Corina Bartra Makes History: Tribute to Santana Named One of 2025’s Best Albums
Corina Bartra has achieved a significant milestone in her career. Her latest album, Tribute to Santana, earned a spot on the list of the top 50 CDs of 2025. This recognition highlights her ability to blend traditional Latin sounds with contemporary jazz.
The album serves as a bridge between cultures. It honors the legacy of Carlos Santana while introducing listeners to the complex rhythms of Afro-Peruvian music. You can find more details about her work at her official website, coribartra.com/afrojazz/.
A New Vision for Iconic Classics
Tribute to Santana is not a standard cover album. It reimagines six of Santana’s most famous tracks through a unique lens. Corina Bartra collaborated with arranger Norico Mendez to create these new versions.
Mendez handled five of the tracks. Corina Bartra personally arranged Black Magic Woman. This specific choice shows her deep connection to the material. She infuses the track with her signature style, blending mystery with percussive energy.
The tracklist includes:
- Oye Como Va
- Evil Ways
- Guajira
- Samba Pa' Ti
- Soul Sacrifice
- Black Magic Woman
Each song maintains its original spirit while gaining a new rhythmic foundation.
Merging Genres and Cultures
Corina Bartra is a pioneer in the Afro-Peruvian jazz genre. Based in New York, she has spent years integrating the folk traditions of Peru with the improvisational nature of jazz. This album represents the peak of that effort.
The project features a talented group of musicians. Their contributions make the album stand out:
- Richard Robinson provides guitar work that pays homage to Santana’s tone.
- Dave Morgan adds depth with the tenor saxophone.
- Jerry Korman contributes piano and keyboard arrangements.
- Adam Weber delivers precise drumming.
- Perico Diaz plays the cajón, a staple of Peruvian percussion.
The use of the cajón is essential. It transforms rock-based tracks into something deeper. This instrument connects the electric energy of the guitar with the earthy roots of Afro-Peruvian heritage.
Tracking the Impact of the Music
The album opens with Oye Como Va. Bartra’s vocals take center stage here. She uses her voice as an instrument, matching the intensity of the saxophone and guitar solos.
Evil Ways offers a different atmosphere. Jerry Korman’s piano work creates a haunting backdrop for Bartra’s performance. The arrangement feels fresh and unexpected.
In Guajira, Adam Weber’s drumming establishes a captivating cadence. The rhythm drives the song forward, making it a standout for fans of percussion.
Samba Pa' Ti highlights the melodic side of the project. Richard Robinson and Jerry Korman work together to create a lush, atmospheric sound. It proves that Bartra can handle ballads with the same skill she brings to upbeat tracks.
Soul Sacrifice showcases Bartra’s scat singing. This technique allows her to improvise alongside the instruments. The addition of the cajón by Perico Diaz bridges the gap between different musical worlds.
A Career Built on Authentic Expression
This latest accolade is the result of years of hard work. Corina Bartra runs her own label, Blues Spiral Records. She has released several acclaimed albums over the past two decades.
Her extensive discography with this project includes:
- Takunde
- Tribute to Chabuca Granda
- Amber Light
- Afro Peruvian Jazz Celebration
- Corina Bartra Quartet
- Travelog
- Bambu Sun
- Cielo Sandunguero
- Tribute to Chabuca Granda
- Son Zumbon
She also directs the Afro Peruvian New Trends Orchestra. Her role as a bandleader and arranger gives her total control over her artistic vision. This independence is clear in Tribute to Santana.
Why the Critics Are Paying Attention
Being named one of the top 50 CDs of 2025 is a major feat. The music industry is crowded with new releases. Bartra stands out because she offers something authentic.
She does not follow trends. Instead, she focuses on technical skill and cultural preservation. Her music appeals to jazz enthusiasts, Latin music fans, and rock listeners alike.
The production quality on the CD is high. Every instrument is clear. The balance between the vocals and the band is perfect. This attention to detail helped the album gain critical acclaim.
Experience the Music
You can explore the world of Afro-Peruvian jazz by visiting Corina Bartra’s website. The site provides insights into her creative process and her upcoming projects.
Tribute to Santana is more than a tribute. It is a masterclass in musical arrangement. It shows that classic songs can always find new life when placed in the hands of a skilled artist.
Have you explored how traditional rhythms can change your favorite rock songs? Listening to this album will change how you hear Carlos Santana's music. It invites you to appreciate the global influence of Latin rhythms.
Corina Bartra continues to push boundaries. Her inclusion in the best of 2025 list is well-deserved. It marks a bright point in a career dedicated to musical exploration.
