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Pianist Arthur Hanlon concluded his intimate U.S. tour while in Los Angeles last month, when he performed a romantic set and announced his new album, Viajero, which brings together the best of Latin American music through a piano.

The event took place at the Mint in West Los Angeles, where the pianist of Irish descent offered an intimate concert to a very select audience. Accompanied by a great dinner and glass of wine in a dimly lit ambiance, the guests were able to enjoy the artist’s deft fingers as he played the piano during the finest pieces in his repertoire.

Elegantly dressed, Hanlon started off with a classic pop tune in Spanish, “Hijo de Luna,” making reference to Spain. He continued with songs that were most representative of Latin America and other classic songs like “Para Los Niños” and “Amigo” by artist Roberto Carlos followed, which Hanlon stated were the first Latin songs that inspired him.

The sounds of his piano were accompanied by two musicians who played the violin and conga.

Hanlon played his new song, “Viajero,” for the first time, which is the first single to be released from his new album of the same name. Viajero comes with a DVD that showcases his traveling experiences in different countries, whilst in search for new songs. The album goes on sale through digital platforms in March in the U.S. as well as Europe and Latin America.

In his exclusive interview with Living Out Loud- Los Angeles, Hanlon speaks about Viajero, which collects the essence of the music that is most representative of some Latin countries, as well as Europe.

“This is a very interesting album. I literally went to Mexico and traveled all over Latin America as well as other Latin countries in Europe such as Italy, Portugal and Spain, to find people, speak with musicians and producers and to find the best songs that fit my musical taste and record them in my own version.”

The production for this album was very unique, as the pianist traveled to several countries in search of new songs. Hanlon states that it was a field trial experience, where he connected physically and emotionally with the roots of those countries.

“I went to Mexico and spoke with Armando Manzanero. We were in his studio and the streets, and I found a song, ‘Huapango de Moncayo,’ and recorded that version in Mexico and in Spain with flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía in his house, and it was very alluring. Each country had its own rhythm. I went to Rio de Janeiro to discover samba and bossa nova; cumbia in Colombia; and tango in Argentina.”

The mixing and assembly of the album was done in Miami, but the songs were recorded in their respective countries.

“The piano is an instrument, but to me, it’s a vehicle, and it is my mission to transport people into another realm or another place. So with this album, we literally went to these nine countries and tried to make magic with the music.”

Hanlon plans to continue his intimate tour in Latin America. Even though he is Irish, Hanlon’s connection with Latin music has been there from a young age, which is why he paid homage to it in Viajero.

“Music is universal, and with my piano I want to bring everything together. In terms of music, it’s really all about chemistry. I, myself, am Irish American with an insatiable passion for Latin music.”

Viajero will be available in March. For more information, visit arthurhanlon.com.

Karen Cruz contributed to this story.

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