Under A Lavender Sky
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
Listen to Under A Lavender Sky
The Texan-Peruvian singer Ermelinda Cuellar brings along an excellent cast for these warm and flowing jazz standards and lesser known Spanish roots songs.
“Poinciana” opens with Cuellar’s expressive pipes and Jere Jackson’s fluid drumming emitting much melody, and “Echos Of The Past” follows with a quick bout of cultured song craft that recruits Darrell Lavigne’s cozy piano and Sam Dinkins III’s animated percussion.
Halfway through, “Agua de Beber/Water To Drink” spotlights Horace Alexander’s well timed flute alongside Anthony Caceres’ skilled bass via much rhythm, while “Midnight Sun”, the best tune present, benefits from Andre Hayward’s rich trombone that suits Cuellar’s powerful and eloquent pipes.
“Maria Lando” arrives close to the end and makes great use of Steven Barrett Sills’ sophisticated cello that complements the sublime intimacy, and “Sol De Medianoche” exits with Young’s animated sax and Greg Petito’s spirited guitar amid the heartfelt singing.
A timeless effort in the area of jazz, Latin jazz and Spanish influences, the wealth of harmonies and grooves makes every track worth repeated listens .
Travels well with: Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart; CeCe Gable- Love On The Tyrrhenian