Ricano
Ropeadope, 2023
8/10
The first formal album from the saxophonist, singer and composer Jonathan Suazo, the 10 rich tracks here welcome a large cast of players for the playful Afro-Caribbean listening experience.
“Somos más que tú” opens the listen with Josean Jacobo’s rowdy drumming and Eduardo Zayaz’s warm piano populating the cultured climate, and “Héroes” follows with Suazo’s fluid singing amid Otoniel Nicholás’ frisky percussion that emits plenty of melody.
The middle spot belongs to the soulful alto sax from Miguel Zenón and Giovanni Ortiz’s spirited bass as the setting builds into a swift delivery, while “Don’t Take Kindly” enters a more rock focused area that benefits from Kike Serrano’s Afro Puerto Rican percussion amid the soaring wordless vocals.
“Dharma” arrives near the end and is quite intimate thanks to Génesis Dávila’s expressive voice and Rafael Rosa’s swirling guitar prowess, and “Amapola” exits with a distinct dreaminess that uses Suazo’s elegant alto sax superbly alongside the cozy atmosphere.
An adventurous listen that’s rhythmically appealing and possesses the ability to shift in tone from track to track, Ricano makes for an exciting and worldly listen.
Travels well with: Hery Paz- Jardineros; Javier Nero Jazz Orchestra- Kemet (The Black Island)