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: Gabriela Pepino's 'Let Me Do It'

Gabriela Pepino
Let Me Do It
Tratore Music Brasil

The Berklee College of Music-trained singer, Gabriela Pepino hails from Brazil, but her musical influences are far-reaching. Gabriela brings a unique soul, blues, and jazz swagger that is refreshing and sultry at the same time. For instance, "I Just Wanna Make Love To You," is a bluesy tune with a sultry voice amidst a jazzy backbone. The laidback "Dose Of Scotch" is classy, jazzy, and folksy. "If I Lived In France" contains a bit of contemporary café music with a bit of French suavity that melds with Brazilian jazz and a bit of quasi-reggae. "Headache" opens with a few horns and glittering guitars with soulful vocals and show-tune-type backup singers. "Baby" begins with jaunty piano and a snare drum with blurby bass and a Regina Spektor-type vocal intro. However, the music moves into a more blues vein at times. This is not a typical Latin, Brazilian, or South American album. It contains a blend of blues, jazz, pop standards, and soul that is incredibly memorable and fun for everyone involved. Fans of great music will love it. It's that simple. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Newpoli's 'Tempo Antico'

Newpoli
Tempo Antico
Beartones

Founded by members that studied jazz at the Berklee College of Music, Newpoli create a folksy form of traditional Italian music with classical instruments, jazzy tunes, and spritely vocal calisthenics. The brisky vocal medleys are akin to the same vocal acrobatics of Finland's Varttina. Many of the songs have historical roots dating back to the fifteen-hundreds, while some originate from the early nineteen-hundreds. The instrumentation is full of classical flavors and medieval minstrelsy. There are thirteen tunes that represent vocal music traditions of operatic and folksy proportions. The giddy instrumentation, bright vocal deliveries, and diverse percussion represent a solid repertoire that is unforgettable. The female vocals are emotive and lively. Tempo Antico is a Mediterranean pleasure with medieval origins and academic backing. ~ Matthew Forss