Multi-instrumentalist/producer Sly5thAve and pianist and composer Roberto Verástegui recently shared some collaborative singles a while back and now the duo is back with two new sound pieces for us. Their new release “Agua de Jamaica” and “Poinciana” is a pure display of virtuoso from the duo who layer majestic and dreamy textures in a seamless manner. Their efforts push the envelope in the jazz fusion arena with their progressive and nonnormative style of arrangement.
The first single “Agua de Jamaica” brings together the worlds of jazz, lofi hip-hop laced with Mexican and African roots. The record starts with soft drum grooves, an alluring harmonization from vocalist Silvana Estrada who peppers the track with her ear-grabbing vocals. Mixing soft Spanish guitar riffs, somber textures, crisp piano progressions, and somewhat moody bridges gives quite a dynamic and engaging feel as listeners are transported into a world of vibrant and soul-stirring sounds. The title is a reference to the popular drink of the same name made with water, hibiscus flower, and sugar.
“Poinciana” is Sly5thAve and Roberto’s take on the Latin Jazz standard of the same name, originally made famous by the legendary Ahmad Jamal. The track starts with the famous melancholic textures and Estrada once again enchants us with her sublime honeyed vocals that engulf the ever-dynamic instrumentation. From the cinematic strings, soft piano movements, and emotive breakdowns, the trio brings a refreshing and unique take on this classic tune.
“Agua de Jamaica” and “Poinciana” are taken from Agua de Jamaica, the collaborative project between producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II AKA Sly5thAve and pianist and composer Roberto Verástegui.
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