Latin Jazz Meets Opera
Zoho, 2026
9/10
Listen to Latin Jazz Meets Opera
The baritone singer Christopher Sánchez and Soprano Jazmine Saunders take plenty of help for this personal album that tells the story of Sánchez’s life, which details how Latin rhythm, opera and jazz have influenced his identity.
“Quien Será” starts the listen with Sánchez’s animated voice alongside Edgar Martinez Ochoa’s lively percussion for the rhythmic climate, and “Carmen’s Habanera” follows with Dayramir Gonzalez’s mesmerizing keys amid Saunders’ soaring pipes for a colorful delivery.
“Unforgettable” occupies the middle spot and showcases Giovanni Siveroni’s rich trumpet that suits the cozy delivery of the classic tune, while “Bachata Rosa” blends the elegant strings with charming percussion and romantic singing.
Closer to the end, “The Shadow Of Your Smile” makes great use of Carlos Mena’s strategic upright bass that complements the violins and viola, and “The Christmas Song” exits with a global Christmas song that’s heartfelt and executed with much eloquence and warmth.
An album that a lot of work was put into, the setting moves from Afro-Caribbean rhythms, cinematic bouts and operatic storytelling all under a Latin jazz umbrella that’s textured superbly.
Travels well with: Roberto Montero- Todos Os Tempos; Livio Almeida- Brasilia Sessions