Ulises Bella, founding member of Latin alt-rockers Ozomatli and multi-instrumentalist, told us about his love for his Hohner 37 key melodica.
Ulises Bella: As a multi-instrumentalist for Ozomatli asking for what’s my essential gear? It’s kind of a trip to answer…I mean I’m mostly a sax/clarinet guy so it could go on for days of “shop talk” about reeds, mouthpieces, blah blah blah…but I’m going to give you a essential from my arsenal with some pizzazz with some “what the hell is that thing “ attached to it …It’s my Hohner 37 key melodica!
Yes, it’s an instrument that verges on being a “toy,” but ever since I heard melodica on songs from New Order to reggae melodica masters like Augustus Pablo, it gave me chills…I picked it up with heavy influence from the latter…its sound in dub music is faaaaaar out! I’ve added it to the live Ozo sound for many years now, and I can tell you that it’s the most asked about instrument. People are always like, ”What’s that thingy with the keyboard you were blowing into?” It’s a MELODICA maaaan!
Ozomatli is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Find out what they have in store at ozomatli.com.
