Prepare to be transported on a musical journey. Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa released his stunning Blue Note debut, Timba a la Americana, on August 25. This vibrant album is a testament to the power of music to convey joy and deep emotions, inspired by López-Nussa’s courageous decision to leave his Cuban homeland and embark on a new life in France.
Produced by the Grammy-winning Michael League of Snarky Puppy fame, Timba a la Americana is not just an album; it’s a modernization of Latin Jazz from top to bottom. It showcases ten dynamic and original compositions performed by a tight-knit band that includes harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, Luques Curtis on bass, Bárbaro “Machito” Crespo on congas and Harold’s brother, Ruy Adrián López-Nussa, on drums.
At its core, the songs explore cultural fusion and musical diversity. Harold López-Nussa effortlessly blends his Cuban heritage with the influences he’s encountered during his journey, creating a rich tapestry of sounds that captivate the listener’s soul. Each track tells a unique story, one that touches on his roots and more modern influences. In some ways, his music personifies his fragmented identity and displaced experiences to create something new.
One of the album’s standout features is the harmonic collaboration between López-Nussa and Grégoire Maret. Their synergy is palpable, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that moves beyond borders and celebrates the universal language of music.
Harold López-Nussa’s decision to leave and start a new chapter in his life is a brave one, and “Timba a la Americana” encapsulates the emotions, excitement and nostalgia that come with such a journey.
Tumba la timba or TIRTY ton to ton…
Those are the sounds of San Leopoldo, the neighbourhood I was born and raised in up to my sixteen birthday. Filled with rumba, and magical music all around. The great rumba group “Clave y guaguanco” rehearsed in a corner of our house and played in the background of a lot of baseball matches we had on the streets. My best childhood memories take place in this tiny apartment right in the middle of Havana.
– Harold López-Nussa
Timba a la Americana sends listeners on a musical adventure that roams freely while capturing the essence of the human experience. Harold López-Nussa invites us to join him on a voyage of self-discovery through music, reminding us of the transformative power of art. Follow Harold López-Nussa on Instagram and his official website, and check out the rest of this extraordinary album that promises to be a cultural and emotional landmark in Latin Jazz.
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