In her debut solo performance held at the Notorious Café, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Paula Shocron sat at the piano with confidence in the air and a bottle of water at her feet – which she sipped from frequently.
Her playing — like life — was unpredictable. At first, the style lacked structure, like raw feelings expressed through her instrument. Whether it represented the mind of a rebellious youth or the gritty, furious moods of a city on the edge, it seemed like spontaneous energy flowing in ebbs and tides.
Just as spontaneously, at times, Paula slid effortlessly into cascades of George Benson–esque moods: a winter’s day, a summer rain, or a light, easy ramble through the Lower East Side of New York City. The crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative of what they were hearing, and they gave the young twenty-five-year-old rousing applause for her efforts.
She played two sets, each with its own mood and style. It was almost like hearing two different musicians; the first Avant-garde, the second more melodically structured.
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Paula grew up to the sounds of traditional folk music. But she was forever changed (she told me afterward) after hearing a Duke Ellington record. Despite her evolving style, her technique and abilities are clearly abundant. She displays passion and character in her interpretations, making her an artist worthy of any piano enthusiast’s attention.
Her latest record, La voz que te lleva, is now available on the Blue Art label.
(PUBLISHED in Jazz Review Magazine 2004)
Copyright 2004 – Brie Austin – All rights reserved
