Florida-based jazz pianist and composer Andy Nevala makes an electrifying statement with his latest work, “El Rumbón (The Party).” Nevala has long been a vibrant presence in the Latin jazz scene, and has always shown an affinity for Afro-Cuban rhythms in his work.
From the first notes, El Rumbón stakes its claim: this is Latin jazz full of heart and a willingness to surprise. Nevala mingles respect for tradition with fresh rhythmic daring, as he applies his signature style to a range of classics with ensemble interplay that pulses with energy.
The album opens with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” that preserves the catchy melody of the original, but rearranges the rhythm into a groovier Afro-Cuban style. This single is the perfect opener, as it delivers bright choruses that can hook even casual listeners, while also featuring a complex interplay between the keys and percussion in the interlude that’ll impress even seasoned jazz enthusiasts.
The title track, “El Rumbón (The Party),” is inspired by Chucho Valdes’ 1998 track of the same name. But in this case, the track is elevated to functioning as the album’s manifesto. It begins almost ritualistically, with subtle percussion and muted chords before gradually expanding, as the piano and congas take center stage.
The standout track is the band’s performance of Dizzy Gillespie’s classic “A Night in Tunisia,” reinterpreted in a delightfully offbeat 7/4-time. This rhythmic complexity adds an extra layer of chaos to an already intense piece, but the performance on this track is flawless. The band never misses a beat and sustains the energy from the first note all the way to the last, making for an incredibly satisfying performance.
El Rumbón works best when taken as a journey. It opens with propulsive energy, explores rhythmic and harmonic terrain, allows you to catch your breath, then pulls you back into the dance. The sequencing is smart, with energetic tracks clustering and then being balanced by lighter, more reflective numbers.
Andy Nevala’s latest work has all the makings of a Latin jazz classic, and for fans of the genre, this one’s a must-listen.