PRODUCER NATHAN HAINES says that The Latin Soul, by transplanted Venezuelan Zea, “redefines the term Latin music”.
It’s certainly a big, bold recording that matches her big, bold voice, but there’s little redefinition going on here, just another bunch of NZ jazz musicians getting off on an exotic energy.
There’s nothing much wrong with The Latin Soul, which features commendable playing by two gifted pianists, Kevin Field and Jonathan Crayford, together with a backing ensemble that does its best to swing with organic grace through the expected Latin moves.
It’s just that neither Zea’s vocalising – which is exuberant but unsubtle – or her admittedly stylistically varied songs, manage to make this more than another competent routine of acoustic-based Latin-styled grooves.
And the horns, which deserve to be perfectly embedded in amongst the busy rhythms, sound piped in from another place. GARY STEEL
Music = 3
Sound = 3
Jennifer Zea & The Antipodean Collective – The Latin Soul (Mamawata/Rhythmethod) CD REVIEW
Latest from Music
30 Years Ago: Michael Nyman’s unexpected chart success
Michael Nyman is not a pop star. Yet his soundtrack to The Piano has landed him in the commercial marketplace, writes GARY STEEL
1001 Albums You Must Die Before You Hear – Macho Man Randy Savage
MATT KELLY loves records by washed-up wrestlers but Randy Savage's attempt to musically spar with Hulk Hogan is an unmitigated disaster.
40 Years Ago: Hammond Gamble
GARY STEEL chats with Hammond Gamble about his Allstars Sing The Blues with Beaver.
1001 Albums You Must Die Before You Hear #100: Metallica with Lou Reed – Lulu
MATT KELLY somehow manages to listen to 90 minutes of possibly the worst collaborative album by major rock figures ever made.
Live Shows From Way Back – The Chills
GARY STEEL revisits his short review of a Chills gig in a pub one dark night in Wellington back in 1984.