Andy Nevala Celebrates Afro-Cuban Jazz with New Album El Rumbón

Renowned pianist and composer Andy Nevala has unveiled his latest album, "El Rumbón" (The Party), a vibrant homage to Afro-Cuban jazz that blends tradition with innovation. This album celebrates the lively spirit of Latin jazz, emphasizing its role as a dynamic conversation among musicians. Spanning ten energetic tracks, Nevala pays tribute to jazz legends like Chucho Valdés, Bebo Valdés, Dizzy Gillespie, and Herbie Hancock, while infusing their influences with fresh arrangements and complex rhythmic layers. The ensemble, featuring talented musicians such as bassist Andy Eulau, percussionist Frankie Quiñones, and saxophonist Carlos Averhoff Jr., collaborates seamlessly, creating a conversational and immersive listening experience. The opening track, a spirited Afro-Cuban rendition of Stevie Wonder’s "Isn’t She Lovely," sets the tone by maintaining the song’s joyful melody while transforming its rhythmic foundation with syncopated basslines and crisp percussion. Throughout the album, Nevala’s compositions and arrangements explore a range of moods—from the soulful dialogue in "Lamento Cubano" to the fiery energy of the title track, "El Rumbón," which captures the communal joy of a ...