Pick of the Week: Corina Bartra and Her Azu Project
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Corina Bartra is an accomplished jazz composer, practitioner of yoga and vocalist who delves into chanting and healing with her music.
"Afro Peruvian Jazz Celebration" is exactly what it advertises to be and Bartra's far-reaching understanding of the human emotions and inner triggers for relaxation and meditation allow her to make the music a vehicle for her vocals regardless of the setting or style chosen for each composition. Her vocals are not simply a voice; they serve as bridge to another world musically and spiritually. With the unique combination of Afro-Peruvian sounds and jazz, this fusion of cultures, beliefs, music and spiritualism all come together to form the Azu Project.
Bartra splits her residence between Peru and New York, both hotbeds of music and culture. She cleverly takes the best of both worlds and gathers some fine musicians to accompany her on this project. Even though I cannot understand when she sings in Spanish, there is an underlying message in the music that gets through because of its joyous sound and atmosphere. The one thing that is universally accepted is the sound of music regardless of the diction of a particular vocalist, if the music is strong enough to stand on its own then there is no issue in relaying the essential musical telegraph that should go straight to your heart and soul.
The choice of jazz standards and originals is like listening to two entirely different recordings, which is the exception to the unwritten rule of consistency that every artist strives for on their albums. They are able to pull it off and come out the other side shining brightly. The ability to challenge your listeners and keep them attentive to your presentation is the key to success for any performer and the Azu Project not only manages this, they master it throughout this recording.
"Afro Peruvian Jazz Celebration" gives you equal measures of Spanish and English to keep it interesting and an overall rich musical experience that will always intrigue you when you listen. The unusual thing about this CD is its appeal at anytime regardless of your frame of mind. It works because it's a celebration of life itself.
That is enough to carry any listener — day or night.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck of Adams offers up his best-listening bets as a regular contributor to iBerkshires. For more reviews, www.muzikreviews.com.
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| Genre: Jazz Fusion Label: Blue Spiral Web site CD Baby Link Source Link |
