The acclaimed pianist discusses her musical evolution from Barcelona to New Orleans, where she recorded her latest album on Ellis Marsalis's personal piano at his namesake center.
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Today, the Spotlight shines On pianist and composer Marina Albero.
From Barcelona’s vibrant music scene to the heart of New Orleans, Marina keeps finding new ways to push musical boundaries. Her latest album, A Nomad of Sound, brings together jazz, classical, and world music traditions in a blend all her own.
Marina has journeyed across continents and cultures—from her early years studying classical piano in Cuba to recent acclaim in Seattle, where she’s twice been named Musician of the Year. Now she’s taken her keyboards to New Orleans, collaborating with some of the city’s finest players and even recording on Ellis Marsalis’s personal piano.
She’s here to share stories from her musical travels and give us a glimpse into her adventurous new album, where traditional jazz meets Spanish flamenco, Cuban rhythms, and even some fiery keytar solos.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Marina Albero’s album A Nomad of Sound)
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0:00 Introduction
1:37 Early Musical Life and Family Dynamics
2:49 Choosing Music as a Path
4:04 The Seattle Connection
6:41 Musical Education in Cuba
9:39 Musical Intuition and Natural Ability
12:20 Building Community in Seattle's Music Scene
14:29 Finding Her Voice in Jazz
16:16 Classical Training Meets Improvisation
21:23 Favorite Classical Composers
24:11 The New Orleans Journey
29:47 Recording on Ellis Marsalis's Piano
34:15 A Musical Dynasty: Marina's Daughter Serena
41:01 Jazz Influences and Electric Instruments
45:52 Returning to Seattle
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Visit Marina Albero at https://marinaalbero.net
Purchase Marina Albero's A Nomad of Sound from Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/a-nomad-of-sound-marina-albero/tr86odq84y95b
and listen on your streaming platform of choice → https://album.link/i/1769708075
Follow Marina Albero on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/marina_albero_music
Facebook → https://facebook.com/marinalbero
Bandcamp → https://marinalbero.bandcamp.com
and YouTube → https://youtube.com/@marinaalbero9010
For extensive show notes, links, and podcast information, go to https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com
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