Bahía

Ana Carla Maza is a virtuoso Cuban composer, cellist and singer. Her latest album, Bahía, takes you on a spellbinding journey through jazz, classical music and the rich cultures of Latin America. Recorded acoustically in Barcelona in one take, the album is astonishingly intimate and unflinchingly honest. Packed with personality, it effortlessly encapsulates feelings of love, heartbreak, despair and joy.

Musically, the record draws on Cuban son, samba, bossa nova, tango, chanson and makes several whistle-stops in Paris, where Maza studied music at the Conservatoire. With voice and cello alone (bar the final track on piano), Maza creates a staggeringly full sound. Perfect without being over-thought, the space she achieves invites you into the very heart of the performance. The record opens with ‘La Habana’, where Maza was born 26 years ago. Title-track ‘Bahía’ follows and is an ode to the district in Havana where she spent her childhood. ‘Huayno’ is based on a Quechua rhythm and dance from Peru, ‘Todo Irá Bien’ draws on Cuban son and ‘Astor Piazzola’ on tango. ‘Le Petit Français’ is verdant beauty and ‘A Tomar Café’ is pure passion. All in all, Bahía is a seriously refreshing listen and a complete triumph. Hats off to Ana Carla Maza.