Record Reviews

MARIPOSA ~ EFEKT MOTYLA NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Afro-Cuban Music Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 This is the debut album by Polish vocalist / songwriter MariposaFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Asia PyrekFind albums by this artist), recorded at the legendary EGREM Studio in Havana, Cuba, where many of the stellar Afro-Cuban albums by such luminaries as IrakereFind albums by this artist, Chucho ValdesFind albums by this artist, Gonzalo RubalcabaFind albums by this artist, Arturo SandovalFind albums by this artist and others were recorded. She is accompanied by some top Cuban instrumentalists which results in the album offering an authentic Afro-Cuban sound and ambience. Polish vocal Diva Urszula DudziakFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents thirteen original songs, all composed by Mariposa and featuring her lyrics in the Polish language. The music is all pure Afro-Cuban grooves and the resemblance to original Afro-Cuban Music is so effective that it is almost hard to imagine that this album was written and performed by a Polish artist. Of course all the arrangements and the instrumental work were done by bona fide Cuban musicians, but Mariposa´s ability to fit in that environment is truly remarkable. In retrospect this is the only Polish album ever recorded which offers authentic Afro-Cuban Music. The vocal parts are not particularly spectacular, but of course they don´t need to be in this idiom, it is more the feel and ability to ride the grove that matters in this case. The vocal solos by Dudziak are a very clever move and they are absolutely delightful, as are those by Cuban opera singer who also adds her voice to the proceedings on one track. Mariposa´s texts are intelligent and touch upon a diverse and non-trivial collection of subjects, which she very able puts into words. Her decision to use Polish lyrics is absolutely commendable and proves my claim that it is possible to sing in Polish in every musical environment. I´d hate to hear this album sung with a poor Spanish or English pronunciation. Overall this is an absolutely delightful Afro-Cuban Music album, which every fan of this music should be able to enjoy, even those who are not native Polish speakers. The instrumental parts, the brass and the rhythm arrangements simply move your buttocks either you want it or not and an absolutely good time is had by all. Obviously a result of heartfelt personal involvement and love of music by the author, this album is a bomb of energy and good time, sometimes with a teardrop in one´s eye. Well done indeed!

Updated: 22/11/2019Posted: 22/11/2019

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