About Us Florecer came together in 2011 to record "Arboles y Amores" and have received international airplay on shows such as "Mundofonias" (Radio Exterior de España, Madrid), "Los Mas W" (W Radio, Bogota), "Folk Music and Beyond" (KALW, San Francisco), and "Spin The Globe" (KAOS, Olympia). We began recording "Diamantes En La Grama" in April 2013 and had finished eight tracks when we lost our friend and collaborator Rafael in a car accident. We had intended to include several of his songs on this CD, but unfortunately they hadn't been recorded yet. We miss him very much and dedicate this project, especially "Amigo", to his memory. Artist Statements Mark Baum (vocalist): "Each of these songs is a jewel lost in the grass of time. They shine with an inner light and move me deeply. And like master jewelers, my three friends have given each one the perfect setting." Zack Pitt-Smith (woodwinds): "These songs take me to another space and time. I love exploring the connections between these songs and the Brazilian choro and Jewish klezmer traditions. It was a joy to record these gems with such gifted musicians." Jeremy Allen (bass): "There is a simple, understated elegance that I find captivating in these songs. Be it the delicate imagery of verse or the syncopated lilt of the bambuco, each offers so many sources for creative inspiration." Rafael Manríquez (guitar): When Rafael heard "Lamparilla" for the first time, he felt it was old-fashioned and sentimental. But after we worked on it together, he fell in love with the depth of its emotion – as he did with each of these songs. Credits Produced by Mark Baum Recorded at Musiquito Studios Engineered, edited, & mixed by Jeremy Allen Mastered by Mike Bemesderfer Cover photo "Two Dew Drops" by Michael Whitaker CD design by Jules Kobelin