Mi Pequeña
Eliana Cuevas; Jorge Glem
Lula World Records (lulaworldrecords.ca/product-page/mi-penqueña-by-eliana-cuevas)
Venezuelan/Canadian/International chanteuse and composer, Eliana Cuevas, has long been acclaimed for her previous six well-received albums and dynamic live performances, as well as for her vision as a bandleader and composer. Her choices are rife with diverse cultural and cross-ethnic musical influences. Cuevas’ Mi Pequena (My Little Girl) was created in collaboration with the well-respected multi-Latin GRAMMY-winning cuatro player, Jorge Glem. The cuatro (sometimes mis-identified as a Ukelele by the un-enlightened) is at the very core of indigenous Venezuelan music, and Glem is one of the foremost cuatro artists to be found on the globe.
The opening title track was composed by former Cuevas collaborator, the late, iconic Aquilas Baez and features a diaphanous intro by Glem, which is joined by Cuevas’ sensual, sibilant and resonant voice, dancing through this lovely, melodic, folk-inspired composition. Cuevas is blessed with not only a supple vocal instrument, but is also a master communicator – beyond language or culture – existing in the shared musical stratosphere. On La Partida (Simon Diaz/Carlos Bennett) Glem reaches levels of artistry and technique on the cuatro which are breathtaking, as is Cuevas’ powerful and gymnastic vocal.
Other exquisite tracks include Henry Martinez’ muy romantico ballad, Venme a Buscar. Cuevas exposes her very soul here, using vocal dynamics like a paintbrush. On Glem’s delightful Cambur Pinton, rapid fire Spanish lyrics rendered exquisitely by Cuevas intensify the rhythmic dynamism of Glem and the under-exposed scope of the essential cuatro. Cueva’s only composition here, El Quarto Venezolano (The Venezuelan Fourth) is a stunner, with Cuevas on piano, re-enforcing the rhythmic spine, with Glem’s cuatro and Cuevas’ sumptuous voice weaving a powerful Venezuelan spell that will captivate all listeners of this finely crafted and exceptionally performed recording.
Listen to 'Mi Pequeña' Now in the Listening Room
