Familia
Greenleaf, 2024
8/10
The drummer Rodrigo Recabarren, bassist Pablo Menares and pianist Yago Vazquez come together for this sophomore album that unites their Chilean and Spanish heritage for 9 worldly jazz tunes.
Vazquez’s warm piano starts the listen with the rich and energetic “Santiago”, and “Terra” follows with dancing keys and Menares’ agile bass that emits much grace.
The middle belongs to “Aninovo”, where a mesmerizing spirit flows from the firm keys and Recabarren’s swift drumming, while “Viaje” is more cautious via the mature piano progression and light bass plucking that’s quite cozy.
Deeper into the listen, the emotive and pretty landscape of “Lazo” tugs on the heartstrings, and “Después De Todo” showcases finger acrobatics from Vazquez that align superbly with the thick bass plucking and crisp drumming.
A record that’s steeped in the rhythmic language and folkloric ways of the Spanish speaking world, all 3 musicians bring their respective skills to a globally embraceable affair.
Travels well with: Lucas Pino- Covers; Carlos Henriquez- A Nuyorican Tale