Malpaís is a band from Costa Rica. The music of Malpaís is part of the Costa Rica-contemporary compositions work, called by the band "Costarican new song". The musicians are trying to relate the concept to the early folk and protest folk tradition of Latin America, mixing musical structures of regional and local folk genres such as calypso and tambito with easy-listening jazz (breaks and progressions) and romantic lyrics inspired in Latin American songwriters in order to be perceived as if they are built on the solid tradition of their musical roots. The group takes its name from the most remote, jungle-cradled beach on the north-Pacific Nicoya Peninsula—the beach at road’s end.
Although the band has decreased its musical output, it continues to perform live shows and musicals.
Members
Current members
Jaime Gamboa — Bass, backing vocalist
Iván Rodríguez — Violin, mandolin, backing vocalist
Gilberto Jarquín — Drums
Manuel Obregón — Piano, keyboard, marimba, caracol, backing vocalist and former Costa Rican Minister of Culture (2010–2014, under the administration of Laura Chinchilla, elected president of the ruling party). Carlos "Tapado" Vargas — Drums, percussion Daniela "Dani" Rodríguez— backing vocalist
Former members
Patricio "Pato" Barraza
Bernardo Quesada
Fidel Gamboa (Deceased 28 August 2011)