Gaby Moreno, a Latin alternative musician, was joined by actor Oscar Isaac on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for a performance of ‘Luna de Xelajú’. The song was first released as a single last March ahead of her EP ‘X Mi (Vol. 1)’. Moreno has received multiple Grammy nominations and also co-wrote the theme song for Parks and Recreation.
During the performance, both Moreno and Isaac played acoustic guitar and sang in Spanish, backed by a four-piece band. ‘Luna de Xelajú’ is a celebrated Guatemalan song, considered the 2nd anthem of the country, written by Paco Pérez in 1944. Isaac was also born in Guatemala, moving to the United States as an infant and becoming an American citizen in 2006. He has previously displayed his musical talents in the title role of the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis.
In an interview discussing the performance with Moreno, she said: “Just two voices with two guitars, singing together this timeless, sweet, and nostalgic song from our motherland.” A full-band rendition of the track will be included on Moreno’s upcoming album ‘Dusk’, released on February 16.
Isaac has previously discussed the song’s significance, saying: “My grandmother Graciela Argentina Nicolle de Estrada would perform ‘Luna De Xelajú’ in the concert halls of Guatemala. Growing up it was always hummed or sung as a lullaby by my mother Eugenia, and was a favorite of my uncle Guillermo’s. I’m grateful to Gaby for asking me to share this song as a way of honoring my family and all of Guate.” The performance has garnered praise from fans and critics alike for both the beauty of the song and the emotional significance for both artists.
The performance can be found on The Tonight Show’s website or on YouTube
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