RACHEL THERRIEN LATIN JAZZ PROJECT

MI HOGAR II

LULA World Records

Rachel Therrien, trumpet/flugelhorn; Manuel Valera, Willy Soto Barreto, Andy Rubal & Danae Olano, piano; John Benitez, Roberto Riveron, Luis Izquierdo & Alex Bellegarde, bass; Michel Medrano Brindis, drums; Lazaro Martinez, congas; Arturo Zegarra, bongos; Keisel Jimenez, congas/timbal; Carlos Maldonado, bongos/congas; Magdelys Savigne, batas/congas; Diomer Gonzalez, congas/tambora; Ivan Renta, Nestor Rodriguez, saxophones; Rafi Malkiel, trombone; Elizabeth Rodriguez, violin; Mireya Ramos & Andy Ramos, vocals.

This is the eighth album release for trumpeter, Rachel Therrien.  It continues her exploration of the Latin jazz culture on “Mi Hogar II.”  In 2023 she released the first “Mi Hogar” album. The opening tune on this new album starts out with a very classical piano played beautifully by Manuel Valera.  Quite suddenly, the arrangement swings into an exciting Latin beat and the “Fiestas Campesinas” tune arrives in all its colorful, percussive beauty. John Benitez lays down a lilting bass line that introduces the tempo change. The horns punctuate the mood. When Rachel Therrien steps in to solo, she lets her horn blend with the traditional Latin Jazz, while also embracing elements of contemporary jazz.

Track #2 is titled “Orun” (translates into a verb, to knit) and is a Rachel Therrien composition.  Her arrangement produces a number of repetitious staccato notes for the first quarter of the song. When Rachel Therrien enters with her smooth trumpet melody, I feel a sense of relief from that repetitive arrangement.  The staccato horns just seemed to last too long, reminding me of a leaky faucet. I just wanted the drip to stop. Therrien’s melodic solo became a welcome relief. She improvises freely above the lush percussion rhythm track.

More to my liking was the next tune, by Therrien, “Back Home.” It was fluid and melodic, rhythmic and interesting, letting bass guitarist Luis Izquierdo shine. After his solo, Rachel Therrien enters and soaks up the spotlight with her trumpet dancing brightly.  Nestor Rodriguez is satin smooth on saxophone. They capture the essence of New York’s Latin jazz tradition, somewhat reflecting the spirit of New Orleans jazz, mixed into the broader cultural influence of the island nations and their culture. Therrien also celebrates South American culture with her rhythms and by using her trumpet to elevate the important pioneers of blending American jazz with Latin music. It becomes a tribute to the way greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Chico O’Farrill have done it.  Willy Sotto Barreto is prominent on piano, and Michel Medrano Brindis holds the tempo tightly in place on trap drums.

This album is a boisterous testament to Rachel Therrien’s trumpet and composer talents.  She is surrounded by a vibrant community of musicians who bring her visions to life.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter