That said, the rest of the album stands strong and proud. My favorites include "Vuelvo Al Sur" and "La Mentira (Se Te Olvida)," which to me really let Acuna's voice shine within simple arrangements. "Vuelvo Al Sur" features Acuna and a simple acoustic guitar melody, where "La Mentira" just builds with a romantic rise from the beginning to the end along with the amazing arrangement involving the full band.
It's obvious that Acuna revels in the freedom of jazz and personal expression. But she also stays true to her background here, honoring the integrity and vision of other musical leaders of South America. Some of the composers featured on the album have paid the ultimate price for their integrity or are in constant fear for their lives. And though Acuna knows this history, she picked these songs for her own reasons, not for history lessons. "I pick songs with stories that I can relate to, and after they have spoken to me I hear things of my own that I want to add," she says.
And to have Branford Marsalis involved on the album was another boon for her. She thought working with Marsalis was a "wonderful process" because, rather than wanting to change her music, he embraced and wanted to help shape it. Some producers want to put their own stamp on the music they help with, but Marsalis is a musician first and a producer second, which helped inform this record.
If you're looking for a different flavor of jazz for your collection and enjoy Latin sensibilities, I can heartily recommend En Este Momento by Claudia Acuna. Be sure to check it out at your local music store or online.
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