Besame Mucho by Vazquez, Edna & Pink Martini (Record, 2020)

Bésame Mucho is a 2019 Album by Edna Vazquez and Pink Martini, a collaboration that brings together the soulful voice of Mexican singer Edna Vazquez and the eclectic, jazz-infused sound of the Portland-based ensemble Pink Martini. The album features a mix of Latin jazz, bossa nova, and orchestral pop interpretations of classic songs, blending the rich musical traditions of Latin America with the refined arrangements of Pink Martini.

Album Overview:

• Artists: Edna Vazquez & Pink Martini
• Album: Bésame Mucho
• Release Year: 2019
• Label: Heinz Records
• Genre: Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova, Orchestral Pop, Latin Music

Why It’s Special:

• Latin Fusion: The album beautifully marries the Latin music traditions with Pink Martini's sophisticated, international style. The combination of Edna Vazquez’s powerful vocals and Pink Martini's lush orchestration creates a rich, sensual listening experience.
• Classic Latin Songs: Bésame Mucho includes fresh interpretations of well-known Latin songs, especially the title track, which is one of the most famous songs in Latin music history. The album reimagines timeless classics, giving them new life with a modern twist.
• Collaborative Spirit: The collaboration between Edna Vazquez, a renowned Mexican artist, and Pink Martini, known for their global sound, brings a cross-cultural musical fusion that stands out in the genre of Latin jazz and orchestral pop.

Notable Tracks:

1. "Bésame Mucho" – The title track is one of the most iconic songs in the Latin music canon. Edna Vazquez’s emotive vocals are complemented by Pink Martini’s lush instrumentation, bringing new depth to the classic bolero.
2. "La Llorona" – A deeply haunting and emotional Mexican folk song, given a sophisticated jazz and orchestral treatment by Pink Martini. Edna’s rendition captures the song's tragic beauty.
3. "Sway (Quien Sera)" – This well-known song blends Latin rhythms with jazz, providing a playful and seductive atmosphere.
4. "Copa de Arroz" – A lively and festive track that showcases Pink Martini’s unique ability to blend diverse musical influences with ease.
5. "Amor, Amor" – A romantic and passionate track that highlights Edna Vazquez’s vocal prowess, blending the charm of Latin ballads with modern arrangements.

Musical Style:

Bésame Mucho is an album rich in Latin jazz, bossa nova, and orchestral pop. Some key musical elements include:

• Smooth Vocals: Edna Vazquez’s voice is soulful and powerful, giving the songs an emotional depth that resonates with the listener.
• Orchestral Arrangements: Pink Martini’s lush orchestral backing adds a sophisticated touch to the album, blending classical music with Latin rhythms.
• Latin Rhythms: The album features classic Latin rhythms such as bolero, bossa nova, and mambo, but reimagined with modern arrangements and jazz influences.

Critical Reception:

The album was praised for its vibrant, timeless sound and the seamless blend of Edna Vazquez's Latin heritage with Pink Martini’s cosmopolitan, genre-blending style. Critics highlighted the album’s ability to bring together the warmth of Latin music and the elegance of orchestral jazz, making it a standout in both the Latin and jazz music scenes. The track "Bésame Mucho," in particular, received widespread acclaim for its powerful and evocative interpretation.

Vinyl Edition:

The vinyl edition of Bésame Mucho likely features a high-quality pressing, capturing the warmth and depth of the album's orchestral arrangements. The album may come with striking artwork that reflects the blend of Latin culture and sophisticated jazz influences. Special editions of the album might include colored vinyl or exclusive packaging.

Why It’s Important:

Bésame Mucho showcases the ability of both Edna Vazquez and Pink Martini to transcend borders with their music, combining Latin American rhythms with global jazz sensibilities. The album brings fresh life to classic Latin songs while keeping the rich history and emotion of the originals intact.