Cuban singer Aymée Nuviola has recently released a live album recorded at the renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London. This milestone makes her likely the first Cuban solo artist to release an album recorded at this prestigious venue.
The album, titled 'Aymée Nuviola Feat. Kemuel Roig Live at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club,' captures performances from July 4 and 5, 2025, at the legendary Soho club and was officially released on August 28, 2026, by Altafonte, with exclusive distribution by Worldwide Entertainment & Music, LLC.
In a conversation with Tania Costa for CiberCuba, Nuviola shared her thoughts on performing there. "First of all, it's a privilege, because it's one of the most prestigious jazz clubs in the world. It's often referred to as the cathedral of jazz," she noted.
The artist emphasized that the opportunity sought her out, not the other way around. "It was the club that invited us to perform there from the very first time," she explained. This recording marks her third visit to the venue, and the bond with the London audience—primarily English, with few Latinos present—stood out as one of the most remarkable aspects of the experience.
"I believe there's a very distinct, personal, and intimate connection between Ronnie Scott's and myself," she stated. "Very few Latinos attend that club, and we connected in an extraordinary way. So, for me, it's a tremendous privilege and honor to be there."
Produced by Paulo Simeón, the album includes nine live performances: 'Bonche', 'Paco', 'Obsesión', 'Salsa Con Timba', 'Quédate', 'Perfidia', 'Se Bailaba Esto', 'Taxista', and 'Ese Atrevimiento.'
Cuban pianist Kemuel Roig participated as a special guest artist, arranging all the original compositions in an acoustic style, following previous collaborations with Nuviola on the project 'Havana Nocturnes.'
Nuviola praised Roig's work, stating, "He has an incredibly high caliber as a musician, producer, and arranger, because many of the arrangements you will hear on that album were adapted to this acoustic style entirely by Kemuel."
Timeless Classics and New Sounds
The repertoire blends songs with African champeta and afrobeats influences—such as 'Se Bailaba Esto'—with timeless classics like 'Obsesión' and 'Perfidia,' all reimagined with an acoustic and jazzy twist. "We selected a repertoire that had a bit of everything while maintaining our Cuban essence," Nuviola explained.
The album's liner notes were penned by Ted Panken, a seasoned jazz critic and historian with over four decades of experience, contributing to publications like DownBeat, JazzTimes, and JAZZIZ.
Founded in 1959 by saxophonist Ronnie Scott and Pete King, the London club has hosted historic recordings by Ella Fitzgerald (1974), Sarah Vaughan (1977), and Nina Simone (1984). With this album, Nuviola—a Grammy and multiple Latin Grammy winner—joins this tradition as the first female Cuban soloist to capture her performance at this iconic venue for a global audience through major digital distribution platforms.
Nuviola's team emphasized during the album's release that "it's not just about performing at Ronnie Scott's. It’s about having that performance recorded; releasing it as the lead artist; sharing it with a global audience; and opening a door previously undocumented in this way for a female Cuban soloist."
Nuviola is thrilled with the album's outcome, quality, and sound, and believes it deserves a Grammy. However, she acknowledges that she is not alone in the artistic world, and other singers may feel the same about their work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aymée Nuviola's Live Album
When was Aymée Nuviola's live album at Ronnie Scott's recorded?
The live album was recorded during performances on July 4 and 5, 2025, at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London.
Who collaborated with Aymée Nuviola on the album?
Cuban pianist Kemuel Roig collaborated as a special guest artist, contributing all original arrangements in an acoustic style.
What makes this album significant for Aymée Nuviola?
This album marks the first time a Cuban female soloist has recorded and released a live performance from Ronnie Scott's for a global audience, highlighting Nuviola's unique connection with the prestigious venue.