Featured Artist: Mili Bermejo Sexteto

CD Title: Pienso el Sur

Year: 2002

Record Label: Pentagrama

Style: Latin Jazz / Latin Funk

Musicians: Mili Bermejo (vocals), Claudio Ragazzi (guitar), Evan Harlan (accordion), Tim Ray (piano), Dan Greenspan (bass) and Steve Langone (drums)

Review: Jazz vocalist and composer Mili Bermejo embraces her Argentinean roots on her fifth jazz release, “Pienso el Sur.”

Born in Buenos Aires, Bermejo was raised in Mexico. She is the daughter of Mexican composer Guillermo Bermejo and Argentinean tango singer, Luz, who once refused to perform for Eva Peron.

Bermejo explores her rich history through tangos and zambas. A Berklee College of Music professor, she is helped by Argentinean guitarist and composer Claudio Ragazzi. They wrote three of the disc’s dozen tracks. The rest is traditional music or the works of other Latin American composers. All are sung in Spanish.

First released in Mexico last year, “Pienso el Sur” is a richly textured album. Ragazzi’s deft guitar playing and Evan Harlan’s expressive accordion give the music body. Bermejo’s passionate vocals provide the drama. They are joined by pianist Tim Ray, bassist Dan Greenspan and drummer Steve Langone. Together, they create a rich blend of jazz, Latin and folk music.

Listeners who do not speak Spanish may grow a little restless listening to the album. “Pienso el Sur,” however, will appeal to people who like songs of language as well as fans of Bermejo’s unique Latin jazz.

Tracks: Como hacemos, Con el corazon al sur, Chamame del adios, Por la vuelta, Coplas del Rencoroso, Cambalache, Juan Panadero, Zamba del hombre solo, Chacarera del triste, Tu, Suenos, Milonga sentimental

Record Label Website: http://www.pentagrama.com.mx

Artist's Website: http://www.milibermejo.com

Reviewed by: Donna Kimura

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