JOSH ROUSE

El Turista

[Yep Roc]

Longtime Tennessee resident Josh Rouse’s relocation to Spain has clearly given this soft-spoken singer-songwriter a burst of inspiration. However, the sound of El Turista suggests his true fascination these days resides with Brazilian rhythms, as filtered through the influences of Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto and Gilberto Gil. Sung partially in Spanish and only occasionally in English, El Turista exudes charm befitting someone absorbed with a new locale. The supple orchestration and pulsating tempo of the opening instrumental, “Bienvenido,” sets a mood that is extended by the playful piano and lilting samba of “Duerme,” the quiet allure of “Sweet Elaine” and the supple strains of bossa nova swirling through “Las Voces.” Rouse combines brass, strings, keyboards and breezy tempos to evoke a hushed pastoral perspective on this vibrant musical postcard.

–Lee Zimmerman