CD Review: Florencia Gonzalez' 'Between Loves'

Florencia Gonzalez
Between Loves
ZOHO Music

Uruguayan-born and New York resident, Florencia Gonzalez, is a talented composer, performer, instrumentalist, and singer, but showcases her instrumental side on Between Loves. Florencia presents us with a thrilling selection of six original tunes and one cover by Hugo Fattoruso. Florencia plays tenor sax throughout the album, while other musicians play trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone, piano, bass, and drums for s truly South American jazz experience. The musical notes waft between tango, candombe, big band, and Latin jazz styles that are rather laid-back, but full of life. As a Berklee College of Music graduate and New England Conservatory graduate with honors in jazz composition, Florencia knows a thing or two about engaging, historic, and cultural music. The entire album is around forty-minutes in length, but it seems to incorporate a variety of textures and melodies to keep everyone very satisfied. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hot Club Of The Americas' 'Federico Britos Presents...'

Hot Club Of The Americas
Federico Britos Presents Hot Club Of The Americas
3 Knocks Entertainment

As a tribute to the music of The Hot Club of France and led by violin-wielding Federico Britos, the Hot Club Of The Americas, brings us a world-class recording with North American jazz sounds, Latin elements, South American folk, and Cuban percussion for a spectacular result. A native of Uruguay, Federico knows how to liven up any composition with earthy strings, bouncy rhythms, and jazzy interludes that are full of vivacity. A dozen songs feature a host of guest musicians, including Hendrik Meurkens, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Antonio Adolfo, in addition to the regular line-up of Federico, Jorge Garcia (guitar), Felix Gomex (piano), Renyel Rivero (bass), Edwin Bonilla (percussion), and Carlomagno Araya (drums). In short, there are plenty of Gypsy and Latin-influenced jazz with a good deal of folk and classical thrown in rather appropriately. The  mostly instrumental album reinvents the jazzy 1960's era with engaging, moving, and lounge-ready songs that sway along in a lazy manner like a sultry, mid-summer afternoon on a quiet, Havana beach. Anyone with a fascination in world jazz and Latin/Gypsy concoctions will love Hot Club Of The Americas. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alma Afrobeat Ensemble's 'Life No Get Dublicate'

Alma Afrobeat Ensemble
Life No Get Dublicate
Slow Walk Music

Following the previous release, Toubab Soul (Amphora Records, 2010), Alma Afrobeat Ensemble continue in their multicultural and cross-genre creative work of music that combines heady rhythms with contemporary vocals and mixed percussion, urban, and guitar styles. Nothing is simplified here, as the music is complex and deeply-rooted in the musics of Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The six-track release contains pulsating sounds of jazz, funk, Latin, and world fusion. The rippling guitars and fuzzy percussion awaken the spirit amidst the smooth bass lines and punchy brass. Based in Barcelona, Spain, the group members hail from other parts of the world, including Norway, Senegal, USA, Uruguay, Argentina, and Ghana. For a true world music listening experience, put Life No Get Dublicate on and hit repeat over and over again. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Beatriz Aguiar's 'Nomade'

Beatriz Aguiar
Nomade
Felmay

The smooth and sultry voice of Uruguay's Beatriz Aguiar is romantic and unforgettable. In the same manner, the instrumental hooks are equally enthralling. Her voice is accompanied by strings, piano, guitar, accordion, percussion, and bass. The classical, string sounds are breezy and contemplative. The militaristic "Manzanilla," contains a nice drum-beat and moving vocals. This is familiar music to fans of South American session or jam music. Think Ruben Blades meets Bach. However, this is fairly unique overall, as Beatriz' voice is fluid, dynamic, and supple. The music is classical, jazzy, and pop standard all the way. Fans of Beatriz will rejoice with this one. Others unfamiliar with Beatriz' work will quickly find out how much they've been missing. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Guarco's 'Fiebre' Heats It Up

Guarco

Fiebre (Fever)

Self-Released

Guarco's Afro-Uruguayan-infused concoctions are musical gems of South American delight. The rock-centric 'Rey De La Selva' opens the set with a rousing chorus and catchy melody. 'Que Paso' melts into a 'Hotel California'-like instrumental ending, even though there is no clear connection to the Eagles' hit song. Guarco ventures into the world of trip-hop and Latin downtempo on 'Creeds In The Sky,' which is wholly instrumental. The dub-step, trance and funk of 'Esta Heavy Man' is also a bit jazzy; but ultra-cool. Perhaps the most creative and in-your-face lyrics are found on 'Immigration Papers'. The Weezer-like ballad, 'Never Stray Away From Home,' adds a little alternative flavor to the already spiced-up album of infectious, catchy, and groovy licks. Fiebre is littered with good sounds, English and Spanish lyrics, and numerous musical influences, including candombe, rock, dance, and others. You will find yourself happily suffering from 'Guarco Fever.' ~ Matthew Forss