Alejandro Sanz

El Alma Al Aire

A Talented Young Man Strikes Gold

Review Score:

(10/10)
How do I even begin to describe the contents of this musical treasure chest.Let me start by saying that Sanz is no cotton candy where's-the-beef type of singer/songwriter.Some might even say that old souls are inhabiting this young person's body.The sincere warmth,intelligence,poetic passion, honesty and fire that infuses his soul is usually not found in someone of his youth in this day and age.He is a world class talent.Top of the line.A real gem among tons of cubic zirconium.There is a peaceful spirit that surrounds him though calm alone would not be the only word I would use to describe the music on this cd which is positively inspiring,sensual,joyful,mellow,jazzy, exciting,exhilarating and thrilling.On this classic collection of songs Alejandro covers a lot of ground by boldly combining elements of pop, rock,jazz,merengue,Spanish and Brazillian influences with lovely symphonic and acoustic guitar playing woven throughout.It is evident that nothing was randomly thrown together. Special attention was paid to every little detail.My six favorites are the title track "El Alma Al Aire" which is a standout song from the opening words of the background singers to the first slow-then-energetic-then-slow again vocal stylings of Alejandro.It finally builds up to a percussively rhythymic dance number that soars and shimmers with the addition of a fiery played flamenco guitar and the jazzy expressive sounds of a trumpet.The overall sound on this one reminds me of the music of the Panamanian singer Rueben Blades..On "Quisiera Ser" there is ear-catching music along with calm and smoothly energized,jazzy vocals. This is a joyful sounding song. Listening to it puts me into a state of bliss.Total nirvana.. There is a definite Milton Nascimiento influence on "Cuando Nadie Me Ve." A spiritual mental rollercoaster is what the singer seems to be riding.He advances from stream of consciousness calm to emotional anxiety and back again.I really feel his pain on this one.Can you?..One of the best songs on this cd is "Llega,Llego Soledad." The memory of Brazillian singer Jovan lives on in this outstanding tribute to Buenos Aires.The vocal phrasing is infinitely interesting and passionately dramatic. Alejandro sings with such feeling for the city that I almost feel jealous.. Expressive emotion-filled vocals,an interesting melody and strolling guitar solos are what make up the song "Hay Universo De Peguenas Cosas." I don't understand spanish which is why I desperately want to know what he is sayng on this one.Maybe it will be my incentive to learn the language..Last but certainly not least is another Milton Nascimiento influenced song "Me Ire." It is exquisite.Mesmerizingly beautiful with heartfelt vocals and words.Just the singer keeping it real.Nakedly exposing his feelings to the world.The Miami String Quartet add a wonderfully gorgeous touch especially towards the end of the song...To everybody who enjoys excellent music, (Sanz are you listening?)Alejandro,the background singers,arrangers,musicians, and to everyone who worked on this project "El Alma Al Arie" is way beyond a grammy... It is a masterpiece!

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