The Cuban soul of Daymé Arocena

Vocalist, composer, arranger, choir master and conductor at only 22 is not an everyday achievement. The ease with which Daymé Arocena has managed to excel in so many different fields is incredible. Discovered by Gilles Peterson and then taking off following The Havana Cultura Sessions, the young Cuban artist is first and foremost a singer: charismatic, virtuosic, fluid and already well-experienced. Whilst listening to Nueva Era, her debut album released on Peterson's label Brownswood Recordings, you discover an artist with a fluent understanding of Cuban music at her fingertips, as well as soul, jazz and rhythm’n’blues. Arocena's panache and sensuality recall the music of her many influences: from George Benson to Amy Winehouse via Elis Regina, Miles Davis, Erika Badu and Gil Scott Heron, as well as the great jazz vocalists Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Whether she’s singing in Spanish, Yoruba or English, her agile voice is instantly engaging as it swirls into its own grooves. Nueva Era is a joy, alternating between mucho caliente and melancholy and jazzy nu-soul groove. Definitely a Qobuzism!

To keep up with the latest news, join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter