Kemuel Roig: Dos Almas

Cuban-American Latin jazz pianist Kemuel Roig presents a new solo album entitled Dos Almas ("Two Souls") documenting several originals in a repertoire that contains a selection of classic songs from some of his favorite Cuban composers. The album is an intimate personal journey delivering is own interpretation of Latin jazz music and his place in the genre. It is a reflection of love, nostalgia and musical grit. A master of his chosen instrument, Roig is a classically-trained pianist oozing with talent. Legendary pianist Chucho Valdes calls Roig a "Superman on the piano," while veteran jazz pianist and former Dean of the UM Frost School of Music Shelly Berg states "Roig is a perfect blend of virtuosity and musicality."

The album is of special interest to the pianist as he writes "I recorded music that has deep meaning for me, works that have marked my life over the years, by Cuban Composers I deeply admire and who are important in my life." Of the nine tracks on the album, the opening "Kenneth [Heaven's Gift]," "Historia de Amor [Para Noemi]," Kendrick [Blessed Child]" and "Home," are all original compositions dedicated to his wife and children. Being a religious person, the pianist also penned the finale tune of the recording "The Almighty," as a reflection of his own spirituality.

The compositions "Convergencia," "Quiereme Mucho" and "Alma con Alma," were originally written as vocal tunes and not instrumentals. Roig's approach and arrangement of these classics makes one wonder why vocals were needed at all, his performance on the keys was all that really mattered. One cannot truly record an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz album without including at least one danzón tune. Accordingly, Roig lays down the Abelardo Valdes composition "Almendra" satisfying that requirement in stylish fashion.

The album is a musical reminder of Roig's own proud Cuban heritage and the importance it undoubtedly plays in his personal and professional life. A talented musician and gifted composer, Dos Almas completes the journey the pianist has long sought to achieve. As he affirms in his own words, the music "Fills me with great joy and excites me to share. A recording that is a dream come true."

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