Luz
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The bassist, arranger and composer Mauricio J. Rodriguez puts a very creative spin on Latin jazz here, where Gabriel Hernández Cadenas (keyboards), Zachary Bornheimer (saxophone) and Adrianna Foster (vocals), among many others, accompany him.
“Casualty” starts the listen with graceful keys that emit much beauty as soulful sax enters the cautious jazz climate, and “Monday” follows with flowing brass and crisp drumming as the bright textures weave in and out of the agile delivery.
“Claudio” lands in the middle and enters cinematic territory that benefits from elegant and meticulous guitar playing alongside incredible bass playing and firm keys, while the title track resonates a dreamy quality and poetic singing in the album standout. “Wednesday” then displays sublime skill amid the proficient piano, playful bass plucking and moving brass.
Residing near the end, the cultured version of “My Funny Valentine” puts a worldly twist on the classic with some gorgeous singing, and “Vocalize” exits the listen with wordless singing accenting the swift pace of frisky drumming, bouncy keys and charming bass work
Rodriguez has lived in Cuba, Venezuela and the United States, and he brings influences from all those locations into this memorable and diverse listen where his experiences in the Fervet Opus Jazz Quartet, the Aragua Symphony Orchestra and the Guisando Caliente Latin Jazz, Fusion Beat make for a remarkable listen.
Travels well with: Andre Ferreri Quintetto- Numero Uno; Gabor Lesko- Earthway