Cantar
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The drummer, composer and educator Dafnis Prieto aligns himself with the Grammy winning Brazilian Luciana Souza for these 10 tracks that span very cultured jazz ideas that are sung in 3 different languages.
“Guajira en Sol” opens the listen with bright singing and warm keys that are complemented by frisky percussion and occasional winds, and “When I Miss You” follows with a very intimate appeal that uses plucked bass strategically amid the dreamy winds and very gentle climate.
“To The Concert” occupies the middle spot and displays swift vocal acrobatics, before thumping drums and firm keys populate the rhythmic landscape, while “Brisa” emits gorgeous piano and soothing winds that bursts into a dynamic version of jazz that flows with melodies and adventurousness.
“The Muse” and “Guajira en Lu” exit the listen, where the former is quite soulful, and builds into a lush, harmonic album highlight, and the latter incorporates some rock influences into the brass filled and timeless jazz inspired finish.
Prieto handles drums, percussion, vocals and direction, and he’s also joined by Peter Apfelbaum (winds, melodica, percussion, keys), Martin Bejerano (piano), and Matt Brewer (acoustic and electric bass). Together, they make for both instrumental and vocal-friendly pieces that populate this 9th album as leader for Prieto.
Travels well with: Ben Markley Big Band With Ari Hoenig- Ari’s Funhouse; Hal Galper Trio- Invitation To Openness