rica is brimming with art and music. Behind each performance lie years of practice, effort, and dreams, transforming notes, melodies, and harmonies into experiences for all to enjoy.
It’s in those moments, whether sharing unique performances from the stage or as a member of the audience, that I feel the greatest happiness and fulfillment.
I hope to return to playing live soon
