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NAVA

(Ryko Latino)

Since the early '80s, Rodolfo Barrera (a/k/a Nava) has been writing hits for Latin singers ranging from José Feliciano to La India and Elvis Crespo. On his first full-length release, this Puerto Rican original breaks Latin pop molds to deliver a set of eclectic textures, moods, and melodies. Like a number of Brazil's more popular seasoned pop artists (Caetano Veloso, for example), Barrera has contemplated funk, rock, and jazz in addition to his native pan-Latin styles. He uses instruments, melodies, traditional rhythms, and electronics as compositional elements without displaying any particular loyalty to existing conventions.

"La vaquita" ("The Little Cow") is a lyrical Tex-Mex ballad, with trombone and accordion the most prominent instruments. "Así na' má" ("Just like That") offers a smart take on American lounge funk but with techno overtones and, again, that trombone. "El Paraíso" ("Paradise") builds to a dense, frenetic climax; "Hey You" marries salsa's piano montuna with house ambiance. Barrera's silken, whispery voice is best suited to low-key material like the sensual samba of "Mujer boricua" ("Puerto Rican Woman") and the solo guitar ballad "Vuélvelo a intentar" ("Give Yourself Another Chance"). But his range and sophistication are a refreshing reminder that there's more going on in the Latin world than unbridled tropical boogie.

-- Banning Eyre