Description
Blue Samba is the debut album from Duo Powers-de la Torre (Lark Powers and Ricardo de la Torre, piano), devoted entirely to the music of Uruguayan-American composer Miguel del Aguila - much of it arranged or written expressly for this recording, in close collaboration with the composer himself. Across seven works spanning thirty years, from the Andean-flavored Charango Capriccioso (with string quintet) to the title track's swing-into-samba, the album traces del Aguila's Pan-Latin musical language. Head for the Exit, Pianola Rebelde, and Blue Samba are all world-premiere recordings. Two solo pieces, Music in a Bottle and Conga, feature each pianist alone. Recorded at Pacific Lutheran University's Lagerquist Concert Hall with del Aguila as artistic producer, Blue Samba is the record of a genuine friendship between composer and performers, one that began when Ricardo first heard this music as a student in Mexico City