Forming a bridge between the ancient and new and spanning a cultural landscape, Márquez’ unique sound is imprinted in the original compositions and jazz arrangements of traditional Latin American boleros, poems and legends. They come to life in lush orchestrations and minimalist small ensemble settings, the broad palette of feels and instrumentation creating the mood for her evocative storytelling.
“Maria’s caressing voice is soothing and sensual, her lingering notes create subtle tension as they move with the dynamic tempo and feel changes, revealing fleeting glimpses of her expansive range as her throaty contralto gently washes over the melody. Space and simplicity mark her phrasing, the message is her medium as she articulately expresses a range of colours from wistful and lamenting to romantic and playful, delivering the lyric with honesty and clarity. The performances are contributed by a host of master musicians featuring Gustavo Ovalles (Venezuelan percussion), Kirk Joseph (sousaphone), Rich Kuhns (keyboards, accordion)and guitarist Robin Lewis, who also contributes arrangements fro strings. Notable appearances include Cuban pianist/percussionist Omar Sosa, whose innovative multi-instrumental performance on Alma Adentro electrifies the inspired duo track; and percussionist John Santos, who contributes percussion arrangements and appears throughout the recording on an array of percussion and also creates the enviromental sounds and effects that give the album it’s organic feel.
“The ten tracks flow seamlessly together and offer surprising turns along the way, ever enticing one around the next corner to discover a new feel or harmonic sensibility changing the direction and tone. Maria Márquez paints melodious landscapes with her warm voice, bringing the instruments and feels of latin and straight- ahead jazz traditions together in a loving embrace. Her Nature’s Princess is a musical ticket to paradise, a gentle, peaceful and colorful journey through Latin America borne on the wings of jazz.”
— Cindy Mcleod- www.jazzelements.com – Canada- September 2006