Fabi Reyna turns the bittersweet into a glowing, genre-fluid work of art.
It is glowing. Malegría is sunlit radiance from every pore of Reyna Tropical, moving beyond mere musical fusion toward a meditative embrace, euphoric diaspora recognized and appreciated on deeper levels. It’s a magnificent mix of far-reaching cultural traditions shaping the music – Congolese, Peruvian, Colombian; a reconnection with, and reverence for, nature; as well as a glimpse into the very process building the sound and style of Reyna Tropical.
Malegría marks the transition to a first-time solo release for guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and co-producer Fabi Reyna, following an eight-plus year creative partnership with longtime musical collaborator, the late Nectali Díaz, (DJ Sumo Hair). But Díaz’ presence is felt throughout the album, from snippets taken off voice memos between Díaz and Reyna, to its resplendent layers of beats and rhythms honoring the ancestors.
Reyna Tropical will be in Austin for a show tomorrow night, Friday Sept. 27, at Empire Control Room on E. 7th. Doors at 7:30 p.m.
