*** Nava
s/t
(Ryko Latino)
Since the early '80s, Rodolfo Barrera (a/k/a
Nava) has been writing hits for Latin singers ranging from José
Feliciano to La India and Elvis Crespo. On his first full-length release, this
Puerto Rican original breaks Latin pop molds to deliver a set of eclectic
textures, moods, and melodies. Like a number of Brazil's more popular seasoned
pop artists (Caetano Veloso, for example), Barrera has contemplated funk, rock,
and jazz in addition to his native pan-Latin styles. He uses instruments,
melodies, traditional rhythms, and electronics as compositional elements
without displaying any particular loyalty to existing conventions.
"La vaquita" ("The Little Cow") is a lyrical Tex-Mex ballad, with trombone and
accordion the most prominent instruments. "Así na' má" ("Just
like That") offers a smart take on American lounge funk but with techno
overtones and, again, that trombone. "El Paraíso" ("Paradise") builds to
a dense, frenetic climax; "Hey You" marries salsa's piano montuna with house
ambiance. Barrera's silken, whispery voice is best suited to low-key material
like the sensual samba of "Mujer boricua" ("Puerto Rican Woman") and the solo
guitar ballad "Vuélvelo a intentar" ("Give Yourself Another Chance").
But his range and sophistication are a refreshing reminder that there's more
going on in the Latin world than unbridled tropical boogie.
-- Banning Eyre
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