Mexican-Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Irene Albarrán is starting the new year with a bang, launching her second EP, Escucha, alongside a series of jazz, bolero, and fusion music concerts in Mexico City. The EP will be available on all streaming platforms starting Friday, January 17, at this link, with accompanying music videos on YouTube.
Following a musically successful 2024, in which she toured multiple Mexican states, released three new singles, and solidified herself as one of the rising voices in national jazz fusion, Irene is now presenting this new six-track recording. Her goal? To prove she is not just another artist on a playlist but a true musical force with a bright future ahead (This Is Hip Hop HQ).
With this second EP, Albarrán showcases her Puerto Rican roots through an eclectic exploration of the heart’s interior, offering listeners an intimate journey into deep emotions, raw desires, and profound fears. The music invites reflection and self-discovery, bridging connections between personal roots and collective consciousness.
Five of the six tracks on Escucha are original compositions by Albarrán. She skillfully navigates multiple genres, blending bomba and plena, afro-huapango, boogaloo, samba, and bolero, all underpinned by a jazz foundation. The album’s musical direction was led by Iraida Noriega, with all recordings taking place at Pieza Estudios in Mexico City. Featured musicians include Manuel Viterbo (guitar), Roberto Blanco (piano), Adrián Flores (double bass), Chuck Rodríguez (electric bass), Joe D’Etienne (trumpet), Rivelino Quiroz (drums and percussion), and backing vocals by Iraida Noriega herself.
Live Performances in Mexico City
Armed with this new material, Irene Albarrán is set to take the stage with a series of concerts:
- Sunday, January 26, 4:00 PM – Museo de las Constituciones, UNAM (Free Admission)
- Every Sunday in February, 8:00 PM – Jazzatlán, Colonia Roma ($100 MXN Cover Fee)
More Info - Saturday, March 15, 4:00 PM – Official EP Presentation at Plaza de las Artes, Centro Nacional de las Artes, CDMX (Free Admission)
A Career Rooted in Passion and Expression
Reflecting on her journey, which began amidst the 2020 pandemic, Irene shares that her music is a way to connect with her essence and find a means of expression. This has resulted in a fusion of jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms with a vintage aesthetic. Her compositions aim to make listeners feel, discover, and enjoy life’s emotions, all through a joyful and proudly Latin perspective.
Prior to the release of Escucha, Irene teased fans with three singles: Hay Amores (a bolero written by Shakira), Tiembla, and Sensación Oceánica. The remaining tracks on the EP include Soledad (a bolero), Dirty Thoughts (an English boogaloo), and the title track Escucha, a powerful bomba and plena that deeply connects Irene with her Puerto Rican heritage.
A Growing Legacy in Latin Jazz and Fusion
Irene Albarrán’s discography includes the single Route 66 (2021) and her debut EP Deja Que Algo Pase (2022). Her music is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.
She has graced the stage at prestigious events such as:
- Querétaro International Jazz Festival (2024)
- Longines Champions World Tour (2024)
- XXIV Anniversary of Horizonte Radio 107.9 FM (2024)
- Jazz Festival at Escuela Superior de Música (2023)
- Mexico City’s Top Jazz Clubs
From June to August 2024, she embarked on the Algo Está Pasando tour, performing in Mexico City, Estado de México, Morelos, Querétaro, Puebla, and Veracruz, showcasing boleros, jazz standards, and her original compositions.
Upcoming Concerts
- Irene Albarrán & Miguel Chuck Rodríguez
“An Afternoon of Bolero & Jazz”- Sunday, January 26, 2025 – 4:00 PM (Free Admission)
- Museo de las Constituciones, Centro Histórico, CDMX
- Irene Albarrán & Miguel Chuck Rodríguez
“Musical Residency”- Every Sunday in February, 8:00 PM
- Jazzatlán Capital, Roma Norte, CDMX ($100 MXN Cover)
- More Info
- Irene Albarrán Quintet
“Official Presentation of EP Escucha“- Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 4:00 PM (Free Admission)
- Plaza de las Artes, Centro Nacional de las Artes, CDMX
For more information, contact:
Libertad Estrada: libertadcreczm@gmail.com | +52 987 118 0147
Angélica Aguirre: angelica19aguirre@gmail.com | +52 55 1911 9298
A Critic’s Take: A Soulful, Timeless Release
“Irene Albarrán’s Escucha is a stunning body of work. The hypnotic and laid-back vibe effortlessly draws listeners in, with Irene’s passionate and emotive vocal delivery perfectly complementing the instrumentals.
This EP is not just a soulful experience; it revives the nostalgia of 80s and 90s jazz and blues while remaining fresh and unique. The energy is danceable and engaging, blending contemporary sounds with timeless influences. Without a doubt, Escucha is a solid 10/10.”
— Mr. Benjamins, This Is Hip Hop HQ
Follow Irene Albarrán
Stay updated with her latest releases and performances:
🔹 Instagram
🔹 Spotify
🔹 Official Website
Don’t miss out on an exciting year ahead for one of Latin jazz’s brightest rising stars!
