MUZA (SOL ARAVENA), Winner, Cover Song, “Besame Mucho”

Home= New Mexico


READ CD Baby's Review of MUZA:

Imagine Massive Attack doing a Latin jazz album, or better yet, imagine Bebel Gilberto with a trip-hop band. Somewhere near those intersections, you'll find Muza's "Terciopelo". Yes, the vocals are velvety, as the English translation of the title implies, but the music is rich and textured as well. Electronic beats and synths decorate the traditional bolero songs here, while tremolo guitars during a song slowly grooving at 80 beats per minute can't help but remind the listener of old Portishead, such as on the song "Cruel". Many of the songs here are downtempo/chill/trip hop; call it what you will, the songs are a delectable mix of upright bass, slow and subtle beats, a variety of traditional Latin instruments, and, perhaps most importantly, the sensuous lead vocals of the singer who calls herself Muza. It seems she's responsible for the arrangements here, and God bless her for that. The tasteful vibes on a song like "Oh Luna Nueva" are so perfectly sparse and set a wonderfully delicate framework for the muted trumpet lead in between the verses. Even if you don't understand Spanish (as all the lyrics are in Spanish), the lovely melodies and rich, evocative production of songs come through to make this is an album perfect for cocktail hour or a romantic dinner for two.

WATCH A MESSAGE FROM MUZA: