Sofia Rei Koutsovitis is one of New York’s most passionate

Sofia Rei Koutsovitis

2010-09-15, at 7:30PM 

FEATURING:
Sofia Rei Koutsovitis, vocals
Eric Kurimski-guitar
Jorge Roeder-bass
Yayo Serka- drums and percussion

Sofia Rei Koutsovitis is one of New York’s most passionate, charismatic and inventive vocalists, but she brings more than the depth and fullness of a riveting voice to her second album, Sube Azul (World Village/Harmonia Mundi). She also serves as the album’s composer, arranger, lyricist and — with bassist Jorge Roeder — producer. Following up on Ojalá, her polyglot and multilingual debut, she offers this time a collection of mostly original Spanish-language songs, building on a new set of growth experiences since moving to New York in 2005.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, her project is grounded in traditional South American rhythms such as chacarera, zamba and vidala from Argentina, Afro-peruvian festejo and lando, Afro-Uruguayan candombe, Colombian cumbia and bullerengue and other genres that merge involving jazz harmonies, electronic sounds and rich improvisations. Singing in Spanish, Portuguese or English, Sofia's voice is so graceful as sophisticated, tying together diverse influences in a program full of rhythmic complexity, melody and romance. Her ensemble produces a range of textures as diverse as the cultural roots of its members, an international cast that includes some of the most exciting young talent from North and South America.