"Alexa Weber Morales is una perla preciosa de la Bahía, and with the release of this, her second CD, more and more aficionados of Latin jazz worldwide will find themselves enriched.
From an operatic "Habanera" whose segue into salsa would certainly set saucy Carmen undulating... to a plaintive "Calling You" from the movie Bagdad Café... to Brazilian favorites like "Ave Rara" and the playful "Agua de Beber"... to a spicy turn on Rubén Blades' "El Cantante" and a hauntingly Gospelized "Angelitos Negros" (complete with full-throated choral backup and a dollop of Mexican syncopation)... to her own compositions, the rueful "Her Ways Wander," the tender "You Cry, I Dry Your Tears" and the bitterly satirical "Goddess of War"... Weber Morales displays an extraordinary range of musical taste and vocal versatility.
Richly arranged by co-producer/trombonist/composer Wayne Wallace and backed by an ensemble of all-star musicians, this recording crosses boundaries of language--French, Portuguese, Spanish and English--and rhythm, from bossa nova to cha-cha, from samba to Afro-funk.
Vagabundeo may wander relentlessly (and draw you along delightedly), but it knows exactly where it's going:
To the top. For sure on my playlist
"
A true delight
Alan Zeichick | SF Bay Area | 07/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is wonderful. Even more than her first CD, Jazzmerica, it shows how comfortable Alexa is singing in a wide variety of styles, and in a variety of languages as well. This is the perfect CD to listen to after a long day at the office, or enjoy during dinner with friends, or if you just feel like dancing.
Also, If you like Pink Martini, you'll love Alexa Weber Morales. If China Forbes (Pink Martini's lead singer) ever leaves, Alexa must take her place."
Sultry, soulful, eclectic...
J. Strickwerda | 06/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even more than her first album, Vagabundeo is an amazing showcase for the versatile and adventurous Alexa!She can go from earthy to ethereal in a flash, and her music truly inspiresdancing and dreaming... Listen for yourself :-)"
Alexa Es Unica!
E. S. Guevara | Denver, Colorado | 07/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is hard for me to focus on one thing on this album. But I keep coming back to Alexa Weber Morales's songwriting. Her Ways Wander is smooth and sad, "her ways wander, and she does not know it." Tu Amor is beautiful, she sings "es la historia de un agridulce bossa nova." This is a great line. You Cry, I Dry Your Tears shows off her voice as pure, materna and sweet. I really think The Goddess Of War is my favorite. Powerful. I love it.
I didn't even mention El Cantante, Habanera, Ave Rara and the Calling You (which reminds me of Vocal Sampling)! Buy this CD, Alexa is a vocalist who won't disapoint!