Date Night Friday: Yvette Atienza with Ireson - "Latinizando"!

Filipino-Spanish singer Yvette Atienza, hailed as a “fierce-keeper-of-the-jazz-flame”, began her musical journey in 1986 with the popular local pop band Urazea, led by one of Asia’s top drummers, Jimmy Lee. She transitioned to jazz in 1990 and emerged as a trailblazer in various sub-genres of jazz vocals, including vocalese and Latin jazz.

With an illustrious 37-year career in Singapore’s music scene, Yvette is celebrated as one of the most passionate performers of swing jazz, vocal improvisation and vocalese. Her Spanish heritage imbues her natural affinity for and enthusiasm in promoting a diverse repertoire of Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian vocal styles, which flow effortlessly through her veins.

Mexican pianist and composer Alina Ramirez, along with bassist, guitarist, composer, and arranger Mario Lopez, started the project, Ireson in 1991.

Both grew up immersed in traditional Latin music, with formal training in classical music, modern harmony from jazz and contemporary styles.

With a consistent lineup of prestigious musicians from Mexico, they performed in festivals and clubs. Today, Ireson’s music continues to evolve, blending a variety of Afro-Latin rhythms such as danzonete, son, bomba, samba, bossa nova and Mexican folkloric music, all with a contemporary twist.

Now based in Singapore for 26 years, they have graced major festivals and clubs across the region.

Joining them for this occasion is one of Mexico’s finest Latin percussionists, the special guest Armando Montiel on congas.