By Ron Fassler . . .
The smile, the sheer enthusiasm and the musicianship of Jaime Lozano & The Familia made for a delightful evening of original songs, part of Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series earlier this month. Backed by a smashing band, the Mexico-born Lozano brought family members as well as a group of terrific singers to the stage in the David Rubenstein Atrium, adjacent to Lincoln Center. This free event encompassed an audience of every stripe, from young to old, blissfully enjoying music Lozano has composed for works past, present and upcoming.
This was the second concert of Lozano’s residency at the Atrium, the bulk of the material soon to be featured on the upcoming album, Songs by an Immigrant Vol. 2. The opening number from Vol. 1 titled “The Generic Immigrant Welcome Song” (with lyrics by Noemi De La Puente) got things off to a rollicking start. Though fun, there is subtext that makes up a rich part of the songwriting, a mix of a spirited take on living in New York City in contrast with what Lozano has left behind in Mexico. Love and ambivalence dwell side by side in his musical world.
Part of the evening’s title “& the Familia” was represented by Florencia Cuenca, Lozano’s wife. Her inspiring vocals on “Wings,” with lyrics by Neena Beber, and “No Podemos Regresar,” with music and lyrics by Lozano and Tommy Newman, were impeccably performed. In addition, Lozano welcomed an array of Latin performers, including Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls), Mayelah Barrera (El Otro Oz), Matías De La Flor (Camelot), Robi Hager (Spring Awakening), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet!) and Shereen Pimentel (West Side Story).
The work of lyricist Marina Pires was featured on three songs: Krystina Alabado’s delicious “Getting Up is Easier,” Mayelah Barrera’s stylized “Here and Now,” and Shereen Pimentel’s soaring “Mountain in the Sky.” Mauricio Martinez offered the heartfelt “Dreamer,” with lyrics by Georgie Castilla, and Robi Hager’s rendition of “My Father’s Name,” with lyrics by Georgie Castilla, was infinitely touching. I was very taken with Matías De La Flor, who told a lovely story about his first night going on as Lancelot in the nearby Camelot. His singing on “Mi Perú,” with lyrics by Nancy Nachama Cheser, was glorious.
And about that band! In addition to Lozano on piano there were thirteen other musicians playing their hearts out. What a sound!
Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City series is now over but it would be well worth it to put it on a 2024 calendar for next year. When they feature priceless talents like the ones on display for Jamie Lozano & the Familia for free, there’s no better bargain in New York City.
Jamie Lozano & the Familia took place on August 4 at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center (61 West 62nd Street, at Columbus Avenue). www.lincolncenter.org
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center
