Podcast 769: A Conversation with Harold López-Nussa

Straight No Chaser - A Jazz Show

Harold López-Nussa has been successfully making records that blur the lines between straight-ahead jazz, Latin Jazz and Cuban folk music for years now. His latest release on Mack Avenue, Te Lo Dije (the title roughly translates to "I Told You" pushes those boundries even further.

López-Nussa once again has his favorite musicians working with him: Julio César González (Bass), his brother Ruy Adrían López-Nussa (Drums, Percussion) and Mayquel González (Trumpet). WIth a handful of guests to fill out the sound where needed, most notably accordanist Vincent Peirani, the band moves from traditional forms of Cuban music to sounds from France ("Windmills of Your Mind") and even Reggaeton ("JazzTón").

Harold is is his usual flashy self, able to lay down a lightning run, but able to use his touch to bring across the emotion at the core of his native sounds. This is López-Nussa's third album since signing with Mack Avenue in 2016. I first became aware of his talent when he wrote for, and played on, the 90 Miles project recorded in Cuba by David Sanchez, Stefon Harris and Christian Scott (now Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah) in 2010.

On Podcast 769 we get to talk with Harold about life in Cuba during the pandemic, the making of Te Lo Dije, and why he tries to make new and different music on each album. Musical selections include "Windmills of Your Mind," "Jazzton," and from 90 Miles, his composition "E'cha."