Marina Albero, A Nomad of Sound Review

A Nomad of Sound: Marina Albero’s Bold New Chapter

Marina-Albero-feature-the-jazz-word
Marina Albero performing at the piano. A celebration of connection and transformation, inspired by New Orleans and a world of musical influences.

Marina Albero, A Nomad of Sound Review

A Nomad of Sound: Marina Albero’s Bold New Chapter

by Sylvannia Garutch

Marina-Albero-the-jazz-word-cd-coverThere is a quiet magic in the concept of a nomad. A life unbound by fixed borders, open to the rhythms of distant lands and the whispers of ancient traditions. For Barcelona-born pianist and composer Marina Albero, nomadism is a way of life and is at the heart of her latest album, A Nomad of Sound. Written and recorded during her self-designed residency in New Orleans, this ambitious work embodies a journey of musical settings charting an exciting new chapter in Albero’s lifelong musical travelogue.

Albero’s life has always been steeped in movement and music. Raised in a traveling musical family, she performed Iberian and early music across the globe from a young age. Her classical studies in Barcelona and Havana laid a strong foundation, but it was her insatiable curiosity that led her to explore a kaleidoscope of genres, from jazz and flamenco to Indian classical and Latin rhythms. In 2014, Albero made Seattle her home, where she built a thriving career as a performer, composer, and educator. Yet, after a decade of accomplishments—including multiple Golden Ear Awards and a celebrated 2019 album, A Life Soundtrack—Albero felt the call to set sail once more.

New Orleans, with its vibrant musical culture, became the perfect stage for Albero’s next act. Immersing herself in the city’s rich traditions and collaborative spirit, she found inspiration in its spontaneous creativity and deep sense of community. “The social part of music in New Orleans,” Albero reflects, “plays a role in daily life. It’s not programmed; it just happens.” This organic connection to music and people became the guiding force behind A Nomad of Sound.

True to its title, A Nomad of Sound is a boundless exploration of Albero’s influences. The album’s six tracks traverse diverse musical landscapes, from the multipart compositions to the intimate celebratory emotions of family and life. Recorded at New Orleans’ iconic Marigny Studios and the Ellis Marsalis Center, the sessions feature an exceptional ensemble of NOLA-based musicians, including bassist Amina Scott, drummer Pedro Segundo, and Cuban multi-instrumentalist Yusa. Albero’s daughter, Serena, adds a deeper family touch with vocals sung in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

The album opens with “First Step of the Journey,” a building piece where Albero’s piano dances delicately around Rex Gregory’s alto saxophone. Supported by Scott’s grounding bass and Segundo’s understated drumming, the track evokes the growing excitement of embarking on a new path. The harmonic landscape the composition travels also adds a sense of destination and travel. Gregory’s solo is wonderfully expressive and lyrical.

“Blau Blueset” shifts gears entirely, delivering a hard-driving Latin number that channels the energy of a New Orleans-style funeral march. Albero’s fiery Wurlitzer soloing weaves through the vibrant brass arrangements, led by Chris Cotton’s trumpet and Miles Lyons’ sousaphone. It’s a jubilant celebration of life’s unpredictability that unfolds with many sections and feels. The up-tempo New Orleans groove establishes an excellent setting for Albero’s keytar, which gives the track a progressive rock energy.

On “Coraliu,” Serena’s multilingual vocals and clarinet intertwine with Albero’s piano, creating a six-eight fusion of Catalan and Latin influences. The piece’s intricate rhythms and melodic depth highlight Albero’s skill as a composer and collaborator. Rex Gregory’s clarinet adds an evocative, lyrical quality that enhances the track’s emotional depth. The composition develops through many feels and textures, and Serenasounds’ vocals are an excellent addition. Her scatting at the end of the composition is very impressive.

“Old Song” starts out with a deeply emotive, unaccompanied intro from Albero. She describes the composition as one that “felt borrowed from some old place,” its melody arriving fully formed. The interplay between Yusa’s electric bass, Gregory’s alto sax, and Albero’s expressive piano creates an atmosphere of beauty that develops into a Latin jazz celebration of energy and groove.

“19 y 42” is a Return to Forever-styled Latin jazz fusion that features Seranasounds’ outstanding scatting of the ensemble’s contagious groove and chemistry. The album closes with “The End of the Journey (To Debra),” a tender dedication that pairs Albero’s piano with Serena’s soulful vocals. It’s a moving conclusion, offering a sense of closure while hinting at new horizons.

At its core, A Nomad of Sound is a celebration of connection—to people, cultures, and the self. Albero’s collaborations with her ensemble reflect a mutual curiosity and openness, qualities that shine through in the music. “There is an openness in New Orleans about newcomers,” she explains. “Musicians invite you in, even when they don’t know you.” This spirit of inclusivity infuses every note of the album.

Albero’s ability to synthesize musical influences into a cohesive whole reflects her musicianship. Whether drawing from flamenco, Latin jazz, or New Orleans brass traditions, she creates a sound that is uniquely her own. The album’s thematic journey—from the tentative first steps to the joyful celebrations and reflective farewells—mirrors Albero’s personal transformation and newfound independence.

The production, led by Justin Armstrong, captures the album’s vibrant energy and dynamic range. Each musician’s contribution feels essential, from Segundo’s rhythmic precision to Yusa’s inventive basslines. Albero’s piano work remains the album’s centerpiece, showcasing her technical brilliance and emotional depth.

With A Nomad of Sound, Marina Albero invites listeners to join her on a journey of exploration and renewal. It’s an album that celebrates the beauty of embracing the unknown, finding connections in unexpected places, and weaving together the threads of a rich and diverse musical heritage. As much as it marks the culmination of one chapter in Albero’s life, it also announces the beginning of another—a bold, boundless adventure that promises to inspire and delight.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.