Searching For A Memory
Ashé, 2023
8/10
Listen to Searching For A Memory
The Grammy nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa brings along Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola, plus special guests, for these songs dedicated to his father, Charlie Figueroa, the ‘50s romantic singer.
“Como Arrullo De Palmas” opens the listen with Nuviola’s expressive voice and Miguel Zenon’s lively sax making for plenty of cultured melodies, and “Tú Serás Mia” follows with John Daversa’s bright trumpet amid Ludwig Afonso’s animated drumming for the very playful landscape.
Further along, “Busco Tu Recuerdo” spotlights Ricardo Rodriguez’s skilled bass that complements Figueroa’s soaring pipes, while “Culpa Al Destino” places Felipe LaMoglia on tenor sax and Francisco Dimas on trumpet for the timeless, frisky jazz appeal.
The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint either, where “El Ultimo Suspiro” allows Nuviola’s sublime voice to shine amid Figueroa’s inviting percussion, and “No Llores Mas” exits with a raw original recording of Charlie’s work.
Figueroa turns his father’s romantic boleros into modern Latin jazz tunes that embrace son, plena/bomba, samba, cha-cha and good old fashioned jazz, and it’s a great gesture towards a life cut short too soon.
Travels well with: Doug Beavers- Luna; The Rodriguez Brothers- Reunited Live At Dizzy’s Club