Friday, January 24, 2014

CD Review: Gina Chavez' 'up.rooted'

Gina Chavez
up.rooted
Self-Release

Texas-based, Gina Chavez, brings together a classy, folk-riddled, alt-pop concoction of Latin-esque jazz tones and playful cumbia, reggaeton, and jam band music on her latest release, up.rooted. The punchy guitar sounds, clear voice, and Latin-influences are something interesting, enchanting, and memorable. When the Spanish vocals take over, there is an element of a more refined Shakira that pops up. At other times, there is a vintage pop element that is catchy, sensual, and sweet in the vein of UK's Katie Melua. This is not your typical conga and bongo Latin music, since Gina knows innovation and follows her heart for musical direction. This is a great world music compilation with lively strings, percussion, horns, guitars, bass, B3, moogs, and more. This is new world music for a new world. Overall, the reverberations resound with a Latin fire that never ceases to amaze. ~ Matthew Forss

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