Downbeat Review!

Alexa Weber Morales
Vagabundeo
PATOIS 3396
(3 stars)

Berkeley, Calif.-born Alexa Weber Morales interprets Latin standards with a decidedly American approach on Vagabundeo, on which her large-scale skill and talent encourages her all-inclusive dreams. Performing original material as well as that of Edu Lobo, Jobim and Bizet, Morales' good taste also influences her choice of arranger/producer, Wayne Wallace.

Morales does it all, with varying degrees of success: Evita-like theatrical events complete with gospel choir ("Angelitos Negros"), a funk interpretation of the theme from Carmen ("Habanera"), a Take 6-styled a capella track ("Calling You") and a salsa/montuno banger ("El Cantante"). Wallace's arrangements drape Morales' dark, creamy vocals in wide-angle backdrops, regardless of style. The intense salsa of "El Cantante" serves Morales' spirited sashay, but a sleepy lite-jazz sheen can't help the boring "Her Ways Wander." Similarly, an over-the-top funk approach is inconsequential to the dissonant "The Goddess of War." The lovely "Tu Amor" is more Morales' speed, its dreamy acoustic pulse allowing full flower to her gorgeous articulation, flowing time sense and warm tone. When she sticks to her Latin heritage, Morales is golden.

--Ken Micallef
Downbeat, June 2008