Corina Bartra has always been a musical explorer. With the release of Naked Jungle (Selva Esencial) in July 2025, she took her exploration into deeper, more spiritual territory. This album, released by Blue Spiral Records, stands as a bold deviation from her well-known Afro-Peruvian Jazz fusion works. Instead of lush arrangements, she presents a stripped-back, raw interaction between the human voice and percussion. It is a sonic homage to the Amazon, capturing its essence without the filters of modern production.
A Dialogue Between Voice and Rhythm
The album features a unique collaboration with percussionist Kenny Hassler. Together, they strip away the safety net of melody instruments like pianos or horns. The result is a minimalist soundscape that relies entirely on vocal improvisation and rhythmic texture.
This approach is intentional. By reducing the music to its core components, Bartra mirrors the elemental nature of the jungle itself. The interplay between her voice and Hassler’s percussion creates a dialogue that feels both ancient and immediate. It challenges the listener to find melody in the rhythm and meaning in the silence. The music does not just describe the Amazon; it embodies its heartbeat.
Journey Through the Rainforest
The tracklist functions as a guided journey through the shifting moods of the rainforest. The songs range from playful to intense, reflecting the diversity of life in the wild.
- “Lazy Monkey” introduces a lighter side to the album, utilizing a sly groove that mimics the relaxed, observant movement of jungle life.
- “I Am Who I Am” slows the pace down significantly, offering a meditative space for reflection and calm.
- “El Jaguar” shifts the energy again, channeling the untamed power and predatory spirit of the wild.
Each piece serves as a vignette. The music honors both the vitality of the ecosystem and the fragility of the natural world.
Wisdom Versus Modern Arrogance
Bartra’s work has often bridged cultures, but Naked Jungle aims to bridge the gap between humanity and nature. She describes the jungle as “alive, sensuous, rhythmic, humorous, and wise.”
Her artist statement highlights a critical contrast: the sophisticated truth of the wild versus the “modern arrogance and greed” of industrial society. Bartra argues that in its primitivism, the jungle holds a complexity that modern civilization often misunderstands. This album is not merely a collection of songs; it is an ecological statement. It reminds the audience that true sophistication exists in the primitive, and that there is urgent wisdom in reconnecting with the earth.
About Corina Bartra
Peruvian-born Bartra has spent her career at the crossroads of jazz and world music. She is recognized as a pioneer in blending Afro-Peruvian rhythms with contemporary jazz structures. However, her artistry is not static. She consistently pushes boundaries, merging the mystical with the avant-garde. This album proves her versatility and her commitment to using art as a vehicle for environmental awareness.
Release Information
Naked Jungle (Selva Esencial) is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listeners looking to experience this primal odyssey can visit Corina Bartra’s website or stream the album to hear the journey for themselves.