Charito – Heal The World (Zoho Music – 2011)
The question that must have been uppermost in the minds of many of those involved in this project, Heal The World a tribute to Michael Jackson, must surely have been: “How do you top the King of Pop…?” Or, at least: “How do we pull this one off without fawning?” As it happens, producer and drummer Harvey Mason need never have worried too much as he could not have picked a finer musician to front the project than the vocalist extraordinaire Charito. Moreover there are several other laudable aspects of this heartfelt homage. But first there is Charito…
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The Filipino-born, Japan-based singer has brought a slow, sensual, swing to the music that Michael Jackson first made famous. Charito has one of the most delicious contralto voices in the business. Having been blessed with a range that is given to a natural penchant for sensuality, the husky-voiced vocalist has turned her skills to interpretive singing. With her beckoning contralto and her ability to dally almost achingly on key words and phrases she creates mesmerising whorls of song, wrapped like glistening necklaces around the songs narratives. With occasional whoops and streaking dashes into a higher register, but mostly with just a soulful “Oooh” or an aching “Aaah” Charito can bring the most intense emotion to two simple words, “We remember…” for instance, in the song, “Remember The Time”. Of course there are numerous other examples of how Charito can wrench emotion out of words that might otherwise have sounded quite trite. It seems that Charito was born for this homage. With the passing of Michael Jackson and the heartbreaking facts of his life that have emerged since then, this is a most appropriate homage. Charito sings with feeling, phrasing exquisitely and telling what seems to be a seamless, unbroken story of pathos throughout the album. Also appropriately, the singer turns the project from sadness into joy with a triumphant version of Jackson’s torch song, “Heal The World”.
No less a reason for the artistic success of this album are the arrangements of songs already made classic by such luminaries as Quincy Jones, Steve Porcaro and Stevie Wonder. For this, much credit must go to Jeff Babko and Michael Ruff. In re-arranging such classics as the Quincy Jones arrangement of Rod Temperton’s beautiful “Rock With You,” Porcaro’s “Human Nature”, “Man In The Mirror”… slowing down these powerful charts and swinging them with a great deal of sexy swagger, Babko and Ruff together with Charito of course, have turned Jackson’s music into the rightful realm of elevation that it deserves. Moreover these arrangements shine a new light on the maturity of the music, as well as its enduring quality.
Finally there is the absolute mastery of Harvey Mason’s production that makes this a flagship recording. Mason has brought awesome talent together for a project that certainly deserved this level of importance. Bassist Brian Bromberg, trombonist Nils Langren and the uncredited tenor saxophonist Azar Lawrence as well as the duo of Babko and Ruff, and Mason’s own superbly crafted rhythms, have given this project a polished appeal. And this is truly in keeping of something to honour someone as worthy as Michael Jackson with—music that will surely go towards healing the world.
Track Listing: Rock with You; Man in the Mirror; Human Nature; Remember the Time; He’s Out of my Life; I Can’t Help It; I’ll Be There; Never Say Goodbye; Ease On Down The Road; Heal The World.
Personnel: Charito: vocals; Jeff Babko: keyboards (1, 9); Michael Ruff: keyboards, synths, synth and keyboard bass, background vocals (2 – 8, 10), clavinet (1); Hubert Laws: flute (6); Chuck Manning: tenor saxophone (2, 3); Nils Langren: trombone (6); Brian Bromberg: acoustic bass (1, 3, 7, 9); Jimmy Johnson: bass (2, 10); Abe Laboriel: bass (4, 6); Harvey Mason: drums, vibes (1), percussion (2, 4, 6, 8); background vocals (9); Walter Rodriguez (6); Jeff Caldwell: background vocals (3, 6).
Charito on the web: www.charito.com/
Review written by: Raul da Gama
Presenting José Rizo’s Mongorama
José Rizo’s Mongorama picks up where the Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars left off. After a decade of fruitful existence, performing and recording four terrific CDs (Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars 1 and 2, The Last Bullfighter and Tambolero), the veteran KJazz radio host, producer, composer and bandleader takes a new direction and moves on to a new project, which is actually a continuation of the original Latin jazz all stars band concept, but now focused on a specific period of the creative evolvement of Cuban Master Conguero, Mongo Santamaría.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Mongorama is no ordinary band. Its self-mandate of paying tribute to the charanga/jazz musical period extensively explored by Mongo Santamaría and his bandmates, saxophonist Chombo Silva and flautist Rolando Lozano, involves revitalizing Mongo’s music and the charanga tradition he helped to develop in his moment. Rizo, as producer and bandleader and musical director Danilo Lozano incorporate new arrangements and orchestrations, modern variations of the themes without losing the essence of the rhythm and the infectious danceability of the music. The hip, jazzy feel exudes throughout the vocal and instrumental deliveries on this recording. Engaging and enjoyable at the same time, Mongorama equally pleases the listeners (jazz and Latin music fans) and the dancers. Great job accomplished by pianist Oscar Hernández with his arrangements, and Francisco Torres as well.
This is an album recorded live-in-studio over a two-days fantastic musical journey. That means the music on this CD has that fresh, spontaneous and improvisational elements inherent to Jazz and Afro-Cuban descargas. This approach works perfectly well for these seasoned, highly-trained cats who proudly follow on the steps of Maestro Mongo Santamaría.
A nine-piece members ensemble, Mongorama brings to the stage great musicianship and sophisticated interpretations. It introduces a magnificent sound to a new generation of listeners who will surely be interested in finding out more about the music of Mongo Santamaría and his “La Sabrosa” charanga ensemble during the sixties and seventies.
Mongorama recreates previously recorded material by Santamaría: Bacoso (one of Mongo’s signature tunes featuring Hubert Laws on a superb solo flute, Dayren Santamaría on violin and Joey De Leon on congas); Las Guajiras (an overcharged electric guajira reminiscent of the hypnotic Cachao’s descargas, featuring Poncho Sanchez on congas, Danilo Lozano on flute and Adonis Puentes on vocals); Bluchanga (a popular Latin jazz composition by Mongo’s pianist Joao Donato, featuring Justo Almario on tenor sax, Oscar Hernández on piano and Joey De Leon on congas); Palo Mayombe (a composition by Mongo’s singer, the late Rudy Calzado, featuring Justo Almario on tenor sax and Adonis Puentes on vocals); Siempre en Tí (an arousing bolero by master flautist Rolando Lozano, featuring Hubert Laws on flute, Justo Almario on tenor sax and Adonis Puentes on vocals); Que Maravilloso (another composition by Rudy Calzado, featuring Oscar Hernández on piano, Ramón Banda on timbales and Adonis Puentes on vocals); Cruzan (a beautiful, serene composition by former Santamaría’s pianist Armen Donelian, features Oscar Hernández on piano and Justo Almario on tenor sax) and Guajira at the Blackhawk (one of Mongo’s earliest pieces dedicated to the legendary San Francisco club, features Danilo Lozano on flute, Poncho Sanchez on congas, Justo Almario on tenor sax and Adonis Puentes on vocals). José Rizo contributes two of his own compositions: Así es la Vida (where Adonis Puentes shines on vocals, Poncho Sanchez is featured on congas and Danilo Lozano on flute) and Bubba Boogaloo, a joyful theme that gets a special treatment on the soulful voice of the gracious Destani Wolf. Both tracks are masterfully arranged and co-composed by Francisco Torres. No Molestes Mas, found its way in through an early Ray Barreto’s recording. This swinging tune is a true delicacy for the dancers, making your feet move at the first notes. The album closes with Tin Marín, a traditional tune inspired by the Cachao Cuban Jam Sessions in Miniature legendary recordings (featuring René Camacho on bass, Freddie Crespo on vocals, Ramón Banda on timbales and Danilo Lozano on flute).
 |
 |
Kudos to Rizo for an impecable, very professional presentation. Avid readers and serious listeners are always looking for liner notes that are at the same time informative and educational. That’s exactly the case with this album.
Track listing: 1. Bacoso; 2. Asi Es La Vida; 3. Las Guajiras; 4. Bluchanga; 5. No Molestes Mas; 6. Bubba Boogaloo; 7. Palo Mayombe; 8. Siempre En Ti; 9. Que Maravilloso; 10. Cruzan; 11. Guajira At the Blackhawk; 12. Tin Marin.
Personnel: Alfredo Ortiz (vocals, guiro); Adonis Puentes, Freddie Crespo, Destani Wolf (vocals); Dayren Santamaria (violin); Danilo Lozano, Hubert Laws (flute); Justo Almario (tenor saxophone); Alberto Salas, Oscar Hernandez (piano); Joey de Leon, Poncho Sanchez (congas); Ramon Banda (timbales).
Mongorama on the web: http://jazzonthelatinsideallstars.com/index1.html
Feature/Review written by: Danilo Navas
Meeco – Amargo Mel (Connector Records 2009)
|
|
Meeco is a rather young musician who appears drawn not simply to the musical idioms of jazz, popular music and a myriad ones in the Latin tradition, he also set out to do what musicians of his age seldom attempt. He made a troubadour record. “Amargo Mel” is a very difficult project to pull off, even if you have a stellar cast that includes the likes of Reggie Moore on piano, Ron Carter on bass, Eddie Henderson on trumpet and flugelhorn, the late David “Fathead” Newman on tenor saxophone, Charlie Mariano on alto saxophone and Mario Morejon on trumpet… among a host of others.
But this is primarily a contemporary troubadour record. And there appears to be a seemingly unending source of lyrical material here. To showcase the material are several vocalists who have collaborated with Meeco to provide the lyrics and the vocals as well. Eva Ventura from Spain, Olvido Ruiz from Cuba, Rolanda Faria and Eloisia da Silva from Brasil. They are all fine vocalists, who show great sensitivity for the material they sing. Eva Ventura casts the songs she sings with an otherworldly atmosphere and she is expert at phrasing as well. She delivers her lines with sublime breath control and sensuality. “Nocturna” and “Para Siempre a mi Lado” are fine examples of her work on this record.
Eloisa’s contralto is also quite beautiful and memorable, but it is Rolanda Faria who is the outstanding vocalist of this record. He is able to tell a story, vary his tone ever so slightly on “Nao Chora Nao,” where he literally “cries” out the song that pierces the heart. On the moody, existentialist-sounding “Neste Mundo” Faria in a classic baritone–alternately exquisitely noir and star bright–turns the lyric into a black and white, dark and bright narrative reminiscent of the great Brasilian Dori Caymmi.
The instrumentalists provide great atmospherics as well. The classical music-oriented David Friedman does a positively symphonic reading of the score on “Neste Mundo” and Hubert Laws plays a haunting alto flute that weaves in and out of Friedman’s vibes and also Pepe Berns’ pedal point bass. Eddie Henderson provides the most sensuous moments on “Noites Vazias” and then returns to score a fine interplay with David “Fathead” Newman, who both swing through the rhythms of Rolo Rodriguez’ percussion and Olvido Ruiz’ mesmerizing vocals.
The record may have minor flaws. For one it is much too long. Perhaps Meeco could not find a way to keep some of the material out of it. But it is an accomplished work comprising some of the most romantic charts that ought to haunt the waves of jazz and Latin radio stations for a long time to come. As a first record this is music of considerable character and maturity. Meeco has a fine grasp of idiom and phrasing and also a singular feel for writing material sensitive to tone and color.
Track Listing: Nocturna; Impossible; Noites Vazias; Nao Chora Nao; Para Siempre a mi Lado; Neste Mundo; Enamorate; Amargo Mel; Esperando Voce; Eloisa; Eterno Amor; Lo Perdido; Intocable; Despedida; Ma Vie Feu d’artifice; Meu Amor (pro Eloisa).
Personnel: Eva Ventura: vocals (1,5,13); Olvido Ruiz Castellanos: vocals (2,7,10,12); Rolanda Faria: vocals (4,6,9,15); Eloisia da Silva: vocals (3,8,11,14); Reggie Moore: piano; Guilherme Castro: electric bass; Rolo Rodriguez: drums, percussion and background vocals); Bob Lenox: piano (6); Michael Griener: drums (6, 15); Jan Roder: acoustic bass (6); Pepe Berns: acoustic bass (9); Natalie Blaum and Alani Hoff: background vocals (6); Ron Carter: acoustic bass (15); Daniel Friedman: vibes (4,9); Eddie Henderson: trumpet, flugelhorn (2,3, 8,10,15); Hubert Laws: alto flute (9,11,14); Charlie Mariano: alto saxophone (6); Mario “El Indio” Morejon: trumpet, background vocals (7,12); David “Fathead” Newman: (tenor saxophone, flute (5, 10, 13); Meeco: all production.
Meeco on the web: www.myspace.com/meecojazz
Review written by: Raul da Gama
2nd Annual L. A. Latin Jazz Festival
Held every year on the 3rd weekend of May at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, the goal of Nederlander Concerts is to present artists and music that have been recognized by the Grammys in the category of Latin Jazz and the Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year. According to event producer, Eddie Rodriguez, “We are preserving and bringing to ‘Angelinos’ a genre of music that dates back to pianist, Jelly Roll Morton’s Habanera rhythms of the 1920’s. These are the same rhythms that found their way to New York City in the 1940s via Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauza, Chano Pozo, Machito, Tito Puente and are as relevant today as they were then.” The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival will take place at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, May 16th. Tickets go on sale Saturday, March 28th at 10 AM.
The one night only event will bring together an assortment of award winning artists who have played a significant role in the development and popularization of Latin Jazz. The lineup includes: Dave Samuels and the Caribbean Jazz Project, Paquito D’ Rivera, Jose Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars, jazz legends, Kenny Burrell and Hubert Laws and Charlie Sepulveda and the Turnaround and Giovanni Hidalgo. The L.A. Latin Jazz Festival is a celebration of Jazz, Latin Jazz and the artists who create it.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
(In Alphabetical Order)
KENNY BURRELL
Kenny Burrell is among a handful of guitar greats who have forever changed the role of their instrument. Staunch musical integrity and discriminate taste coupled with matchless technique have made him a legend among his peers. Burrell is a master instrumentalist, composer and virtuoso whose quest is to get the most out of a natural acoustic sound. And he is no stranger to Latin Jazz. Case in point, his 1963 recording, “Midnight Blue” and the tune, “Chile Con Carne,” where he collaborates with NEA Jazz Master and Salsa legend, Ray Barretto.
PAQUITO D’ RIVERA Born on the island of Cuba, saxophonist/clarinetist and 9-time Grammy Award winner, Paquito D’ Rivera began his musical trajectory as a child prodigy. D’ Rivera is a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Music Moderna, the former co-director of the groundbreaking group, Irakere and a charter member of the Caribbean Jazz Project. His appearance at the L.A. Latin Jazz Festival marks a historic reunion between he and Dave Samuels of the Caribbean Jazz Project.
GIOVANNI HIDALGO
Widely acknowledged as the greatest percussionist of his generation, Giovanni Hidalgo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1963. He is the son of the noted percussionist Jose “Manengue” Hidalgo and was educated in Latin rhythms from childhood. While still in his teens he caught the attention of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie, toured in his United Nations All-Star Orchestra and became a noted session player, recording with Freddie Hubbard, Paul Simon and Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum project among others. In 1997 he earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Latin Jazz Category for his collaborations with pianist, Michel Camilo on the album, “Hands of Rhythm.” Hidalgo has shared the stage and recorded with Batacumbele, Carlos Patato Valdez, Candido, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Brian Lynch, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’ Rivera, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Hilton Ruiz and many others.
HUBERT LAWS
Internationally renowned flutist Hubert Laws is one of the few classical artists who is able to move effortlessly from one genre to another. He took up the flute and was exposed to jazz while in high school. After graduating he began performing with the Modern Jazz Sextet, the Jazz Crusaders and more recently, the Crusaders. From 1963 to 1967 Hubert earned his “bones” as a Latin Jazz player with Mongo Santamaria’s band. Today, session work, collaborations and his publishing companies take up the majority of his time.
JOSE RIZO’S JAZZ ON THE LATIN SIDE ALL STARS
The Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars, so named after creator Jose Rizo’s Latin Jazz radio program, is a 15-piece all-star ensemble made up of legendary figures, world-class studio musicians, jazz artists, and popular bandleaders. This versatile ensemble is as comfortable playing Salsa as it is performing progressive Latin Jazz. The Ensemble and its rotating members include: Justo Almario (tenor sax), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drums), Danilo Lozano (flute / musical director), Francisco Aguabella (congas), Poncho Sanchez (congas), Alex Acuna (drums), Freddie Crespo (lead vocals / timbales), Francisco Torres (trombone / prime arranger), Rene Camacho (bass), Bijon Watson (trumpet), Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet), Robert Incelli (alto sax), Scott Martin (baritone sax), Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet), Eric Jorgensen (trombone), Joey De Leon (congas), Alfredo Ortiz (bongo / vocals), Andy Martin (trombone), Jimmy Branly (timbales), Joe Rotondi (piano),and Luis Eric Gonzalez (trumpet).
DAVE SAMUELS AND THE CARIBBEAN JAZZ PROJECT
Dave Samuels is best known for his approach to both the vibraphone and marimba. Dave has demonstrated his versatility and gained world wide recognition by performing and recording with a broad scope of artists ranging from Gerry Mulligan, Oscar Peterson, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Carla Bley, The Yellowjackets, Pat Metheny, Bruce Hornsby, Frank Zappa, The Fantasy Band, Spyro Gyra, Double Image and The Caribbean Jazz Project. During his time with Spyro Gyra, the 5-time Grammy Nominated group was named #1 Contemporary Jazz Artist and Contemporary Jazz Group of the 80′s by Billboard magazine.
Dave’s other awards include: Best Vibes Player in both Jazziz and Modern Drummer Magazine. In addition, he received a Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Latin Jazz Recording with his group, the Caribbean Jazz Project’s, CD, “The Gathering”. In 2004 he received a second Grammy Nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Recording for the “Caribbean Jazz Project’s release “Birds of a Feather” and in 2005 he received an unprecedented third consecutive Grammy Nomination for the Caribbean Jazz Project’s release “Here and Now, Live in Concert”.
CHARLIE SEPULVEDA AND THE TURNAROUND
Trumpeter, Charlie Sepulveda hails from Puerto Rico. His most recent recording, Charlie Sepulveda and the Turnaround was highly acclaimed and was nominated for a 2008 Latin Grammy for the Best Latin Jazz album of the year. Sepulveda studied at the School of Arts, the Conservatory of Music and the University of Puerto Rico as well as City College in New York. Over the years he has recorded and shared the stage with: Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Dizzy Gillespie, Mc Coy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Valentin, Hilton Ruiz, Paquito D’ Rivera, Michel Camilo, Sheila E., Ray Barretto, Marc Anthony, La India, the Fania All-Stars and has appeared on the Tonight Show.
The Los Angeles Latin Jazz Festival is produced by Nederlander Concerts in Association with Eddie Rodriguez & Latin Works Music. The event will take place on Friday, May 17th at 7:00 PM at the Greek Theater, 2700 N. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Tickets are on sale at all Ticketmaster locations.
TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH AT 10 AM
Tickets available at all Ticketmaster outlets including select Macy’s locations and Ritmo Latino. To charge by phone, call (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or at The Greek Theatre box office. All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket price.
