Que Paso
Leggero, 2025
9/10
The Cuban singer-songwriter and guitarist Victoria Cardona makes an impression with this debut album, where some excellent guests help flesh out the 11 diverse songs.
The lively title track starts, and recruits Tim Goodman’s playful organ and Kevin Ricard’s playful percussion that suits Cardona’s expressive pipes and intricate guitar, and “Ghost” follows with Jimmy Haslip’s skilled bass alongside Cardona’s flowing keys and no lack of rhythm.
In the middle, “Rhodes Royale” welcomes Rene Camacho’s baby bass prowess amid Caronda’s steel drum and bright storytelling, while “Tuesday Rain”, the album’s best, is full of melody courtesy of Nick Lane’s well timed trombone and Bill Bergman’s strategic saxophone.
“El Carretero” lands near the end and showcases Billy Payne’s meticulous piano and plenty of backing vocals amid a festive mood, and “Spanish Moon” exits with a busy and dense, rock appeal that mixes guitars, wind and brass with the dynamic rhythm section.
The abundance of Cuban rhythm, jazz, rock and world influences makes each tune here unique in its own right, and Cardona’s immense skill is highly appreciate and timeless.
Travels well with: Tim Jago- Time Shift; Marc Ciprut- Moonshine