Havana Nocturne
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The multi-Grammy winner Aymée Nuviola returns with an all star cast along for these Latin influenced jazz songs that are as warm as they are timeless.
“Imágenes” opens the listen with Hilario Bell’s light drumming alongside Nuviola’s stunning, expressive voice, as Kemuel Roig’s playful keys enter, and “Novia mia” follows with Jose ‘Majito’ Aguilera’s well timed percussion amid the cultured singing that makes for a dreamy climate.
In the middle, “Obsesión"” allows for Nuviola’s pipes to soar with much power, while “Quédate” moves swiftly and highlights Julián Ávila’s meticulous guitar that shines in the rhythmic album highlight.
The final two tracks, “Me contaron de ti” and “Vete de mi”, are equally well executed, where the former is intimate and ebullient with rich textures that illuminate Lowell Ringel’s bass, and the latter finishes with strong attention to mood and dynamic interaction between the esteemed players.
The tracks here take cues from the Cuban musical Filin, and the romantic jazz nods are certainly present and appreciated as Nuviola and company bring much passion and emotion.
Travels well with: Greg Ward’s Rogue Parade- Dion’s Quest; Ben Wolfe- Unjust