Lucía: The Rising Jazz Vocalist Bridging Mexican Heritage and Improvised freedom
Lucía is quickly becoming a name too watch in the jazz world. The young vocalist balances a cool, candid demeanor with the understandable whirlwind of a rapidly ascending career. She’s not just a talented singer; she’s a cultural bridge, bringing a fresh outlook and a rich heritage to a genre often lacking diverse portrayal.
From Veracruz Roots to Sarah Vaughan Winner
“Honestly, I’m freaking out, but in the best way possible,” Lucía admits, reflecting on her recent success. Growing up, she admired jazz giants like Jazzmeia Horn and Cécile McLorin Salvant, meticulously transcribing and learning their arrangements. now, she finds herself alongside them, a realization that still feels surreal.
Lucía’s journey began with a teenage captivation with jazz, culminating in a 2022 undergraduate degree in jazz studies from the Universidad Veracruzana. She was promptly drawn to the parallels between jazz and son jarocho, both deeply rooted in West African musical traditions.However, it was the freedom of improvisation that truly captivated her.
“As vocalists,we have the power to express ourselves,interact with the band,and even lead the musical direction,” she explains. This collaborative spirit is central to her artistic vision.
A Stellar Ensemble & Debut Album
Currently performing a California run, Lucía is backed by a formidable ensemble: Venezuelan pianist Edward Simon, El Cerrito bassist and sound engineer Dan Feiszli, and Cal state Fresno drum professor mark Ferber. Her performance with Simon at last year’s Summer Fest, a captivating duo set, foreshadowed the synergy thay now share on stage.
Her debut album, “Lucía,” released in May on La Reserve Records, showcases her versatility. Produced by the acclaimed Matt Pierson (known for his work with Joshua Redman,Pat Metheny,and Samara Joy),the album seamlessly blends languages and styles. You’ll hear everything from a poignant rendition of the conventional lament “La Llorona” – a song deeply connected to her Veracruz upbringing - to classic standards like “You Must Believe In Spring” and a surprising, yet compelling, take on Olivia Rodrigo’s “Lacy.”
Representing a Heritage, Inspiring a Generation
The album’s opening track is particularly notable. Lucía masterfully interweaves María Grever‘s bolero “Cuando vuelva a tu lado” with Dinah Washington‘s hit ”What a Difference a Day Makes.” This late addition was a intentional choice to honor her Mexican heritage.
The gesture resonated deeply with audiences and judges alike at the Sarah vaughan competition. Lucía has since received an outpouring of support, particularly from young Mexican women.
“A lot of people messaged me to say thank you for representing us,” she shares. “I’ve gotten emails asking if they should compete at Sarah Vaughan, and I always say, ‘Yes, do it!’ In jazz, your background shouldn’t be a barrier.”
Paving the Way & Looking to the Future
While Lucía’s voice is undeniably captivating,her impact extends beyond her vocal talent. The relative lack of Mexican representation in jazz makes her a standout artist and a role model. She acknowledges the pioneering work of drummer Antonio Sanchez and vocalist Magos Herrera, calling them “examples for everybody.”
Herrera, a mexico City native now based in Brooklyn, collaborated with Edward Simon on his 2023 album “Femeninas: Songs of Latin American Women.” Lucía acknowledges this is a repertoire she’s eager to explore further, having primarily focused on the bolero tradition.
“Magos is our queen,” Lucía states with admiration. “Her work is unbelievable.”
Don’t miss Lucía perform:
* October 2: 12:30 p.m. at Yerba Buena gardens, San Francisco (Free) – ybgfestival.org
* October 3: 7 and 9 p.m. at The Studio at Stanford University ($43.20-$54) - live.stanford.edu
Contact: Andrew Gilbert at [email protected].