La Bruja
Brontosaurus, 2022
8/10
The proficient vocalist Lauren Henderson embraces Black American Music across these 11 well thought out tracks, where the Latin jazz standards all benefit from an Afro-Latinx experience that recruits many skilled players.
“Perfidia” gets the listen off to an energetic start, as John Chin’s flowing piano and Eric Wheeler’s strategic bass complement Henderson’s expressive pipes, and “Veinte Anos” follows with just Nick Tannura’s melodic guitar accompanying the poetic singing.
Further down the line, “Así” showcases Joe Dyson’s agile drumming in the subdued, romantic climate, while “Amistad” recruits Joel Ross on vibraphone for the lush, mysterious album highlight that’s full of so much dark beauty.
Closer to the end, the frisky spirit of “Deseo” illustrates a meticulous rhythm section amid Henderson’s superb enunciation, and “Silencio” exits with Wheeler’s plucked bass and Chin’s bright keys helping make for a cultured, memorable finish.
This is Henderson’s 9th album as leader, and it’s a worldly affair that illustrates a profoundly captivating voice that breathes new life into Latin traditionals and fuels very diverse originals, too.
Travels well with: Nicole Henry- Time To Love Again; Chiara Izzi- Live In Bremen