A powerful new chapter in contemporary musical theatre and Latin music history unfolds with the release of Jaime Lozano & The Familia’s highly anticipated album, Songs by an Immigrant Vol. 3, available now on all streaming and digital download platforms via Concord Theatricals Recordings. The album is already generating significant buzz, particularly for Broadway star Krystina Alabado’s poignant rendition of the track “Wherever I Go.”
This latest installment in Lozano’s acclaimed series continues his mission to give voice to the multifaceted experiences of immigrants in the United States. Alabado, known for her roles in Mean Girls, lends her captivating vocals to “Wherever I Go,” a song featuring music by Lozano and heartfelt lyrics by Georgie Castilla, exemplifying the album’s emotional depth.
A Tapestry of Immigrant Narratives
Mexican-born musical theatre composer Jaime Lozano, a recipient of the prestigious 2022 Jonathan Larson Grant, has consistently used his art to authentically portray the immigrant journey. Songs by an Immigrant Vol. 3 delves into the challenges faced by first and second-generation U.S. immigrants, exploring themes such as finding a new home, navigating language barriers, confronting discrimination, pursuing the American Dream, and building bridges rather than walls. Lozano emphasizes that the project stems from a deeply personal necessity to tell “our own stories,” creating a vital statement about diversity, inclusion, and representation within the performing arts industry.
An All-Star Familia of Collaborators
True to the spirit of “The Familia,” the album boasts an extraordinary lineup of award-winning Latin artists and celebrated Broadway stars. The collaborative effort features Grammy and Latin Grammy winner Tony Succar, Grammy-winning music producer Trooko, and multi-Grammy and National Medal of Arts recipient Paquito D’ Rivera. Latin Grammy winner Jair Alcalá and his band El Plan also contribute their distinctive sound.
The album is a veritable who’s who of Broadway talent, beyond Krystina Alabado, including Tony, Grammy, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), Tony Award nominee Lorna Courtney (& Juliet), Florencia Cuenca (Real Women Have Curves), Aline Mayagoitia (Real Women Have Curves), Joel Perez (Tick, Tick…Boom!), and Didi Romero (Six). Further enriching this diverse ensemble are performers such as Tamar Greene (Hamilton), Mayelah Barrera (Much Ado About Nothing), Max Mendoza Crumm (The Connector), Xavier Zazueta, Marina Pires (How to Dance in Ohio), Rodney Ingram (Aladdin), Ana Villafañe (On Your Feet!), Robin De Jesús (In The Heights), Mauricio Martínez (On Your Feet!), Linedy Genao (The Great Gatsby), Matías De La Flor (Camelot), Robi Hager (Spring Awakening), and Shereen Pimentel (West Side Story).
The intricate arrangements and orchestrations for the album were crafted by Lozano himself, alongside Jesús Altamira. A host of talented lyricists joined Lozano and Georgie Castilla, including Reynolds Robledo, Nathan Tysen, David Davila, Neena Beber, Marina Pires, Tommy Newman, and Florencia Cuenca. The album was meticulously produced by Lozano and Demián Cantú, with additional co-production by Victoria Kühne and Sean Patrick Flahaven, and executive production by Jaime Lozano & The Familia. Cantú also handled recording, editing, and mixing, with Oscar Zambrano mastering the final sound.
Celebrating the Release: A Sony Hall Extravaganza
To mark this significant album release, Jaime Lozano & The Familia will host a celebratory performance at New York City’s iconic Sony Hall on Monday, August 25. This concert represents a considerable step for Lozano, moving to a larger venue to accommodate his growing audience and the expansive nature of his musical vision. The evening promises to be a vibrant showcase of the album’s material, with Lozano joined by many of the featured Broadway and Latin music stars, backed by an impressive 18-piece band of acclaimed New York City musicians.
Jaime Lozano: A Force in Musical Theatre News
Jaime Lozano’s work, frequently lauded by figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda who called him “the next big thing on Broadway,” resonates deeply within the contemporary musical theatre scene. His consistent dedication to exploring and celebrating the immigrant experience through high-quality musical compositions has solidified his reputation as a vital voice. The Songs by an Immigrant series, which began around 2020, has grown into a powerful platform, building on the success of Vol. 2, released in September 2023. With Vol. 3, Lozano continues to fulfill his vision of creating art that not only entertains but also fosters understanding and connection across cultures, proving the transformative power of storytelling through music.
The release of Songs by an Immigrant Vol. 3 is more than just an album; it’s a cultural event, bringing together an extraordinary collective of artists to amplify essential narratives and enrich the music industry with diverse and compelling new works.
