Trumpeter and composer Rachel Therrien delivers a vibrant and deeply personal musical statement with Mi Hogar II, her eighth studio album and the sequel to her acclaimed 2023 release Mi Hogar. Translated as “My Home,” the title is a reflection of Therrien’s ever-deepening connection to Latin jazz, and the global family of musicians who have shaped her artistic voice.
In Mi Hogar II, Therrien curates a diverse and electrifying ensemble of collaborators. The album features some of the most respected names in Afro-Caribbean and Latin jazz, including Grammy-winning bassist John Benítez, Cuban-Canadian duo OKAN (violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist Magdelys Savigne), Grammy winner Mireya Ramos, saxophonists Iván Renta and Nestor Rodriguez, and celebrated pianists Danae Olano and Manuel Valera. Their collective brilliance infuses the album with rich textures and vibrant rhythmic interplay.
From the dynamic changüí rhythms of Benítez’s Fiestas Campesinas to the introspective Back Home, Therrien balances celebration and reflection. The album’s repertoire bridges folkloric traditions with contemporary jazz, such as in Mambo ‘Chucho’ Influenciado, a nod to the great Chucho Valdés, arranged with inventive harmonies and percussive drive.
The percussive core is held together by Michel Medrano Brindis on drums, with a rotation of master percussionists—Keisel Jiménez, Carlos Maldonado, Magdelys Savigne, and Diomer Gonzalez, among others—laying down the polyrhythmic foundations that make this album a sonic feast.
Therrien plays both trumpet and flugelhorn on all tracks, weaving in lyrical phrasing, crisp articulation, and soulful improvisation. Her playing anchors the album, acting as both storyteller and interpreter, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in cultural reverence.
Mi Hogar II is more than a sequel—it’s a celebration of cultural identity, musical camaraderie, and Therrien’s bold voice in the evolving landscape of Latin jazz. Through masterful arrangements, a star-studded ensemble, and heartfelt performance, Rachel Therrien once again proves why she remains a leading force in modern jazz innovation.
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