Rita Payés is a trombonist and singer who began her pop career as a cover artist. However, the mix of musicians and composers she has covered throughout her career is curious and varied, ranging from the brilliant Brazilian classical composer Heitor Villalobos to popular Argentinian classics written by Ariel Ramirez, as well as contemporary and old masters like Bola de Nieve and Chico Buarque.

We now have the opportunity to hear these luminaries merge together in “Camino sobre Camino” (Road over Road), where Rita has finally released an album consisting entirely of original compositions. We can hear the guitar language of Latin America mixed with the distinctive interpretation of romanticism from Villalobos. Additionally, her Catalán roots are evident in some songs, such as “Porque será” (Why would it be), where a Flamenco-styled guitar opens the track. All the compositions are smart, dramatic, and full of emotion. The instrumentation is varied, including string quartet arrangements like in “Tantas Cosas” (So Many Things), classical guitar and rock ensemble in “El panadero” (The Baker), piano, trombone, and processed voices in the Outro and Intro. However, we can agree that the soul of the album and all of Rita Payés' career is her intelligent and extensive use of the classical guitar, sometimes virtuosic and sometimes just embellishing already beautiful arrangements.

Rita's voice is kind of gypsy: soft and dark, powerful when needed, with strong vibratos. It also has an added Latino flavor, perhaps due to her influences. Somehow, her voice, in combination with her musical style, reminds me of that Mexican neo-ethnic movement, specifically the one from Oaxaca, featuring artists like Tonana, Lila Downs, Ximena Sariñana, and other singers in that vein.

Personally, my favorite song on the album is “Alma en vilo” (Soul on Tenterhooks). It showcases all the previously mentioned attributes: the varied instrumentation, interesting and rich harmonic language that recalls popular Latin American music with a sophisticated jazz/classical sensitivity, and a beautiful, dynamic voice that is highly emotional in every sense.

The lyrics of the songs are all about “Caminos,” different roads taken in life and the lessons we can learn from them. The themes are melancholic and sometimes tragic, but they are definitely inspirational.

I recommend this album to any Latin music enthusiast and to anyone who embraces melancholy and uses music as a tool for introspection. I assure you, this album will not disappoint.

You can check Rita Payés's official website here. Also, if you appreciate her talent, she has a Patreon where you can contribute!

Author: Martín Cacho

Martín is a video game composer, producer and writer from Sonora, México.