Ester Andujar: Inner Songs

Ester Andújar Rico's album Inner Songs is a mesmerizing journey through language, culture, and emotion. Andújar effortlessly transitions between Spanish, Valencian, Portuguese, and English, making each track feel like an intimate conversation across borders. Even if you are not fluent in all of the languages, the album provokes introspection on how language modifies the listener's perception of music.

Andújar's vocals carry a subtle but powerful influence from Spanish vocal traditions, particularly in the way she infuses her phrasing with emotional depth and lyrical expression. This is likely inspired by the rich heritage of Spanish singers and genres such as flamenco and bolero, where vocal delivery often emphasizes emotional storytelling and ornamentation.

There are also echoes of George Benson and Al Jarreau in her scat techniques, while at times the album's polished, sophisticated sound brings to mind Basia Gąsienica-Giewont signature blend of jazz and pop. The rhythmic textures and subtle voice-guitar improvisations evoke the spirit of Brazilian bossa nova and Joao Gilberto. Some tracks also carry high-energy funk and soul-infused jazz, adding a dynamic contrast to the more ethereal moments.

Inner Songs is not just a reflection of personal emotion; it also carries an underlying message of social consciousness. Tracks like "Les dones que ens falten" stand as a protest against gender violence, while "República" contemplates historical memory.

Andújar describes "Les dones que ens falten"—"The Women We Are Missing"—as "a cry of anger, a topic that I cannot and do not want to avoid, an ugly topic. No one wants to talk about this, to assume that male violence surrounds us, but it is what it is." On this track, Valencian saxophonist Javier Vercher joins the band and, according to Andújar, "brings all the emotional storm that this theme inspires in her."

"República" is another track with a powerful social message. Andújar's comment on this song says, "On April 14, 1931, the beginning of the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed. It marked a period of our history before Franco's dictatorship, during which the social advances that would later shape our democracy began to take form. Many people died defending the Republic, and they fought for the rights we enjoy today. To forget them would be to forget who we are."

Instrumentally, Inner Songs is elevated by a group of exceptional musicians. Albert Palau's piano brings lyrical elegance and harmonic depth, blending classical sensitivity with jazz sophistication—reminiscent of Bill Evans, yet grounded in the rhythmic vitality of Latin jazz.

Tico Porcar's drumming is equally nuanced—balancing Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences with jazz precision to create a dynamic, layered foundation.

Iván Cebrián's guitar work stands out for its expressive clarity and stylistic fluidity, drawing from jazz greats like Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny while embracing the warmth of Brazilian music. His smooth transitions between genres add versatility and color to the album.

Meanwhile, Miquel Álvarez's bass anchors the ensemble with both subtlety and strength, qualities that support the album's emotional and musical breadth.

With Inner Songs, Andújar offers more than just a collection of beautifully crafted tracks—she delivers a deeply personal and socially resonant statement. Through her multilingual lyrics, genre-blending arrangements, and fearless engagement with complex themes, Andújar invites listeners into a rich emotional and cultural landscape.

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