Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta, De Verdad Verdad Review

Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta’s De Verdad Verdad: A Musical Mosaic Captured Live

By Bea Willis

Alright, music fans, buckle up! Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta’s De Verdad Verdad is here to shake up your playlists. Translated as “For Real,” this album ain’t your run-of-the-mill studio production. Nah, this masterpiece captures the raw and unfiltered essence of a band that’s all about real-time, in-the-moment music-making. Picture this: the whole crew huddled in a single space, jamming in a circle with no barriers—like an intimate jam session you wish you were a part of. That’s exactly how this album was recorded. Yes, you heard right—live!

Now, about the music. You know those albums that pigeonhole themselves into a single genre? Yeah, this ain’t one of those. De Verdad Verdad is a salsa album at heart, yes, but it’s a musical chimera that’s got everything from flamenco and Greek traditions to hip-hop and jazz under its belt. And let me tell you, Grau’s a wizard when it comes to concocting this multicultural musical brew.

Take the opening track “Comando Z,” for instance. You’re thrown right into the mix with Manolo Mairena’s powerful vocals that wrap around the music like a warm embrace. You’ve got the rhythm section and horns all doing their thing, creating this energy that just pulls you in.

And then there’s “La Ruñidera”—a testament to Grau’s genius. It’s like he’s built this playground where everyone gets their chance to shine, yet no one outshines the other. The balance is just mind-blowing.

Don’t get me started on their spin on Stevie Wonder’s classic, “Don’t You Worry’ Bout a Thing.” It’s got this soulful vibe courtesy of LaNesha Latimer’s vocals, swaying over a Latin groove that feels like it’s always been a part of the song. It’s all about how Grau morphs the known into something based on Salsa but with exciting twists and turns from other places.

You’ve got to check out “Moros y Cristianos,” where the band brings in the flamenco big guns with vocalist Ismael Fernández. It’s a fusion that feels so organic, you’d think flamenco and Latin music have been BFFs since the dawn of time.

We’ve got “Buscando la Melodía,” a track that features Jeremy Bosch’s expert flautist skills against a backdrop of Grau’s masterful composition. It’s like a rollercoaster ride—with high-energy peaks and introspective valleys—all enhanced by the elegant strings of the Brooklyn Rider quartet.

In a nutshell, De Verdad Verdad is an auditory journey you don’t just listen to—you live it. Each track is a stop on this voyage through the rich heritage of Latin music, viewed through the lens of Grau’s innovative touch and the band’s tight-knit musicality. This album doesn’t just perform music—it creates an experience. So, if you’re up for a real, raw, and revolutionary musical experience, De Verdad Verdad is your ticket to ride!

Alright, music lovers, I’ve gushed enough. Go give De Verdad Verdad a spin, and let’s chat about your favorite tracks!

De Verdad Verdad

Release Date: May 15, 2023

Label: Gonzalo Grau

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.