Amatoria is Federico Aubele's newest and most personal album yet. Inspired by the classic and passionate sounds of bolero and Argentinian tango, Aubele infuses his distinctive Spanish guitar sound with sultry vocals and subtle electronic beats to create a unique collage of intimate love songs. Entirely self-produced, Amatoria features vocal collaborations with Natalia Clavier, Sabina Sciubba of The Brazilian Girls and Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto.
Review:
Some listeners have a hard time comprehending or appreciating subtlety,
which is why so many of the more myopic jazz critics had no kind words for jazz'
Cool School back in the 1950s and ‘60s. But in fact, subtlety can be
compelling; it has worked wonders for artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to
João Gilberto to Sade to the late Chet Baker. And subtlety certainly works well
for Federico Aubele on Amatoria. This December 2008 recording never shouts to
get one's attention; Aubele is a master of restraint and understatement, but
that doesn't mean that the Argentinean singer/songwriter isn't highly expressive
on breezy, gently introspective offerings such as “Siempre Nuevo” (“Always
New”), “Tan Cerca” (“So Near”), “Luna y Sol” (“Moon and Sun”)
and “Este Amor” (“This Love”). A wide variety of influences assert
themselves on this 40-minute CD, ranging from downtempo and trip-hop to reggae,
boleros, flamenco, tango, and salsa. Aubele has cited the Beatles as an
influence, and to be sure, the influence of Fab Four's softer side (as in “My
Michelle,” “Across the Universe,” and “A Day in the Life”) does
assert itself on parts of Amatoria (the fact that this album was recorded
38 years after the Beatles’ breakup is one of the many examples of how
long-lasting their influence has been). But whatever influences might assert
themselves on a particular track, Aubele's songs always sound very personal.
Amatoria doesn't beat listeners over the head with Aubele's emotions, but for
those who can appreciate subtlety and understatement, this excellent album never
fails to demonstrate that the Buenos Aires native is an artist of major depth
and substance.
All Music Guide – Alex Henderson