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| Cuban-American Multi-Instrumentalist - Victoria Cardona Que Pasó (Leggero Records) 6/27 Victoria Cardona is a Cuban American singer/songwriter, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist. Growing up in a traditional Cuban household, she was influenced by legends like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan. After studying jazz guitar in Florida and Minnesota, she developed her live looping, One-Woman-Band project. Victoria's international tours took her across Europe, while her active Southeast U.S. performances sharpened her sound. Her debut album, Que Pasó produced by Tim Goodman and featuring legendary musicians like Jimmy Haslip on bass, Jimmy Branley on drums, Justo Almario on horns and Bill Payne on piano and blends Cuban rhythms with jazz, rock, and world influences, reflecting her personal history and cultural heritage. Que Pasó En La Habana explores the struggles faced by the Cuban people under communist rule, describing hardships like food shortages while offering a historical perspective on Cuba's past. The song blends rhythmic Cuban percussion and brass, capturing the resilience of the Cuban people. Ghost reflects on the haunting feeling of sensing a loved one's presence long after their passing. Starting with a melancholic tone, it gradually becomes a heartfelt tribute, blending sorrow and celebration of the departed. George From Heaven is a quirky tale based on a true encounter, where Victoria meets a mysterious calypso musician during a gig. The song's lively Caribbean rhythms and playful storytelling bring the whimsical experience to life. Me Voy Pa La Playa (I'm Going to the Beach) is an upbeat anthem about leaving behind the grind of everyday life to escape to an island paradise. The song features an infectious groove that celebrates freedom and the spirit of the Caribbean. Rhodes Royale tells the story of Victoria's experience as the only woman in a poker tournament in Greece, where her victory is met with resistance. The bold track captures her defiance through funky rhythms and a jazz fusion vibe. Dos Gardenias, a timeless bolero penned by Cuban composer Isolina Carrillo, receives a reverent yet personalized interpretation here—bridging its traditional roots with a refined Latin jazz sensibility. Camarena Baila is a deeply personal song about Victoria's family's escape from Cuba. It tells the story of her grandparents' resistance to government control and their eventual reunion in Florida. The song's rhythm symbolizes the family's resilience and the sweet taste of freedom. Tuesday Rain captures the quiet excitement of seeing a crush through a rainy window. The track's dreamy atmosphere and emotional build-up reflect the anticipation of meeting someone special in a moment of serendipity. Slow Burn describes a passionate yet doomed relationship. The song's soulful instrumentation and reflective lyrics convey the slow realization that the relationship was always meant to end, portraying the emotional destruction of strong, reckless feelings. El Carretero is a cover of a classic Cuban Guajira by Guillermo Portabales, honoring Victoria's grandfather, a sugar cane carter. The song's heartfelt lyrics about dedication to work and love for the countryside are brought to life with an authentic, traditional sound. Spanish Moon is a Latin-infused cover of Little Feat's classic, sung in Spanish. Victoria brings a fresh twist to the original, with vibrant rhythms and her own vocal interpretation, giving the song a new, danceable energy. TRACK, TIMES, PLAYERS, COMPOSER 1. Que Pasó En La Habana (3:54) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitars | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Rene Camacho: Baby Bass | Tim Goodman: Organ | San Miguel Perez: Cuban Tres Guitar | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Justo Almario: Flute, Saxophone | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona, Marilyn Scott, Jimmy Branly, Tim Goodman 2. Ghost (4:12) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Piano | Jimmy Branly: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Bill Payne: Piano, Organ | Tim Goodman: Guitar, Organ, Mandolin | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona, Tim Goodman 3. George From Heaven (3:09) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitars, Drums, Percussion | Rene Camacho: Baby Bass | Tim Goodman: Guitar, Organ, Marimbas | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Justo Almario: Sax | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona 4. Me Voy Pa La Playa (3:39) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Piano | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Tim Goodman: Organ, Synthesizer | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Justo Almario: Sax | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona 5. Rhodes Royale (3:30) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitar, Percussion, Steel Drums | Rene Camacho: Baby Bass | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona 6. Dos Gardenias (4:41) – Isolina Carrillo Victoria Cardona: Guitar| Jimmy Branley: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Rene Camacho: Bass | Bill Payne: Piano | Justo Almario: Saxophone and Clarinet 7. Camarena Baila (4:22) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitar, Piano | Jimmy Branly: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Tim Goodman: Guitar, Mandolin, Organ | San Miguel Perez: Cuban Tres Guitar | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona 8. Tuesday Rain (3:30) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitar, Organ, Drums, Percussion | Rene Camacho: Baby Bass | Tim Goodman: Organ | Bill Bergman: Saxophone | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Nick Lane: Trombone | Background Vocals: Tim Goodman, Darby Patterson 9. Slow Burn (4:09) – Victoria Cardona Victoria Cardona: Guitar | Jimmy Branly: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Bill Payne: Piano, Synthesizer | Tim Goodman: Guitar, Mandolin, Organ, Synthesizer | Bill Bergman: Saxophone | Background Vocals: Tim Goodman, Darby Patterson 10 El Carretero (3:22) – Guillermo Portabales Victoria Cardona: Guitar | Jimmy Branly: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Bill Payne: Piano | Tim Goodman: Guitar | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Justo Almario: Saxophone | Background Vocals: Victoria Cardona, Francisco Torres, Justo Almario, Tim Goodman 11 Spanish Moon (5:26) – Lowell George Victoria Cardona: Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar | Jimmy Branly: Drums | Kevin Ricard: Percussion | Bill Payne: Piano | Jimmy Haslip: Bass | Tim Goodman: Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer | Francisco Torres: Trombone | Justo Almario: Saxophone | Background Vocals: Tim Goodman, Darby Patterson CREDITS: Recording engineers: Tim Goodman, JB Lamont, Victoria Cardona, Dennis Moody, Bill Bergman Produced by: Tim Goodman Artist: Victoria Cardona Album: Que Pasó Label: Leggero Records Add Date: June 27, 2025 Street Date: June 23, 2025 Artist Website: victoriacardona.com write your comments about the article :: © 2025 Jazz News :: home page |