As this is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I would like to acknowledge Lhasa de Sela.

Lhasa de Sela was an amazing and unique artist who died of breast cancer on January 1 of last year at the age of 37. Lhasa was a multi-language artist with her own philosophy. She used her poetic gifts in a way that fused her heritages. Check her music and you too may fall under her spell.

http://lhasadesela.com/lhasa_de_sela/menu.php?lang=en

There have been many artists paying their respects to Lhasa de Sela recently. I especially like Esmerine’s tribute. They have captivated the essence of Lhasa with beautiful details such as the album title and including Lhasa on the closing track. While many artists mourn her passing somberly, Esmerine is instead, a celebratory album, embracing Lhasa’s spirit. It thanks Lhasa for her grace and tenderness.

“La Lechuza” features guest artists, such as harpist Sarah Page and percussionist Andrew Barr (members of Lhasa’s band), and Mark Lawson (Arcade Fire) on production. The music makes for tasteful melodies that bring nostalgic emotions. The last track performs an important duty as it keeps her voice and legacy alive, allowing audiences to hear her one last time, as a goodbye. In the end, La Lechuza has the feel of a gift for her family, friends and fans.

I would like to finish by quoting Beckie Foon, cellist of Esmerine and close friend of Shala de Sela. “We all laughed a lot with Lhasa, and she definitely helped me take life less seriously. It’s hard to summarize anything about this without sounding cliché, but Lhasa had a true sense of wonder and enchantment about life that was unique and powerful and had, and continues to have, a profound impact on everyone”

Leave in peace Lhasa. You will always be remembered..