In an exciting (first-of-its-kind) musical collaboration, Grammy-winning Dominican singer-songwriter Pavel Núñez and renowned Latin jazz pianist and composer Pavel Polanco-Safadit have joined forces to release a new album, “De Pavel a Pavel,” blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms and storytelling. The collaboration is backed by Polanco-Safadit’s high-energy band, Pavel & Direct Contact, fuses genres and cultures to create a vibrant and engaging cultural exchange.

The album, sponsored by Indianapolis Jazz Foundation (& Indy Jazz Fest), highlights Núñez’s evocative vocals and poetic lyricism alongside Polanco-Safadit’s virtuosic piano melodies and the infectious energy of Pavel & Direct Contact. Recorded in Indianapolis, IN at 416 Wabash Studios, the project represents a cultural and musical partnership between Dominican Republic and Indianapolis. Due to the support of the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, the cultural collaboration of these two Dominican-born artists has been possible. Musicians from Venezuela, Puerto Rico and even local Hoosiers shared their musical sounds on this album. 

Standout tracks include:

“Que Lo Que”: this Urban Salsa fusion reflects a romantic connection that turns another direction, one being cold towards the other. The lyrics highlight the frustration of one getting the cold shoulder. The change of urban salsa to caballito rhythms emphasize this dilemma. 

“Sincero”: a story of two lovers, one reassuring the insecure other of their dedication to the relationship.

“Eres la Flor”: a Merengue/Lounge or “Merenlounge” as Polanco-Safadit calls it, about a dream where he finds his love on the beach.  As soon as the love came, she faded away. 

Musicians featured on the album include: 

Rob Dixon saxophone
David Allee trumpet
Rich Dole trombone
Gustavo Barrette bass
Nino Barrette electric guitar
Jose Febres congas
Matt McGraw drums
Ivonne Blanco background vocals
Leah Crane background vocals

Pavel Núñez is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and one of the Dominican Republic’s most celebrated musical talents, known for his poetic lyrics and powerful vocal performances. “Este proyecto tiene un gran significado para mi, pues es la oportunidad de unir el mundo (de mi tocayo) Pavel Polanco-Safadit y el mío en el plano melódico y musical. Es una apuesta cultural latina en los Estados Unidos, tomando en cuenta la participación de músicos latinoamericanos y estadounidenses, y ya desde ese hallazgo, más que un disco, es intercambio cultural.  Me siento más que honrado de ser parte de este proyecto.” (Translation: “This project has great meaning for me, as it is the opportunity to unite the world (of my namesake) Pavel Polanco-Safadit and mine on a melodic and musical level. It is a Latin, cultural commitment in the United States, taking into account the participation of Latin American and American musicians, and since that discovery, more than an album, it is a cultural exchange. I feel more than honored to be a part of this project.”-Pavel Núñez)

Pavel Polanco-Safadit is an acclaimed, International Latin jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader of Pavel & Direct Contact, a group renowned for its electrifying fusion of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and contemporary jazz. “Connecting cultures has always been a passion of mine, and blending that with my love for music creates an incredibly fulfilling experience. The sounds from my bandmates and my good friend, Pavel Nunez, really show how music brings people together, no matter where they’re from.”-Pavel Polanco-Safadit