Melissa Aldana: Filin

   

      Tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana showcases the romantic side of her art on the delightful Filin. Aldana has long wanted to make a ballad album, inspired by John Coltrane’s 1963 Ballads Lp. Talking about her ideas with pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba, he suggested investigating filin, a style of romantic songs that was popular in Cuba from the late ‘40s to the early ‘60s. Rubalcaba, who grew up among professional musicians in Cuba, not only made the suggestion, but was happy to play piano on the project, He also helped the Chilean-born Aldana navigate her way through the history of filin music, which ended up with a recording of eight selections by as many composers. With minimal arrangements by Rubalcaba, Aldana glides smoothly into the heart of these tender melodies. The impeccable rhythm team of Rubalcaba on piano, the invaluable Peter Washington on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums is warmly supportive of Aldana’s generally relaxed excursions. Adding to the intimate feeling of the recordings was the “old-fashioned” way the album was recorded, with everyone in the same room and without headphones. Cécile McLorin Salvant adds her distinctive vocals to a couple of tracks. While she sounds a trifle tentative singing this unfamiliar repertoire, her delivery reminds us that the songs all had vocals originally. Aldana, as is her usual practice, learned the lyrics as well as the music, so as to convey the correct intent. The overall effect is genuinely gorgeous, a soothing and calming thirty-nine minutes of music to be enjoyed again and again. 

Blue Note; Melissa Aldana (ts) Gonzalo Rubalcaba (p) Peter Washington (b) Kush Abadey (d)     Cécile McLorin Salvant (vocals on *); Mt. Vernon, NY, April 29–30, 2025; La Sentencia/ Dime Si Eres Tú/ No Te Empeñes Más*/ Imágenes/ Las Rosas No Hablan*/ Little Church/ Ocaso/ No Pidas Imposibles; 38:58. www.bluenote.com