Meaning “I am a Poet,” Sóc Poeta is a beautiful album of relaxing instrumental and vocal music from Alba Asensi, a singer, harpist, kora-player and composer based in Alicante, Spain. She has taken works of contemporary Spanish poets (like Luis Miguel Sanmartín, Gràcia Jiménez and Carme Cabús). Then, she has set them to music. Asensi also wrote her own poem for the title cut. While many musicians took part in the overall recording project, most tracks have lean arrangements that focus on the lyrics and their meaning, with minimal instrumental embellishments.  Asensi’s collaborators include Alejandro Mateo (violin, lyre, ukulele), Pablo Albarrán (violin), Laia Domenech (cello), Maria Gil (flute), Christos Barbas (ney), Abraham Lojo (guitar), Rita Baulida (percussion), Carla González (bass), and Miriam Trias and Marina Cabau (backing vocals). Musician and composer Efrén López mixed and mastered the album.

Alba Asensi’s Sóc Poeta has a copious amount of contemplative, meditative and soothing music. At times, it is enriching, mystical and heartening.  With episodes of divine singing, wistful instrumental qualities and powerfully spoken words, the album is full of effervescent glee and joy. Those who don’t speak Catalan just need a little more information about the messages of the poetic lyrics that are put to music in pieces like “Voldria ser Una Flor,” “Paula Pau,” “Pequeñas Cosas,” and “Entraré A La Cuina.” I enjoyed the jubilant, breezy feeling of “Poema D’Una Dona” probably due to the airy flavoring of flute. For a taste of Asensi’s music with guitar and ney, sample the dynamic, and poignant track, “Arcilla Y Pan.” “Nit Nit Nit” is also a standout with the incorporation of Alejandro Mateo’s sweet, magical lyre. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)