Berta Romero - 'Tumaini'
“Tumaini” is the latest offering from Madrid-born, New York-based saxophonist and composer Berta Moreno. An uplifting and joyous musical journey, Moreno's sophomore release guides listeners on a tour of Kenya, which was based on the bandleader's life changing experience volunteering in the ‘Kawangware’ region several years ago.
Through the ‘Little Ray of Hope School’, Moreno volunteered and worked with the local children, whose positive outlook and smiles deeply moved Moreno.
On this heart-led new release, Moreno seamlessly intertwines elements of soul, jazz and traditional African styles. Moreno is accompanied by the multi-cultural outfit called ‘The Afro-Jazz Soul Project’, featuring a versatile rhythm section. Throughout the album Moreno plays a dynamic role, often switching between improvising over the forms, doubling written parts, playing harmony parts to other instrumentalists, and playing backgrounds, showcasing her ability to think of the saxophone in a broader function than just a soloist. Compositionally, the many themes and moods of the album complement each other while providing enough variety for the listener to find themselves in constant discovery.
Her first album “Little Steps” was received with critical acclaim by the American and European press. It was featured in Downbeat Magazine, won a Global Music Awards Gold Medal for ‘Best Jazz Album’ of 2018, and received a nomination for Best Jazz Album by ‘The 16th Independent Music Awards’ (USA), and the ‘MIN’ Music Awards (Spain).
Line-Up:
Berta Moreno: tenor sax
Deborah Ayo: vocals
David Sancho: piano/ keyboards
Maksim Perepelica: bass
Miguel Benito: drums
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