Want some music that mixes the passionate sensuality of latin folk with the hard swing of jazz? Here’s a lady that delivers. Bolivian vocalist Gian-Carla Tisera has a husky and earthy voice with an at times operatic quality and delivery as she goes through every emotion in the book on this sizzling release. An irresistible mix of percussion and trumpet rumbles while Tisera slithers like a Black Mambo on the lusty “Senora Chichera” while she shows some gypsy blood with John Benitez’s bass on “Alfonsina y el Mar”. Defiance is palpable as she goes saucy and sassy on “Hasta Seimpre,” yet she can also make you feel you’re hearing a Rossini aria as she exudes warmth and glory with pianist Elio Villafranca” on “Nora La Bella.” Her vibrato is used as an accent and exclamation point, just like an extra dash of ginger or cilantro as on the dreamy and melancholy “Malaguena” and the pleading “Lejania.” Let’s get this lady to Los Angeles, and fast!
