MUSIC REVIEW BY Pablo Iván Argüello, El Heraldo de Mexico
"The Brazilian Project," as the title suggests, serves as a tribute to the luminous musical tradition of that vast South American territory—a region rich in traditions and sonic palettes.
Born in Mérida, Yucatán, in 1952, Gabriel Espinosa began his musical journey within a family that loved music. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the rhythms and melodies surrounding him in his hometown, where he joined the group Los Deltons and began playing the electric bass.
However, his move to Iowa—made possible by a music scholarship—marked a turning point in his career. In the United States, Espinosa not only honed his technique but also began exploring various genres that would shape his artistic vision.
During his studies in Iowa and later at Berklee, Espinosa immersed himself in jazz. In that environment, he joined the group "Ashanti," recording three albums with them: *En Fuego*, *Sin Fronteras*, and *Dyos Bo'otik*. Concurrently, he earned a master's degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas.
Having released several solo albums between 2009 and 2023—notably *From Yucatan to Rio*, *Celebrando*, *Samba Little Samba*, *Songs of Bacharach and Manzanero*, *Nostalgias De Mi Vida*, and *Bossas & Boleros*—the composer now explores Brazilian music. This genre, with its rich harmonies and captivating rhythms, has given rise to iconic figures such as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Ivan Lins, among many others.
"The Brazilian Project" is the result of years of work and collaboration with renowned arrangers—particularly trombonist Rafael Rocha and flugelhornist Bruno Santos—as well as close friends. Espinosa, who considers himself primarily a composer, decided not to perform on the album himself; instead, he preferred to have his works interpreted by Brazilian musicians to capture an essence closer to their specific tonal qualities.
Creating the new album was a meticulous process. Espinosa worked closely with Rocha and Santos—who arranged ten original compositions—and then recorded the tracks in Rio de Janeiro with a group of musicians who have played together for over a decade: wind players Roger Rocha, Josué Lopez, Daniel Freire, and Joabe Reis; guitarist Giovani Malini; pianists André Lopez, Felipe Silveira, and Eduardo Farias; bassist Hugo Maciel; and percussionists Renato Rocha, Rafael Barata, and Mafran Maracana. The project also featured the Tallin Studio Orchestra, conducted by Kleber Augustinho da Silva.
For Espinosa, "The Brazilian Project" is a tribute to the music that has inspired him over the years, as well as a testament to his ability to fuse diverse influences into a sound that moves to its own unique rhythm. Tracks such as "Encuentro Maya" and "Mi Jarana" showcase a fusion of styles, blending elements of Yucatecan traditions with Brazilian influences.
With this project, the composer plans to stage performances in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.
Translated from Spanish
Born in Mérida, Yucatán, in 1952, Gabriel Espinosa began his musical journey within a family that loved music. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in the rhythms and melodies surrounding him in his hometown, where he joined the group Los Deltons and began playing the electric bass.
However, his move to Iowa—made possible by a music scholarship—marked a turning point in his career. In the United States, Espinosa not only honed his technique but also began exploring various genres that would shape his artistic vision.
During his studies in Iowa and later at Berklee, Espinosa immersed himself in jazz. In that environment, he joined the group "Ashanti," recording three albums with them: *En Fuego*, *Sin Fronteras*, and *Dyos Bo'otik*. Concurrently, he earned a master's degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas.
Having released several solo albums between 2009 and 2023—notably *From Yucatan to Rio*, *Celebrando*, *Samba Little Samba*, *Songs of Bacharach and Manzanero*, *Nostalgias De Mi Vida*, and *Bossas & Boleros*—the composer now explores Brazilian music. This genre, with its rich harmonies and captivating rhythms, has given rise to iconic figures such as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Ivan Lins, among many others.
"The Brazilian Project" is the result of years of work and collaboration with renowned arrangers—particularly trombonist Rafael Rocha and flugelhornist Bruno Santos—as well as close friends. Espinosa, who considers himself primarily a composer, decided not to perform on the album himself; instead, he preferred to have his works interpreted by Brazilian musicians to capture an essence closer to their specific tonal qualities.
Creating the new album was a meticulous process. Espinosa worked closely with Rocha and Santos—who arranged ten original compositions—and then recorded the tracks in Rio de Janeiro with a group of musicians who have played together for over a decade: wind players Roger Rocha, Josué Lopez, Daniel Freire, and Joabe Reis; guitarist Giovani Malini; pianists André Lopez, Felipe Silveira, and Eduardo Farias; bassist Hugo Maciel; and percussionists Renato Rocha, Rafael Barata, and Mafran Maracana. The project also featured the Tallin Studio Orchestra, conducted by Kleber Augustinho da Silva.
For Espinosa, "The Brazilian Project" is a tribute to the music that has inspired him over the years, as well as a testament to his ability to fuse diverse influences into a sound that moves to its own unique rhythm. Tracks such as "Encuentro Maya" and "Mi Jarana" showcase a fusion of styles, blending elements of Yucatecan traditions with Brazilian influences.
With this project, the composer plans to stage performances in various parts of the world, including Brazil, Mexico, and the United States.
Translated from Spanish
Soundclips
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