Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta, De verdad verdad Review

Gonzalo Grau is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist from Venezuela who has established himself as an influential figure in Latin music. In 1998, Grau and his companions at Berklee College of Music embarked on a musical journey that would lead to the creation of the band La Clave Secreta. They reimagined salsa music, incorporating flavors of Cuba, Puerto Rico, New York, and Venezuela with a blend of other global sounds. The band has since matured into a tightly-knit group, their music exuding an eclectic mix of flamenco, Greek traditions, hip-hop, funk, and jazz, punctuated by elements of classical string quartets and R&B. Their experimentation has led to a Grammy nomination for their second album, Frutero Moderno. The band’s latest offering, De Verdad Verdad, continues to redefine their sound.

De Verdad Verdad, translating to “For Real,” captures La Clave Secreta’s musical essence. In the age of digital perfection, the band returned to the importance of real music, recorded live in a single space, with the whole band in a circle, instruments interacting with minimal acoustic separation. The album encapsulates the band’s energetic chemistry, an amalgamation of modern, daring arrangements and live music’s raw authenticity. The live aspect of the recording gives a unique and special touch, making it “for real” or “de verdad verdad.”

“Comando Z” kicks off the album with a fiery entrance. The horns burst with vibrant energy, the rhythm section carries a steady pulse, and Grau’s piano sprinkles melodious accents. Quintero’s congas add spice to the song as Mairena’s vocals soar through the captivating melody. The eclectic mix of flamenco, Greek traditions, Afro-Cuban, funk, and jazz build a rich world music song structure. The backing vocals and montuno sections will remind one of the Afro-Cuban ensembles.

The perfectly balanced horn section pops like a well-oiled funk horn section. The various percussion instruments build a deep rhythmic pad that makes world music contagious and infectious with dance appeal. The shout chorus has beautiful horn writing, and the different synth swells pull in from the pop-electronica sound palette.

Another standout track, “Mis cuatro acordes,” captivates the listener with its rich tapestry of sound. Grau’s piano underlines the melody, while the rhythmic interplay between the band members imbues the piece with infectious energy. The song’s arrangement showcases Grau’s innovative approach to harmonization. Again, the horns add a dynamic texture.

The song’s form flows from gentle piano and voice textures to powerful ensemble passages performed with fluidity and rhythmic accuracy. The South American bass line and piano figures are ornamented with Afro-Cuban percussion patterns, and Manolo Mairena’s vocals are powerful and bristling with charisma.

De Verdad Verdad reaffirms Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta’s status as a band capable of pushing world music boundaries while maintaining their unique identity. This album is built on the chemistry of their 25-year journey, showcasing their ability to create a rich sonic landscape by combining diverse influences. De Verdad Verdad offers a refreshing, “for real” take on world music by highlighting real musical talent in an era of digital manipulation. It’s an album that needs to be heard to appreciate the intricate musicality, rich authenticity, and vibrant energy that Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta bring to the table.