Nick Cuda

Nick Cuda: Mattina D

by Jerry D'Souza
July 18, 2005

On his third independently produced recording, Nick Cuda extends the parameters of his music. On his first album, A Beautiful Woman, he took in vintage pop songs with a quartet; on his second, Guitar in the Window, he ventured into Latin jazz with a sextet. This time around, he brings a couple of rap singers along. He is adventurous, if nothing else.

Cuda has an ear for sprightly tunes and melodies that grab the ear. This comes off ...