Pianist, Composer, and Multi-Instrumentalist Eva Novoa Releases Second Album from Her Dynamic Trio Featuring Sax Legend Daniel Carter and Renowned Drummer Francisco Mela

Brooklyn-based pianist Eva Novoa returns with The Freedom Suite: Novoa / Carter / Mela Trio, Vol. 2 — the second radiant release from her compelling trio with saxophone icon Daniel Carter and celebrated drummer Francisco Mela. This marks Novoa’s sixth album with 577 Records.

The trio first came together live in 2021, followed by a series of performances, including appearances in Cambridge (Boston) and later at the Brooklyn edition of the NY Forward Festival.

The Freedom Suite is an homage to jazz titan Duke Ellington — particularly his masterful big band suites and legendary orchestra featuring Johnny Hodges and other luminaries who helped define an era of jazz greatness. In contrast, Novoa presents her Suite in a more intimate format: the piano trio. The album comprises twelve pieces — mostly brief — with a few extended tracks such as “#6 Free to Be Free” and “#11 Cyborgs.”

For this recording, Novoa also steps in as a vocalist on several tracks, including “#2 Mainstream Media,” “#4 Big Grande,” “#5 Global,” “#6 Free to Be Free,” “#7 Dream,” and “#11 Cyborgs.” These pieces often feature a vocal dialogue between Novoa and Mela, whose expressive, word-infused style draws from rich Cuban traditions.

“Words are powerful,” says Novoa. “They define who we are, where we come from, and who we hope to become. Without words, there is no conversation — and without conversation, there is no real sense of time, space, or connection.”

The Freedom Suite emerged from deep philosophical and creative conversations — spoken, written, and improvised — between Novoa, Carter, and Mela. In the studio, Novoa introduced printed texts that served as thematic foundations for spontaneous, in-the-moment musical interpretation. The result is an urgent and organic interplay, where instruments speak to one another in a language as fluid as it is fearless.

Standout track “Cyborgs” begins with Novoa’s percussive piano, exemplifying the trio’s dynamic, conversational energy. “Creative Destruction” features Novoa on electric harpsichord in a wild, electric exchange. While “Free to Be Free” stands out as the album’s leading single, it also captures the essence and message of the entire Suite.

Recorded in 2021 at New York City’s legendary Sear Sound Studio, the album captures a creative explosion of sound and spirit. Novoa dazzles on piano, Fender Rhodes, electric harpsichord, Chinese gongs — even whistle — showcasing her expansive sonic palette. Together, the trio embodies the power of free improvisation and emotional storytelling.

Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Eva Novoa has been cultivating her distinctive voice since childhood. Now a staple of the New York creative music scene, she has performed across the globe and collaborated with some of the most adventurous voices in jazz and beyond.

The Freedom Suite will be released on October 3rd, 2025, on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms. The album features striking cover art by Novoa’s longtime friend and collaborator, acclaimed street photographer Richard Sandler — the iconic “Subway Kiss (N.Y.C. 1987).”

Stay tuned for Volumes 3 and 4 — coming soon.

Eva Novoa
The Freedom Suite,
Novoa / Carter / Mela Trio, Vol. 2

Daniel Carter - winds (tenor, alto, soprano saxophones, clarinets, trumpet, flute)
Eva Novoa - piano, Fender Rhodes, electric harpsichord, Chinese gongs, maracas, vocals & whistling
Francisco Mela - vocals & drums

Recorded at Sear Sound, NYC
Release: October 3, 2025
Total 12" vinyl time - 36:00
Catalogue number 5968-2

Photography by Richard Sandler 
Graphic design by Sergio Vezzali

Vinyl: Beautifully designed limited edition vinyl LP

TRACKS:

SIDE ONE
1. People 1:55
2. Mainstream Media 1:54
3. Education 2:58
4. Big Grande 1:33
5. Global 1:19
6. Free to Be Free 4:53
7. Dream 2:27

SIDE TWO
1. Truth 2:09
2. Creative Destruction 2:39
3. Silence 2:39
4. Cyborgs 9:04
5. Words 1:15

100% of profit from the sale of most of these albums
goes to the musicians

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