2/23/18:</br>Xiomara Laugart & Axel Tosca

The voice is the first instrument. We cry out at birth and keep vocalizing until our last gasp. We sing at school and at church. We sing in the shower. We express joy and sadness in song. We all sing naturally—unless self-consciouness and shame overtake us. To sing is healthy. It’s good for us.

Something happens to singing with the invention of recording. Vocalizing and its inflections become fixed. We imitate the recording because that’s how the song goes. We imitate other singers. We lose the connection to singing’s natural source—feeling. 

Attention singers—Xiomara Laugart here @exuberance. Great pipes and musical intelligence. Equal portions of power and ease. But her connection to the authentic place where music comes from is what sets Xiomara apart. 

I saw her for the first time last year via Livestream at Dizzy’s. She appeared in a large revue orchestrated by her son and pianist Axel Laugart—a kinetic and musical phenomenon in his own right. They did two interpretations of Lecuona’s “Siboney” that were revelations bringing tears to me. Wish I could share with you that video, but this one with Candido from 2011 is wonderful.

James Nadal calls Xiomara Laugart “the preeminent Cuban songstress of her generation.” A trio of Chesky recordings testifies to the truth and scope of that claim—Xiomara (2006), La Voz (2010), and Tears and Rumba (2015). Check out “Escandalo” from that last album.

Axel Tosca Laugart pursued timba and hip-hop in Havana. He played with the Roots and George Clinton. Living in New York since 2009, he’s formed the band (U)nity with Amaury Acosta, producing two albums. He also produced the last two Xiomara albums mentioned above and most recently Axel Tosca— his debut album as leader. The scope of his pianism is broad and accomplished.

Two extraordinary musicians—mother and son together—performing traditional and modern Cuban songs. If there’s any justice, every seat will be occupied for this salon. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear a living vocal legend and an electrifying pianist.

@exuberance parties at Matt’s are by invitation only to provide a dignified, comfortable and acoustically ideal setting for worthwhile art and ideas. Cellphones and other devices are to be holstered during the performances. Between sets, conviviality rules.