Kirineoc was born from the artistic connection established between Kepa Junkera and the Cobla Sant Jordi of Barcelona following the presentation concert of Fok (2017). The initial repertoire, selected by Kepa and agreed upon with the Cobla, gave shape to a process involving Pep Moliner in logistics coordination, Jordi Molina as co-producer, Kepa himself and, especially, Pedro Lamas in charge of the arrangements. Lamas —a gaiteiro (bagpiper) and saxophonist— already knew Kepa well from the Galiza tour (2013) and took on the challenge of adapting nearly twenty compositions in barely a month. His knowledge of the cobla tradition and his creative freedom made it possible to explore new sonic territories without losing the essence of the original repertoire.

The recording, directed by Jordi Molina, led the Cobla Sant Jordi to confront the challenge of projecting these works into the present through a renewed musical language. The instrumental combination —five brass instruments, one fipple instrument, one string instrument and four double-reed instruments— generated a rich timbral blend whose warmth unexpectedly matched the trikitixa perfectly.

It was not the first time the Cobla had ventured into this kind of fusion: they had previously collaborated with Pascal Comelade, Niño Josele, Joan Albert Amargós and Roger Mas, consistently demonstrating a remarkable ability to break down stylistic boundaries.
The duo Ballaveu, formed by Patri García and Xavi Rota, appears on two of the pieces, continuing the collaboration initiated in Fok and in previous concerts by Kepa in Catalonia. Their vocal contribution adds a close and human dimension to the whole, reinforcing the project’s Mediterranean flavour and identity.

The album was recorded at the 44.1 studios in Girona, with all musicians performing simultaneously. Kepa worked from a separate booth, later adding several adjustments on the trikitixa. Following his usual rhythmic thoroughness, the entire session was recorded to a click track in order to achieve a compact and accurate sound.

Record label: Discmedi Blau. Production: Kepa Junkera & Cobla Sant Jordi.