Vocalese Voyage - Xavi Casellas

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Vocalese Voyage is the new studio album by Xavi Casellas, released by Club del Disco in 2026. Conceived as a journey through different stages of his career, the album brings together interpretations of the American Songbook alongside adaptations of contemporary instrumental compositions, placing “vocalese” at the heart of the project.

Casellas takes on a dual role as singer and lyricist, writing original lyrics for music initially conceived without words. These include compositions by Kurt Rosenwinkel, Brad Mehldau, Emilio Solla, Oscar Feldman, and Frederic Mompou. His lyrics engage in dialogue with the melody, phrasing, and harmony of each piece, respecting their original identity while opening up new narrative and emotional possibilities.

Vocalese Voyage connects tradition and modernity through a personal lens, understanding reinterpretation as a way to keep the repertoire alive and find new ways to tell the stories of this music. The project thus continues Casellas’ exploration of the relationship between voice, word, and improvisation within vocal jazz.

Tracklist:

SIDE A

1. Failure Gates (Brooklyn Sometimes) — 7:03
2. Peace to Find (Vocal Version) — 6:02
3. Flat Tyred — 3:10
4. No Simple Reason — 4:40

SIDE B

1. Unguarded Smiles (Ron’s Place) — 7:21
2. Cha Cha Blu (If Only You Would) — 6:12
3. Plou per Ella (Prelude #9) — 5:19

Musicians:

Xavier Casellas: vocals and lyrics
Emilio Solla: piano and arrangements
Ben Monder: guitar
Jorge Roeder: double bass
Ted Poor: drums

Guest artists:

Victor Prieto: accordion
Oscar Feldman: alto sax
John Ellis: tenor sax and flute
Terence Goss: baritone sax
Shane Endsley: trumpet
Noah Bless: trombone
Mauricio Herrera: percussion