Album Notes

“…a rare purity if spirit. - Bruce Polin, Descarga Review

After over a decade as leader of the popular Cuban Big Band Orchestra Zarabanda, Seattle vocalist and composer Elspeth Savani is stepping out with a new solo venture “Flights of Mind-Pensamientos en Vuelo.” Inspired by news stories of incarceration and injustice, “Flights of Mind-Pensamientos en Vuelo” is a richly textured exploration of freedom: personal, political and musical. While traditional Latin rhythms are articulated throughout this 9-song disc, Savani and her multi-instrumental band are in no way limited by them. In particular, Savani demonstrates a dual ability to synchronize her vocals to the rhythmic dictates of the song and also to float the melody effortlessly above the groove, adding a deeper lyricism to the music. Throughout the recording, Savani and her band move the music into a broad landscape that includes shades of pop sensibility as well contemporary jazz stylings. The theme of freedom is evident not only within the stories of the songs but also in Savani’s own musical expression.


PERSONNEL:
Vocals: Elspeth Savani
Piano: Julio Jáuregui
Bass: Jeff Norwood
Trombone: Chris Stover
Tenor Saxophone: Stuart MacDonald
Drums, percussion, whistles: Jeff Busch
Congas (Track 6): Tom Bergersen
Cajón (Track 1): Peta Robles
Güiro (Tracks 6 and 9): Francisco “Junior” Medina
Coro vocals: (Tracks 3, 5, 6, 7) Carlos Cascante and Miguel Baez


Recorded at David Lange Studio
Overdubs recorded by Julio Jauregui
Mixed & mastered by Julio Jauregui & Bettermusik Studios