Michael Olivera Group - Ashe (2016)

This is Michael Olivera's first leader album. It features Munir Hossun (b) from the Zawinul Syndicate, who is from Brazil and is also in the Alfred Rodriguez Trio, Marco Mezquida (p), a rising star from Spain, Ariel Bringes (sax) from Cuba, who has played with Chucho Valdes and others, and Spanish version Neo-soul singer Milian Latrese (vo). In the opening track, the presence of Milian and Ariel gives warmth and freshness to the album, while the middle section of the trilogy composition depicts Spanish to Cuban influences. The hurricane-themed "Ciclon Tropical" and "Tornado" in the second half of the album evoke the ups and downs of a violent storm. The closing song, Coltrane's "The Greatest Love," is performed by Ariel.