al andar
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The teacher, singer and Venezuelan cuatro player Holly Holden showcases her love of both London and Latin America with these 8 cultured tracks.
The dreamy spirit of “Te Vi Volar” opens with Holden’s expressive singing alongside the playful keys and mesmerizing cuatro, and “This Body Liquid” follows with Fabio De Oliveira’s frisky percussion that aligns with the layered instrumentation which swirls.
Halfway through, “Libertad” makes great use of Yelfris Valdés’ trumpet and Ernesto Marichales’ many percussive instruments via the festive delivery, while “I Went To The Mountain” employs Will Fry’s percussion and Greg Sanders’ keys amid the rich and melodic album highlight.
Close to the end, “Easy” has Holden playing nylon string guitar across the heartfelt mood, and “Leona” exits with so many percussive noise makers that complement the pretty vocals and cultured atmosphere.
The songs are sung in both English and Spanish, and the many esteemed players only heighten the experience of memorable and enlightening world music that’s universally enjoyable here.
Travels well with: Esbe- Mountain Aires; Tasha Smith Godinez- A New Day