Jose Vasquez ‘el Quevas’, An outstanding musician of Vallenato folklore, he died at the Bonadona clinic in Barranquilla, where he had been hospitalized since July 3.
Vasquez, 67 years old, was born in Fundación (Magdalena), but his life passed between the municipalities of Chiriguaná and La Paz (Cesar).
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During the last months, the artist presented health problems after a Liver cancer who had been suffering.
In this region he was widely recognized as ‘the father’ of bass players, for his excellent performance on this instrument and the guitar, which he learned to play from an early age.
“It is considered the backbone in the harmony of vallenato music. He was the first to do guitar solos in this genre. For us he was a great inspiration in this area because he revolutionized the way of playing vallenato with a different style”, highlighted Leo Salcedo, musician of Valledupar.
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During his prolific career he accompanied different groups and exponents of this musical genre, including Calixto Ochoa, Alfredo Gutiérrez, Jorge Oñate, Diomedes Díaz, El Binomio de Oro, Los Cumbiamberos del Ritmo, Los Hermanos López and other relevant musicians.
In this tour, Vásquez also became known in the field of composition for his emblematic songs ‘Colombia’, ‘I’ll keep loving you’, ‘That’, among others recorded by El Binomio de Oro.
“His guitar marks the introduction in the song ‘Sin meterdistances’ with Diomedes Diaz and his bass he added flavor to songs like: ‘La parranda es pa’ amanecé’, ‘La Candelosa’, ‘El Higueron’, with El Binomio de Oro. He was quite an innovator”, highlighted Paúl Bolaño, a Vallenato folklore journalist.
His death generated reactions in all latitudes of local, national and international culture.
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Singers, musicians, journalists, political leaders and followerss also lamented the death and expressed their condolences to the relatives of the artist.
“A great teacher left. A great person and a noble heart. His bass and guitar, his musical inspiration are the legacy he leaves us. We will always miss him,” he stressed. Jorge Celedon, who recently accompanied him at his residence.
The Circle of Journalists of Valledupar, which is carrying out an investigative work on his work for the Cultural Center of Vallenato Music, he also expressed regret for the artist’s departure.
“I was researching his musical history as one of the revolutionaries in this art. His work will be reflected in the museum of the Cultural Center of Vallenata Music that will open its doors next year. On behalf of our group of researchers, we express our condolences to the family of this innovative musician”, said Agustín Bustamante, member of the Journalist Circle of Valledupar.
Ludys Ovalle Jacome
Special for Weather
Valledupar