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Debbie Spring: Tocamos
By"Mockingbird" opens with an intro (and later an outro) of the real thing, before launching into a hauntingly beautiful theme, and keyboard and viola solos. "Fragile," from Sting's songbook (the only original on the album without Spring involvement) has Hal Roland's keys dancing Latin with Spring's lush melody and accompaniment. "Summer" is a lilting waltz with melodic statements which build over a fine rhythm groove before breaking into Roland's energized piano solo and a slick give-and-take with drummer Ettiene Fuentes, Jr. The title tune is presented twice, once in English and later in Spanish, both stated in sing-speak by Eddie "Oriente" Balzola. It is a rhythmic frenzy, fired up by an A-1 rhythm & percussion section and a killer Spring joyride. It is a highlight track.
Spring is an inventive, highly expressive musician whose obvious zest for the music she writes and plays here flows with joy, lyricism and, where applied, fire. With her viola's additional string, the sound of her axe is more a violin tessitura, but still all mellow and "vocal." Her solos, technically flawless and involving, soar. As a composer, she has a deft pen with a penchant for melodic lines which are vividly exciting to the senses.
"Bossa Minha" is just that, a lovely, laid-back Bossa from Spring and Heck with a flowing melody which is all Brazilian sway and Miami nice. Her strings vocalize gorgeously and guitarist Phill Fest brings a tasty ride to the track. The deeply romantic "Tango Y Mas" has all the heat of that genre before breaking into an up-tempo section featuring Howard Levy's harmonica, Spring's, and pianist Roland's fine solos. The rhythm section shines throughout and drives wholeheartedly. "Senegal," is an exotic 5/4 delight with deep Afro roots presented.
Tocamos is a superior album with great allure. It is superbly performed and stimulates the senses.
Track Listing
Mockingbird, Fragile, Summer, Tocamos (English), Bossa Minha, Tango Y Mas, Senegal, Tocamos (Spanish).
Personnel
Additional Instrumentation
Hal Roland: keyboard, vocal (2); Scott Marischen: harp (2); Phill Fest: guitar (5); Howard Levy: harmonica (6); David Schanzer: percussion (2,5,6,7); Julio Matta: percussion (4,8); Eddie "Oriente" Balzola: spoken word (4,8).
Album information
Title: Tocamos | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: CR RECORDS
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