New Release: My Universe from Maria Puga Lareo

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New Release:  My Universe from Maria Puga Lareo
Release Date: October 18, 2024
Label: My Keter Records/Outside In Music
Website:  https://www.mariapugalareo.com

Pensive and palliative, Maria Puga Lareo's vocals are very soothing on the aural senses, which she demonstrates prolifically on her third release My Universe.  Co-produced by her husband Bob Sheppard, whom she wrote two original tracks with for the recording, Lareo performs 8 tracks as interpretations of jazz standards.  Backed up a litany of Los Angeles based musicians, including pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Mike Valerio, drummer Christian Euman and guitarist Leo Amuedo, in addition to her husband on saxophone and woodwinds, the album has an easy flow that embraces the charming attributes of classic jazz.  From Lareo's soaring vocals driving "Depois de Tanto Tempo" to the sleeky flutters of Sheppard's sax splayed across "The Song Is You," the album puts listeners in a dreamy state of mind.  The Latin shivers of Alex Acuña's percussion cushion "Spring" tenderly, adorned in the soft glitter of Carol Robins's harp and a choir of orchestral strings, conducted by Nancy Schwartz, adding a lustrous texture to the track.  Changing to a swinging tempo along "Cherokee," Lareo displays her vocal dexterity, adapting to fast paced terrain, then cruises into the harmonious wavelets of "We'll Be Together Again."  Lareo's music has a soothing effect on listeners, steering them into a dreamy state of being.

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