Miramar – Entre Tus Flores (Ansonia Records, 2025)
Miramar, the Richmond-based bolero ensemble fronted by Reinaldo “Rei” Álvarez and Laura Ann Singh, returns with Entre Tus Flores (among your flowers), an elegant and sensual new album out on Los Angeles–based Ansonia Records. The band’s timelessly crafted sound is characterized by lush orchestral arrangements, irresistible rhythms, vintage keyboards, and emotive performances in Spanish. Although rooted in bolero, Miramar continues to expand the boundaries of bolero with an innovative sound they call “bolero-beat,” an engaging fusion of passionate bolero, psychedelic rock, folk, bossa nova, funk, and salsa.
The album departs from the group’s 2016 debut Dedication to Sylvia Rexach, which paid tribute to the legendary Puerto Rican songwriter. While that release emphasized traditional bolero stylings, Entre Tus Flores introduces a fuller sound: brass arrangements by keyboardist Marlysse Rose Simmons-Argandoña, string sections recorded with rotating local musicians, and contributions from members of Butcher Brown, Bio Ritmo, Mucca Pazza, Antibalas, and the Richmond Symphony.
Of the ten tracks, eight were composed by Álvarez, one by guitarist Sebastian Cruz, and one, “En Mis Sueños,” by Rexach.
While romance remains the thematic core, the album also includes “Un Astro,” a tender reflection on fatherhood, and “Lo Sabrás,” written for Álvarez and Simmons-Argandoña’s son, Desi.
Recorded in Richmond, Virginia at Minimum Wage Studios and Spacebomb Studio, the project was mixed by Simón Guzmán (Daptone, Tru Thoughts), whose production preserves the music’s warmth and nuance.
Track listing
- Incertidumbre (Uncertainty)
A reflection on emotional risk and disillusionment in love, portraying the internal struggle between hope and heartbreak. - Juntos (Together)
A declaration of emotional unity and dependence, emphasizing how love provides strength and direction in life. - Paradero (Resting Place)
A poetic depiction of finding solace in a familiar, non-judgmental place—a metaphorical sanctuary from emotional turmoil. - Un Astro (A Star)
A celebration of new life, likely inspired by the birth of a child, highlighting the transformative joy and clarity it brings. - Hiedra (Ivy)
A metaphor for toxic love and emotional healing, expressing the desire to free oneself from a damaging relationship. - Tú Peine (Your Comb)
A lament over lingering memories after a breakup, using a forgotten object to symbolize emotional attachment and loss. - Lo Que Me Das (What You Give Me)
A confrontation of a painful relationship, focusing on betrayal, emotional wounds, and the search for personal freedom. - Lo Sabrás (You Will Know)
A heartfelt message from a parent to a child, offering life lessons, honesty, and encouragement for resilience and self-understanding. - No Puede Ser (It Can’t Be)
A sorrowful realization that love, despite deep emotional investment, is unreciprocated and ultimately impossible. - En Mis Sueños (In My Dreams)
A tender tribute to a lost love or departed soul, finding comfort and connection through dreams that briefly reunite them.
Musicians: Rei Álvarez on vocals, bongo, maracas, and guiro; Laura Ann Singh on vocals; Marlysse Simmons-Argandoña on piano, synth, organ, Mellotron, and Wurlitzer; Andrew Randazzo on bass; Devonne Harris on drums and drum set; Alan Parker on guitar; Anna Bishop on violin; Naima Burrs on violin, conductor; Treesa Gold on violin; Susanna Klei on violin; Kristen Presley on violin; Ellen Riccio on violin; Kimberly Ryan on viola; Hyo Joo Uh on viola; Melissa Sunderland Jones on viola; Stephanie Barrett on cello; Lauren Serpa on flute; Lauren Williams on oboe; John Winn on clarinet; Bob Miller on trumpet; Sebastian Cruz on guitar and vocals; Dan Martinez on bass; Peni Candra Rini on vocals; Gabo Tomasini on congas; Gary Kalar on guitar; Adam Hopkins on bass; Giustino Riccio on bongo, congas, and maracas; Bryan Vargas on guitar; Cameron Ralston on bass; Ty Hussell on drumset; Toby Whitaker on trombone; John Lilley on tenor sax.
Buy Entre Tus Flores.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.