Mili Bermejo Sextet with Claudio Ragazzi: Pienso el Sur

The product of a marriage between Mexican composer Guillermo Bermejo and his Argentinean tango singer wife, Luz, composer, singer Mili Bermejo has been teaching her own brand of jazz music at the Berklee College of Music for more than 20 years. She now joins with Argentine guitarist/composer Claudio Ragazzi for a program which brings together elements of both musical cultures. The beauty and elegance of the Argentine are thoughtfully and melodically meshed with the passion of the Mexican song. While the haunting voice of Mili Bermejo gets top billing, Ragazzi brings more than his share to the table for this CD. He has written scores for several films, including the Blue Diner, and TV productions. The remaining members of the sextet are similarly capable especially Tim Ray whose piano dominates "Sueños" and Evan Harlan's accordion prominent on an Edith Piaf heart pulling like rendition of "Cambalache". Very intense stuff. Despite all this talent and the obvious effort that went into composing the music, this album may well likely have a very narrow audience (most likely Mexican and Argentine), appealing to those who (1) are into a very narrow niche of Latin derived music, (2) enjoy their music sung in Spanish and (3) are enthralled by a singer who works within these limited settings. I suspect for most jazz listeners two or three tracks of this CD will be their limits at any one hearing. The music of Mili Bermejo and Claudio Ragazzi is definitely an acquired taste.

Visit Bermejo at her web page at www.milibermejo.com.