Visión
Ovation, 2022
8/10
The revered pianist-composer-arranger Oscar Hernandez brings us 10 new compositions penned during the pandemic, where his band, Alma Libre, illuminate his Latin inspired song craft.
The title track opens the listen with bright brass and playful percussion as plenty of rhythm populates the liveliness, and “Ritmo Pa’ Ti” follows with meticulous piano guiding the soulful trumpet and world music flavor.
Further down the line, “Make The Move” bounces and shakes with plenty of colorful instrumentation and exciting percussion, while “Tributo al Son” continues the creativity with hypnotic keys alongside dreamy flute prowess.
Deeper still, “Spring”, the album’s best, is layered sublimely but with a strong adventurousness that makes great use of vibraphone, and “Virtually Here” exits the listen with no lack of grooves amid the dynamic and diverse delivery.
It’s certainly no surprise that Hernandez is a multi-Grammy winner, and he’s also the leader of the esteemed outfit Spanish Harlem Orchestra. His inimitable skill is certainly present across this entire listen, making it some of the best Latin jazz you’ll hear anywhere.
Travels well with: Shedrick Mitchell- What Do you Say; Roswell Rudd & Duck Baker- Live