Bio
You would be hard-pressed to find another music group that so elegantly expands the styles of traditional Mexican Folk the way that Grupo Bella does. With an ever evolving sound, the quintet brings their own interpretations of Mexican Folk with a depth supported by adept musicianship and sheer passion. Their instrumentation is familiarly Mariachi, which is thrown for a loop with an enticing fusion of Mexican Pop, Boleros, Huasteco, and even an American Classic influence. But don't take these few styles as a limitation, they're only the cusp of what Grupo Bella has to offer. The creation of the band's style seems almost serendipitous, paying homage to music of the past while pushing the boundaries and carrying on the legacy of a sound with a vibrant history.
Formed in 2011, Grupo Bella is fronted by Grammy award winning vocalist and Grammy nominated composer Vanessa Ramirez. As founder of the group, Vanessa serves as lead vocalist, jarana/guitarist, and musical director. Her original compositions distinctly reflect her Mexican heritage and tell the stories of a young woman living in a modern and diverse Los Angeles. As an independent ethnomusicologist, Vanessa frequently travels throughout Mexico with Grupo Bella harpist and vocalist Michael Tejada, researching folk music and uncovering new influences for original compositions. The life of these compositions is supported by the likes of Diana McConnell (guitarron), and Maria Reyes (vocals/violin/melodica).
The group boasts an often forgotten aspect of musicianship in modern music: being a truly talented live performance and touring group, which is where they shine most. Grupo Bella's live resume includes numerous shows in the United States and Mexico.
Grupo Bella is currently working on their second album, consisting of all original songs composed by Vanessa Ramirez.
She describes the project as "a unique experience of blending the old Musica De Raiz with new and fresh sounds that are inspired by our daily lives as young multicultural musicians in Los Angeles"