¡Spangled!
Nonesuch, 2019
8/10
Now here’s an impressive collaboration, as Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno aligns her sublime bi-lingual vocals with musician, arranger and composer Van Dyke Parks. Together, the pair offer 10 tracks that span more than a century and draw in countless influences south of America.
“Across The Borderline” starts the listen with Jackson Browne in the elegant and timeless setting of soulful, nostalgic sounds that bring in strings and woodwinds, and not long after “The Immigrants” follows with bright brass and a festive setting that is actually a protest song at its core.
In the middle, “Nube Gris” shines with a cinematic quality alongside vocal acrobatics in the timeless waltz, while “I’ll Take A Tango” certainly gets dance friendly amid cultured melodies on the Harry Nilsson tune.
Towards the end, “El Sombreron (Revisited)” offers beautiful tension in the dynamic and meticulous instrumentation, and “O, Cantador” flows with a universal grace and smooth vocals. “Esperame En El Cielo” ends the listen rhythmic and dreamy in their superb interpretation of the Puerto Rican song.
A very diverse listen, while Latin American sounds certainly dominate the record, orchestral nods are present as are big band sounds as the 37 year old Moreno, and 76 year old Parks prove that quality music stands the test of time regardless of where it originated.
Travels well with: Lake Street Drive- Bad Self Portraits; Lyn Stanley- London With A Twist