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With her 5th album, Golpes y Flores, Eliana Cuevas has created a beautiful musical love letter to her native land of Venezuela. The award-winning singer/songwriter explains; "Venezuelan music is very rich and I wanted to showcase some of what my country has to offer musically speaking. I was keen to feature traditional Afro-Venezuelan rhythms and mix those in with what I do." Cuevas was able to discover and record some of the finest Afro-Venezuelan percussionists in that country, and their contributions mesh seamlessly with those of her A-list Canadian accompanists. Their work is framed within her eloquent original compositions, while Eliana's fluent and pure vocals complete a sound that is both timeless and freshly contemporary. Eliana has never been constrained by genre boxes in her songwriting, drawing freely from jazz, Latin, folk and world music elements. That variety is again evident on Golpes y Flores, as songs range from the sparse and tender ballad "Mi Linda Maíta" to the dramatic and strings-driven "Nunca Jamas," the horns-embellished "Despierta" and breezy "Poderosa," and the full-blooded Latin jazz feel of "Seré Libre." Afro-Venezuelan rhythms are a consistent thread on the album, and Cuevas is thrilled at their presence. "Once I found these percussionists to record with, we adapted some of the songs I'd already written, as well as writing some new songs around those rhythms." Cuevas draws upon personal experiences in her very poetic songwriting. The album title also possesses a deep meaning, Eliana states. "'Golpes' means hit, often referring to rhythms, while 'flores' means flowers. To me, the title suggests a combination of the sophistication, beauty and gentleness of flowers and the strength and force of the Afro-Venezuelan rhythms." She has certainly done that here, crafting a lovely work that is highly worthy of your attention.

Track Listing

Sales Points

• For fans of Lucia Pulido, Concha Buika, Esperanza Spalding, Elis Regina, Caetano Veloso, Maria Rita, Natalia Lafourcade, Flora Purim, Susana Vaca, Maria Rita.
• Winner - Best Latin Album (Espejo) - Independent Music Awards, 2014
• Winner - Latin Jazz Artist of the Year - National Jazz Awards

Press Quotes

It's always been a safe bet to trust Canada's Alma label to bring us the best in world beat and jazz from north of the border and beyond. Their streak is in tact with Cuevas. Hot stuff? You bet! This is what modern, contemporary caliente is all about.

     —Chris Spector, Midwest Record

Her range is inspiring, her tone is deep, her fire is irrefutable

     —Jordan Richardson, Something Else!

If you could buy only one contemporary Latin album this year, this might well be the one. I am very impressed! Eliana Cuevas is a knockout on every level

     —Gapplegate

The Venezuelan-born, Toronto-based Cuevas melds pop, jazz and South American folk music into an exceptionally enticing sound. This is an exceptional artist in her prime.

     —Paul Freeman, Pop Culture Classics

Latin music from Canada? Hey, it works! She was born in Venezuela, but Eleana Cuevas makes tha hotbed of latin music, namely Toronto, her home now and serves up a sizzling plate of music here.

     —George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly

Talent and creativity are a combination that excites me in Latin music, and Venezuelan singer Eliana Cuevas has delivered a very original Latin Jazz album. She can go up and down the musical scales, and improvises and decorates the music with incredible g

     —Hector Aviles, Latino Music Cafe

Eliana Cuevas delivers some stunning, South American vibes

     —Woodrow Wilkins, The Jazz Writer

If lively is your keyword when you're looking for great jazz to listen to, you won't find anything more full of life than Eliana's superb jazz vocal works. Eliana truly knows how to move your heart and keep you guessing.

     —Rotcod Zzaj, Improvisation Nation

Canada's Emerging Latin Music Queen

     —680 News

Musical class on an international level meetes driving South American rhythms and first class Latin.

     —Hamburg Morning Daily

South American rhythms, poetry and jazz are all elements of her music, which obviously flows from the core of her being.

     —Kerry Doole, The Live Music Report

Eliana is (just as) amazing to watch. At times her voice is as smooth as silk, and then... she eruptes like a volcano. She gives me goose-bumps.

     —CBC Radio

A major international talent that's on its way...

     —Goeff Chapman, Toronto Star

An eclectic mix of styles performed with artistry and heart.

     —Wholenote Magazine