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Ester Andujar: Inner Songs
ByEster Andújar Rico
vocalsb.1976
Andújar's vocals carry a subtle but powerful influence from Spanish vocal traditions, particularly in the way she infuses her phrasing with emotional depth and lyrical expression. This is likely inspired by the rich heritage of Spanish singers and genres such as flamenco and bolero, where vocal delivery often emphasizes emotional storytelling and ornamentation.
There are also echoes of

George Benson
guitarb.1943

Al Jarreau
vocals1940 - 2017

Joao Gilberto
vocals1931 - 2019
Inner Songs is not just a reflection of personal emotion; it also carries an underlying message of social consciousness. Tracks like "Les dones que ens falten" stand as a protest against gender violence, while "República" contemplates historical memory.
Andújar describes "Les dones que ens falten""The Women We Are Missing"as "a cry of anger, a topic that I cannot and do not want to avoid, an ugly topic. No one wants to talk about this, to assume that male violence surrounds us, but it is what it is." On this track, Valencian saxophonist

Javier Vercher
saxophone, tenorb.1978
"República" is another track with a powerful social message. Andújar's comment on this song says, "On April 14, 1931, the beginning of the Second Spanish Republic was proclaimed. It marked a period of our history before Franco's dictatorship, during which the social advances that would later shape our democracy began to take form. Many people died defending the Republic, and they fought for the rights we enjoy today. To forget them would be to forget who we are."
Instrumentally, Inner Songs is elevated by a group of exceptional musicians. Albert Palau's piano brings lyrical elegance and harmonic depth, blending classical sensitivity with jazz sophisticationreminiscent of

Bill Evans
piano1929 - 1980
Tico Porcar's drumming is equally nuancedbalancing Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences with jazz precision to create a dynamic, layered foundation.
Iván Cebrián's guitar work stands out for its expressive clarity and stylistic fluidity, drawing from jazz greats like

Wes Montgomery
guitar1923 - 1968

Pat Metheny
guitarb.1954
Meanwhile, Miquel ?lvarez's bass anchors the ensemble with both subtlety and strength, qualities that support the album's emotional and musical breadth.
With Inner Songs, Andújar offers more than just a collection of beautifully crafted tracksshe delivers a deeply personal and socially resonant statement. Through her multilingual lyrics, genre-blending arrangements, and fearless engagement with complex themes, Andújar invites listeners into a rich emotional and cultural landscape. ">
Track Listing
Els Somnis, Flor del Desierto, República, Les dones que ens falten, Beijo Partido, Abans de Tu, Purple Wings, Inner Sun, Under the Sun, Caminada.
Personnel
Ester Andújar Rico
vocalsAlbert Palau
pianoTico Porcar
drumsIván Cebrián
guitarMiquel ?lvarez
bassJavier Vercher
saxophone, tenorAlbum information
Title: Inner Songs | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Pentasonic Studios
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