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Claudia Acuna: Luna
ByLuna
is an assembly of pieces in Spanish and English, with the better part of the songs sung in the former. Often this presents a problem for monolingual listeners. However, Ms. Acu'a's delivery is so engaging that it transcends mere language in the same way that most Opera does. Thus, "Esta Tarde Vi Llover" with its sand-shifting Latin rhythms and pianist Jason Linder's funky-Caribbean "Yesterday You and I" are equally challenging and enjoyable.Acuna's voice is a beautifully uncomplicated alto with a pungent distilled purity. The deep richness of her voice is maximized on the ballads "Tu. Mi, Delirio" and "Carita De Luna." Her voice dissolves into and recrystalizes out of the melodies and accompaniment on "Historias, " "Chorardo," and "Yo No Llevo La Razon." On the former, Ms. Acuna's voice melds with Linder's electric piano and the very fine John Benitez's funky electric bass. Benitez was the absolutely most perfect bassist to tap for this date.
"Yo No Llevo La Razon" features the soul of Latin music in percussionist Luisito Quintero. You might not be able to identify this music as Chilean, but you will not mistake it for Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Cuban. In the music of Claudia Acuna, melody and rhythm are on a more equal footing making the music less "hot" and more serene. This recording will certainly show up on many 2004 best-of lists.
Visit Claudia Acuna on the web.
Track Listing
Esta Tarde Vi Llover; Yesterday You And I; Tu. Mi, Delirio; Arrimate Mi Amor; Historias; Chorardo; A Meditation On Two Chords; Oceano; Yo No Llevo La Razon; Lilas; Carita De Luna.
Personnel
Claudia Acuna
vocalsClaudia Acu?a?Vocals; Jason Lindner?Piano & Fender Rhodes; John Benitez?Acoustic & Electric Bass; Gene Jackson?Drums; Luisito Quintero?Percussion; Jimmy Greene?Soprano Saxophone.
Album information
Title: Luna | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: MAXJAZZ
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