Gonzalo Rubalcaba/Dongfeng Liu

China Afro Cuba

Zoho, 2024

9/10

Listen to China Afro Cuba

Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Dongfeng Liu bring their skilled piano playing to these 8 diverse songs that employ a ‘non-traditional interpretation of traditional music’.

The dreamy and playful dueling pianos of “Jasmine Flower” starts the listen with much grace, and “Kangding Love Song” follows with a hint of rumbling and much playfulness that balances firm versus soft gestures.

Closer to the middle, we’re treated to the heartfelt “Lofty Mountains And Flowing Waters”, which mesmerizes us for 8 minutes, while “Lofty Mountains And Flowing Waters” showcases tremendous beauty via the meticulous fingers of the duo’s inimitable talents.

Landing near the end, “Ode To The Yellow River” is a colorful and artistic album highlight, and “Colorful Clouds Chasing The Moon” exits with melodic progressions and strong attention to detail that puts rhythm and energy front and center.

A diverse effort that doesn’t shy away from folk songs, grooves, pop and balladry, every moment is filled with dynamic, thoughtful playing.

Travels well with: Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions; Sharon Isbin- Live In Aspen