Album Review: Influecis Et Collabis

If there’s one word which sums up LatinAotearoa’s newest offering Influecis Et Collabis, it’s collaboration.

Every cut on this incredible full-length album features guest artists, and it’s a who’s who of the New Zealand jazz, blues and other similar genres.

Right from the first track the Latin grooves are flowing, and bottom-wiggling is automatic.. even for this typically non-dancing middle aged Caucasian.

However, the intricate syncopation on this album from LatinAotearoa is addictive. The collaborations are varied and include contributions from luminaries including Laughton Kora and Nathan Haines.

Skyy Can You Feel Me features Julien Dyne alongside Laughton Kora’s soulful tones, and its interesting hearing Laughton fitting in to Latin timing, instead of his more customary Reggae grooves.

The penultimate track San Montuno features a classic ‘Italian House’ Piano: heavily syncopated and dancing around the beat like a flamenco dancer.

One Tree Bossa features Nathan Haines and is one of the sweetest tracks on the LP with the recently recovered multi-instrumentalist in fine form. It’s one of the album’s highlights.

The closing piece Aquarela featuring Ricky de Medeiros & Ge Luz is a beautiful duet ballad between two voices with an acoustic guitar played in a tender and lilting style.

The album was beautifully recorded at Studio 509 in Auckland, and the mastering on it is simply superb.

_{Review written by Darryl Baser}