Latin Jazz CDs

 One of the most interesting and talented singers in the world of Latin American music is, strangely, originally from the Czech Republic. Marta Topferova is not only a singer but a musician (cuarto and percussion) and a songwriter.

 Marta Topferova and her group (usually a trio, including herself) play an interesting mix of Latin American folk/pop and jazz; much of it from Venezuela, mixed with her originals which are written in the same vein.

 All of this is presented in a jazz-like context perfect for small clubs. On LA MAREA, all the tunes are written by Marta. They're all instrumentals.

 Marta has been listening to music from around the world since her childhood: the music of Brazil and then the rest of Latin America soon overpowered her.   Her voice is surprisingly deep, yet still feminine: try to imagine Marlina Deitrich singing bossa nova and you won't be quite there - but getting close.

 Marta's group, with Edmar Castaneda on south Americn harp and Chris Eddleton on drums, fits her sound perfectly.

 For the sake of LA MAREA, other musicians are occasionally added - but very sparingly: for instance there's a very soft accordion on the title cut 'La Marea', while cut 3, 'Manana Nevada', features a French horn which will remind some listeners of the West Coast jazz of the 1950s and early 60s, or perhaps a Mancini soundtrack.

 A bit more up tempo but still soft and subtle is Cut 5, 'La Gaita Ajena': here we get accordion, flute, acoustic bass, tambora and maracas. This cut begins very Latin American, then reminds the listener of Paris cafe music. It finishes with an almost Flamenco-like flourish.  Marta does nearly all of the arranging, including the two instrumentals.

 Topferova is a very talented, interesting young lady who plays jazz clubs as well as world music venues, and LA MAREA is a great kickoff to a career which should last a long time.