Live

Harold López-Nussa : Ronnie Scott’s 4/07/2023

Blue Note sensation Harold López-Nussa hit Ronnie Scott’s with endearing force ahead of his august release which sees Snarky Puppy’s Michael League on production duties.

A bluesy Afro Cuban number kicked off proceedings before furious montunos spilled forth propelled by the drummer (Nussa’s younger brother, Ruy Adrian) and his light yet groove ridden beats.The feather touch is very much part of the band’s approach - light but heavy. The heads, led by the thrilling harmonica playing of Gregoire Maret have a sense of the old country but don’t be fooled this unit has stripped out what they need and have given it it’s own unique and emboldened twist.

His musical style is firmly grounded in the vibrant traditions of Cuban music, however seamlessly blending elements of jazz and blues, gospel, classical, and Afro-Cuban rhythms within his compositions. His distinctive playing style is marked by virtuosity, intricate rhythms, and a profound sensitivity to melody and Ronnies is the perfect venue for this exceptional pianist and band alike. It’s also fascinating to note this was a whole new set with not even names given to the repertoire yet! Often two handed on fender rhodes and acoustic piano Harold blew up a sub tropical storm. The dynamic interplay with natural peaks and troughs are pure aural delight too, all glued together by anchorman double bassist, Luques Curtis who got his moment to shine soloing on the first number of the strongly themed second set that paid tribute to the past and more traditional Cuban composers.

The ensemble work is off the chain and deep rooted.The symbiotic relationship the brothers have is a treat to behold, two world class players in one family forging displacement battles - the gloves are firmly off ! A revelatory meander through Cuban culture and identity and out the other side full of pastoral charm breaking out of an increasingly globalised world.Suffice to say Harold and his band are real touch of class fused with energetic panache and extreme playfulness.
Words Emrys Baird