The release Timba A La Americana last year marked the debut of Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa on the iconic Blue Note Records. Produced by Snarky Puppy leader Michael League, the album is a daring new chapter in López-Nussa's career that now spans two decades. His enthusiasm, energy and technical ingenuity are astounding. In his playing, he combines an extraordinary intensity with a refined use of timbre and harmony. His fingers race across the keys, while always managing to make all the notes sound crisp and precise. López-Nussa not only draws on the rich Cuban musical traditions in which classical, folk and pop come together, he also weaves through various jazz styles with the greatest of ease. This, matched with pulsating Latin American rhythms, renders an exciting result. In addition to bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Ruy Adrian López-Nussa, his new quartet also includes harmonica virtuoso Grégoire Maret, who has frequently collaborated with Marcus Miller and Herbie Hancock, among others.
