Maria Puga Lareo, My Universe Review

My Universe: Where Maria Puga Lareo’s Jazz, Brazilian Soul, and Personal Expression Converge

By Sylvannia Garutch

Maria Puga Lareo’s journey from the lively jazz clubs of Buenos Aires to her major U.S. debut with My Universe is inspiring. With a vocal style and sound that blends the nuances of jazz, Brazilian music, and a lifetime of diverse musical influences, Puga Lareo presents a ten-track album that is rich and varied. My Universe is a reflection of her hybrid style, combining the richness of her South American heritage with the polish and sophistication of the Los Angeles jazz scene. Co-produced by her husband, legendary saxophonist Bob Sheppard, the album features some of L.A.’s finest musicians, creating a sonic journey that is lush and vibrant. Sheppard’s role as co-producer does more than refine the album’s sound—it introduces an intimate layer, shaped by their shared journey, enhancing each track’s emotional core and energy.

Unique to My Universe are the lush string arrangements by GRAMMY Award-winning arranger Nan Schwartz, whose work, along with the orchestra’s performance on “Make Someone Happy,” “Depois De Tanto Tempo,” “Spring,” and “Till The End of the World,” adds a grandiose and cinematic quality. This orchestral presence amplifies the emotional resonance, enriching the album’s sonic landscape with evocative textures.

The album opens with “Make Someone Happy,” a piece where Puga Lareo’s crystalline and delicate vocal delivery soars over Nan Schwartz’s romantic orchestration. Her voice is tender yet confident, and the string arrangement envelops her in a rich, velvety backdrop that elevates the emotional pull of the song.

“The Song is You” showcases Puga Lareo’s versatility as she shifts effortlessly between a funky Latin groove and a swinging jazz cadence. The interplay between Mike Valerio’s bass and Christian Euman’s drums lays a vibrant foundation, while Sheppard colors the arrangement with spirited saxophone commentary. Josh Nelson’s piano solo provides a melodic build-up that segues perfectly into Sheppard’s expressive saxophone solo, culminating in a final flourish where Puga Lareo’s rhythmic vocal accents pivot seamlessly into the swing feel.

“Depois De Tanto Tempo” and its introduction are presented with an intimate, dream-like quality. The orchestral arrangement by Schwartz enhances the atmosphere with lush strings, while Puga Lareo’s vocal phrasing captures the emotional nuances of Dori Caymmi’s Portuguese ballad. The haunting flute lines from Bob Sheppard add a layer of elegance, underscoring the song’s meditative mood.

An original composition by Puga Lareo and Sheppard, “Spring” reflects their shared artistic vision in creating a rich and redolent musical experience, blending elements of both their influences into a uniquely compelling piece. Maria Puga Lareo’s transcendent vocal purity shines, conveying an uplifting sense of hope and beauty. The romantic strings and Carol Robins’ harp contributions add a lush backdrop. Schwartz’s arrangement brings a cinematic dimension, opening with Robbins’ harp and swelling strings, which beautifully complement Josh Nelson’s elegant piano solo. The vocal harmonies during the interlude, layered with lush orchestral backing, create an uplifting moment that lingers.

On “Cherokee,” Puga Lareo dives into a soulful, high-energy interpretation of the classic jazz standard. The ensemble fires on all cylinders, propelled by Sheppard’s dynamic arrangement. The trumpets, Dan Fornero and Anthony Bonsera Jr. bring a driving intensity, while Puga Lareo’s soaring vocals and powerful head voice demonstrate her vocal agility and depth as a jazz singer.

“At The End of the Night” is a second original by Puga Lareo and Sheppard, where her R&B influences shine brightly. Valerio’s funky bass line underpins the arrangement, while Mark Spathes-Smith adds soulful vocal fills, creating a layered interplay. The horns, led by Sheppard, deliver a punchy, full-bodied texture, enhanced by Amuedo’s contemporary guitar solo, bringing a fresh edge to the track.

The album’s arrangements by Schwartz and Sheppard offer varying moods and styles, all with meticulous attention to detail. Schwartz’s orchestral parts, particularly on tracks like “Depois De Tanto Tempo,” “Spring,” and “Till The End of the World,” infuse the music with cinematic depth. The orchestra’s contributions on these tracks amplify the album’s dynamic range, adding a full-bodied richness that supports and enhances Puga Lareo’s expressive vocal lines.

Instrumentation plays a significant role in My Universe. The core quartet—Josh Nelson on piano, Mike Valerio on bass, Christian Euman on drums, and Bob Sheppard on saxophones—forms the album’s backbone, providing a cohesive yet flexible foundation. Their interplay is evident throughout, especially in moments where the rhythm section transitions between different grooves or when Sheppard’s saxophone leads a melodic improvisation. The guest artists, including Leo Amuedo on guitar, Alex Acuña on percussion, Carol Robbins on harp, and a brass section featuring Jon Papenbrook, Dan Fornero, Anthony Bonsera Jr., and Ryan Dragon, each bring their enriching sound to the musical palette.

Puga Lareo’s vocal versatility is a key aspect of the album. Whether she is navigating a tender Brazilian ballad, scatting over a jazz standard, or delving into funk-infused R&B, her command of timbre, phrasing, and dynamics remains masterful. The album’s varied rhythmic shifts—from Latin grooves to straight-ahead swing—demonstrate her ability to adapt and thrive across multiple styles, giving each track its own distinct vocal character.

Puga Lareo’s emphasis on authenticity and personal expression shines through in the album’s diverse song selection. She embraces different genres and moods, which reflect her multifaceted personality and refusal to be confined to a single musical box. Her journey from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles is painted vividly in the music, allowing her heritage to resonate in tracks like “Depois De Tanto Tempo” and “Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar,” where Brazilian and South American influences are clear and lovingly rendered.

The album also speaks to themes of healing and spirituality. As a cancer survivor, Puga Lareo uses music as a means of emotional expression and connection. Tracks like “Till The End of the World” and “We’ll Be Together Again” embody her sense of hope, beauty, and resilience. The warmth in her voice, combined with the lush orchestral arrangements, creates a comforting, almost meditative listening experience.

My Universe is a project that highlights Maria Puga Lareo’s vocal style, compositional sophistication, and genuine love for cross-cultural musical storytelling. The performances are top-tier, with Bob Sheppard’s deft touch evident in his arranging, production, and musicianship. The interplay between the core quartet and the featured guest artists makes for a rich, dynamic, and enjoyable album. My Universe is an album filled with grace, depth, and joy that speaks to the power of music as a universal energy.