ADA DE LUQUE
Warm Summer Night Dreams (LuzArt)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Cuban born, Miami raised, Ada de Luque devoted her early years to the study of opera, obtaining a Master's degree in Classical Music and Vocal Performance, and studying with private coaches including Luciano Pavarotti. More recently, she's gained recognition as a songwriter, composing international hits for the Latin market.

On Warm Summer Night Dreams she generally restrains her operatic impulses in favor of sensuous performances of her Latin flavored pop/jazz compositions. This is richly romantic music, and she delivers passionate performances against restrained backing by members of Miami's Latin music A-list. There's a hint of Brazil, a touch of Afro-Cuban and some good ol' American pop in the mix, but the only likely marketplace for this music is in the smooth jazz category. That's a shame, in a way, because what she's doing is much better music than most of what ends up on that shelf, but at least it offers an upgrade for the genre.

The album calls for candlelight, wine and a close personal friend, and it's a wonderful accompaniment for the scene those accessories imply.

Track List:

Falling * Yellow Butterfly * No Color Of You * Across The River Of My Love * Tu Consejo * The Nearness Of You * Lascivious Love * Agua De Coco * Drume * A Warm Summer Night's Dream * Pazzia * Falling (club version)

[Pick this up at www.luzartmusic.com.]

© 2003 - Shaun Dale