(Review by Lance).
Anna Estrada isn't a name I'm familiar with although this is in fact her third album. Nevertheless, it is a name to remember - particularly if you like your jazz on the Brazilian side. Surprisingly, because the feel is distinctly Jobim, there aren't any numbers by Antonio Carlos proving he doesn't have the monopoly!
Instead we get The Beatles (Happiness is a Warm Gun), Nillson (Everybody's Talking), Cole Porter (Begin the Beguine sung in Spanish); Bowie (Wild is the Wind), Tony Newley (Pure Imagination) to mention but a few of the excellent tracks on this attractive album..
Estrada has a compelling voice that gets beneath the surface of a song in a dry, low key, manner. In another life she is an anaesthesiologist - surely the longest word on this blog! - and the hypnotic spell she weaves with her voice could surely transport her clientèle to Elysium fields luxuriating in the romanticism of the Latin sounds.
Estrada is also a champion fencer! Can this woman do most anything? I guess she can and I don't think I'd be attempting a Coup Lance with her if she fences like she sings!
Oh and she's also an actress!
Not that the disc is all about Estrada. There's a swinging band behind her that provide the perfect cushion as well as leaping out with the jazz.
Favourite track? Difficult, but Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado which uses a tune pretty damn close to What a Difference a Day Made is impressive even though I don't understand the words! The blurb describes it as about ...love and sex, the vulnerability of intimacy. It's all about romantic dysfunction, basically. Maybe it's as well I don't know Spanish! Some great tenor playing by Ray Lockie on this track.
I don't know if it will available at your local UK record store but if not I'm sure good old Amazon will do the biz.
Lance.
Lance.
Anna Estrad - Volando Release Concert takes place on July 29 at Club Fox, Redwood City, CA.
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