Eugenia León has long been known for her sultry sophistication. With her 2007 release,
Pasional, the veteran of the nueva canción movement takes that subtle heat to the next level. She appears with gray hair on the album's cover, signifying her coming into her own, and entering her artistic prime. The intensity and passion of her performances throughout the record dwarf not only most Latin American divas, but even her own work of previous years. With a set comprised primarily of boleros, baladas and jazz,
León keeps the heat at a low but insistent boil from the first track to the last. Featuring only a hint of Mexican stylistic heritage,
León's eighth original release places her firmly within the jazz genre. Though bolero, chacarera, tango, and other Latin styles dominate, they are delivered with a jazz sensitivity and orchestration. Her performances throughout set her apart as one of native Mexico's foremost vocalists. Her prowess and elegance are truly world class. Though
León has no trouble maintaining the slow-burn intensity for 17 tracks, listeners may grow tired of the creeping, emotive tempos and delivery. It is truly unrelenting. That said,
León's rich tone and masterful delivery do not disappoint, so long as listeners know what to expect. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez