21 Nov 2024
LatinAotearoa - Album Review: Latinaotearoa in Latinoamerica
09 Dec 2014 // A review by Alistar3000
When
I started reading about the concept behind the second Latinaotearoa album it
sounded like a good idea and I was quite excited to have a listen to it. If
you’re not familiar with the story, Auckland musician Isaac Aesili (Solaa,
Opensouls, Eru Dangerspiel, Funkommunity) teamed up once again with Venezualan
singer Jennifer Zea, and Brazilian-born DJ Bobby Brazuka, to research and write
a bunch of songs in Brazil, then record the album of Latin-influenced tunes in
Brazil and Auckland with guest appearances by some great musicians (such as
Raiza Biza, Julien Dyne, Riki Gooch and Miguel Fuentes) – what should, on
paper, lead to some great experimentation and crossovers of styles.
Except it wasn’t really as good as I’d expected when I heard it. There’s nothing to fault about the musicianship or skills on display throughout the 12 tracks, but it just never seems to really spark. There was little there to get excited about, and for the most part the project comes out sounding like background music in a café or something inoffensive you’d play at a family barbecue. There were a couple of tracks that did stand out, such as the moody starting Senzala and the intense Suelta.
It’s a shame because I’ve enjoyed the bulk of Isaac’s output – he’s a very talented songwriter and musician, and is responsible for a lot of great songs, and I wish more of that innovation had shone through on this album.
About LatinAotearoa
Amazing Vocalist Jeniffer Zea’s from Venezuela, DJ Bobby Brazuka the unofficial Brazilian ambassador of music and culture in New Zealand and Isaac Aesili a talented producer and in-demand New Zealand percussionist and trumpeter. Together they create a unique and truly legitimate Latin act with a local flavour, both bending and blending the traditional music of their homelands with the modern sounds of here and now. Jennifer’s sultry singing layers Bobby’s beat selections beautifully, with Isaac providing the icing with live accompanying percussion.
With vast experience performing in front of local and international audiences, With the musical pedigree, multi-cultural exposure, impressive artist interaction and sheer talent that these artists possess, this trio is sure to shuffle feet and swing hip
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for LatinAotearoa
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