Alba Careta – Panical – Couleurs JAZZ

Although she is only in her early thirties, Catalan trumpeter and singer Alba Careta is already on her fifth album, confirming her unique talent as an instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer.

With themes mostly penned by herself, Careta leads a group that draws less inspiration from the historic hardbop quintets than from Mediterranean music. Her trumpet has a beautifully timbred sound and a vocal quality that is reflected in her singing, where she expresses herself with remarkable vigor and lyricism.

The musicians who surround her are excellent improvisers and bring warm tones to the group’s sound, which is dense and shimmering with color.

Lucas Martinez‘s tenor saxophone’s sumptuous tone blends beautifully with the leader’s and offers first-rate solos.

Roger Santacana‘s piano, at times delicate, at times more robust, supports these soloists with great harmonic relevance and also delivers inspired solos.

As for the rhythm section of double bass and drums, it provides the ensemble with unfailing support.

This is a beautiful album in which one senses the intense pleasure of playing on the part of musicians whom we hope to hear live on French stages.