Editor’s Picks – Best CDs of 2011

Some of my Favorite Recordings of 2011

by Danilo Navas – Editor

	Afro Bop Alliance – Una Más OA2 Records – USA “I must confess That when I received the call from Joe McCarthy (leader of Afro Bop) to perform as guest pianist for un upcoming show, featuring Una Más, I had not heard their music, although I was familiar with them… Needless to say, after listening to the music, I was extremely impressed with the choice and the complexity of the charts…” Luis Perdomo, Pianist/Composer
	Poncho Sanchez & Terence Blanchard Chano y Dizzy (Concord Picante – USA) The drum and the horn, an inspired duet that played a vital role in the birth of Cubop. Poncho Sanchez and Terence Blanchard, two Living Masters in their own right, pay a heartfelt tribute to Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie, two Masters whose legacy continues to expand in the ample vocabulary of Jazz music. Their musical spirits are more present than ever on Chano Y Dizzy!
	Chilcano – Madera Corazón Saponegro Records – USA/Peru Led by Afro-Peruvian jazz innovator Gabriel Alegria, Chilcano has made long strides since its conception in September of 2010. Consisting of trumpet (Alegria), baritone saxophone (Wood), bass (Da Silva), keys (Prado), guitar (Fisher) and drums (Doing), Chilcano performs weekly on Saturdays at Tutuma Social Club, and went on a concert tour in Peru last summer, 2011.
	Daniel López Infanzón Quinteto 8 Momentos, 8 Fotografías Self produced – Mexico In his early thirties, Daniel López Infanzón is an accomplished pianist and bandleader whose compositions are impregnated with the culture of his native Mexico, where he resides and evolves as an artist. Firmly planted on his roots, Daniel mixes in a delightful concoction of international musical flavors and rhythms.
	David Murray Cuban Ensemble Plays Nat King Cole en Español (Motéma Music – USA) Nat King Cole’s Latin influenced recordings of 1958 and 1962 were performed in both Spanish and Portuguese. Cole spoke neither, but sang the lyrics phonetically, maintaining his signature phrasing style. Although it sounded odd to native Spanish and Portuguese speakers, his obvious affection for the songs beloved world-wide by Latinos was accepted as it opened the door to a new audience.
	Jovino Santos Neto – Currents Adventure Music – USA/Brazil Jovino Santos Neto, more than any Brazilian musician, with the possible exceptions of Egberto Gismonti, Nana Vasconcelos, Sergio Santos—vastly different artists from each other as they are from Santos Neto—yet who revel in the deep roots of African, native as much as they do on European sources. These artists are in the forefront of a neo-Brazilian revolution that is setting the world on fire.
	Mario Adnet – More Jobim Jazz Adventure Music – USA/Brazil Mario Adnet may well be one of the finest living orchestrators in contemporary musical idioms… He combines the skill of Gil Evans in his use of woodwinds and brass, with a stylish use of strings and percussion and although he has not written much for truly large ensembles he is easily the peer of the Duke, or at least the Duke Ellington of small and medium sized Brazilian ensembles.
	Miguel Zenón – Alma Adentro: The Puerto Rican Songbook (Marsalis Music – USA) Being a recipient of the coveted MacArthur Fellowship has given Miguel Zenón the freedom to pursue great projects. Alma Adentro is an extraordinary exploration of the Puerto Rican Songbook. The true soul of a nation reflected in its musical creations. The result has invaluable quality. Variations on a theme that are rooted in the tradition, elevating the standards to new musical heights.
	Paquito D’Rivera & The Madrid Big Band – Clazz, Continental Latin Jazz (WEA – Spain) Todo esto ocurría en Febrero de 2011 de forma simultánea en Madrid y Barcelona. En el escenario uno de los más grandes músicos del mundo. Paquito D’Rivera, un genial saxofonista y clarinetista que nos encandiló a todos con su impresionante directo acompañado por La Madrid Big Band de 18 músicos que sonó con la espectacularidad que requería el momento… chumanceralatinjazz.blogspot.com
	Sebastian Schunke – Life and Death Connector Records – Germany On “Life and Death, the newest CD of German pianist and composer Sebastian Schunke, he presents a more mature, accomplished vision of his musical work. The eternal dichotomy of Human existence. His classical training exudes throughout his compositions, melding with Jazz and just the necessary Latin tinge to present refined arrangements that defy any genre.

Paoli Mejias – De Jazzambia A Mi Tambor – El Concierto

Review by Danilo Navas -

Master percussionist Paoli Mejias belongs to a generation of artists who are redefining puertoricanness in musical terms with their artistry. Mixing diverse Afro-Caribbean styles with global rhythms, based upon traditional/popular puertorican music, bomba, plena, aguinaldo, and holding it all together within the realm of modern jazz, Paoli is at the forefront of creation of an exciting, recognizable sound.

While watching this concert, “Paoli Mejias de Jazzambia a Mi Tambor” three things come to mind.

1. The high level of musicianship of the performers, Paoli’s band and special guests being featured.
2. The high quality, technically speaking, of this superb high definition audio visual creation.
3. The remarkable fact that this is an independent production.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it’s been the case with the three CDs previously released by Paoli Mejias. Truly a feast for the senses, “Paoli Mejias de Jazzambia a Mi Tambor” doesn’t dissapoint at all, on the contrary, it does live up to the expectations of an increasingly demanding legion of discerning viewers/listeners. Paoli’s followers, and I count myself in, couldn’t be more delighted with this long-awaited live video recording.

“De Jazzambia a Mi Tambor” showcases compositions previously recorded by Mejias on his three albums as a bandleader, plus some new arrangements. There are some memorable, inspired moments in most of the performances, especially on the opening and closing songs.

Diaspora, a composition penned by Miguel Zenón, opens up the concert with a percussive explosion, a trio of djembes led by Paoli. Zenón on alto sax and Yan Artime on piano raise the tension to exhilarating levels. Paoli’s djembe solo closes the song with unparalleled intensity.

Jibarology, a composition by Néstor Toro, is based on a traditional Puertorrican rhythm known as aguinaldo jibaro campesino. Christian Nieves is featured on Puerto Rican cuatro guitar.

Encomienda, another composition written by Miguel Zenón, pairs him up with Jonathan Suazo on alto sax on a tremendous Latin jazz arrangement.

Logos, another composition by Néstor Toro, is a fusion of various forms of Mediterranean rhytms, featuring Mejias on congas first and then fiercely soloing on timbales.

El Cacique Rebelde is a progressive Afro-jazz composition by bassist Aldemar Valentín that features L. Raúl Romero on guitar.

Seres is a composition by L. Raúl Romero. An experimental bomba of Loiza featuring Paoli on tambor primo, Amarilys Rios on vocals, Ricardo Pons and Norberto “Tiko” Ortiz on soprano sax and bomba dancer Manuel Carmona.

Rumba 7x 4 with Yuba-Ire is a composition by Paoli Mejias that features Afro-Caribbean folkloric group Yuba-Iré. Rumba dancers Jhan Lee Aponte, Yinaidarys Rivera, Jorvian Santana and Vivian Ayala add color and dimension to this terrific performance.

Hello Nany is a composition by pianist Yan Carlos Artime, who’s joined by Paoli on a heartfelt duet. This song is dedicated to Paoli’s father. Artime’s piano execution engages on a sublime performance with Mejias’ masterful bongo playing.

Metafísica Ancestral, composed by Paoli Mejías and Pável Urkiza, arranged by Urkiza and orchestrated by Javier Curet is a bomba canción that showcases Paoli and Amarilys Ríos Rosa, on vocals first and then on bomba drums. Prodigious six-year old bomba dancer Jenielys Villafañe Bultrón shines on this track.

Oye Como Suena, composed by Paoli Mejías and arranged by Ricardo Pons is a classical descarga that features NG2 singers Norberto Vélez and Gerardo Rivas improvising as  true soneros. Javier Oquendo on bongos, Daniel Diaz on timbales and Mejias on congas, have each one their turn to shine on their instruments.

The concert comes to an electrifying closing with Vengan Leones, a traditional plena composition written by Mejías and arranged by Ricardo Pons. It features Tito Matos on pandero. Matos, who is recognized as one of the best requinto players of his generation, leads an ensemble of seasoned pleneros who join Paoli’s band and all the special guests, contributing to set the stage on fire.

Buy De Jazzambia A Mi Tambor El Concierto online at www.filmbaby.com/films/5914

Paoli Mejias’ official website: www.paolimejias.com

Screenshot from track 1: Diaspora (left to right: Japhet Murguia, Paoli Mejias and Daniel Diaz on djembe)

Screenshot from track 2: Jibarology (Alex “Apolo” Ayala on bass, Christian Nieves on Puerto Rican cuatro guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas)

Screenshot from track 3: Encomienda (Miguel Zenón on alto sax)

Screenshot from track 4: Logos (Raúl Maldonado on drums, Paoli Mejias on timbales)

Screenshot from track 5: El Cacique Rebelde (Raúl Maldonado on drums, Christian Nieves on electric guitar, Paoli Mejias on congas)

Screenshot from track 6: Seres (at the front: Amarilys Rios on vocals, bomba dancer Manuel Carmona)

Screenshot from track 7: Rumba 7×4 with-Yuba Ire (Rumba dancers Jhan Lee Aponte, Yinaidarys Rivera, Jorvian Santana and Vivian Ayala)

Screenshot from track 8: Hello Nany (Yan Carlos Artime on piano, Paoli Mejias on bongos)

Screenshot from track 9: Metafisica Ancestral (bomba dancer Jenielys Villafañe Bultrón, Paoli and Amarilys Ríos Rosa on bomba drums)

Screenshot from track 10: Como Suena (Gerardo Rivas, Wichy Camacho, Norberto Vélez on vocals)

Screenshot from track 11: Vengan Leones (Tito Matos on pandero, with the whole band)

Notes taken from the disc jacket and Paoli Mejias’ official website: www.paolimejias.com

This live recording is a captivating musical journey of Paoli’s evolution as musician, bandleader, and composer. Paoli documents a historical moment in Latin jazz, celebrating the diversity of his Puerto Rican heritage and showcasing the rich talent of the new generation of musicians in Puerto Rico.

Musicians: Percussion Paoli Mejias, Alto Sax Miguel Zenon & Jonathan Suazo, Bass Alex Apolo Ayala & Aldemar Valentin, Piano Yan Carlos Artime, Cuatro Puertorriqueño Christian Nieves, Drums Raul Maldonado, Tenor Sax & Soprano Ricardo Pons, Soprano Sax Norberto Tiko Ortiz, Trompet Luis Aquino, Invited Vocalists NG2 Norberto Velez & Gerardo Rivas, Guitar Raul Romero, Vocalist & Percussion Amarilys Rios, Chorus Wichy Camacho, Yuba-Ire, Invited Percussionists Diego Centeno, Javier Oquendo, Jafet Murguia, Daniel Diaz, Invited Pleneros Tito Matos, Luis Lagarto, Johnsito Rivera, Eric Marrero, Charlie Pizarro, Yoksan Ramos

Dancers: Jenielys Villafañe Bultrón, Manuel Carmona, Vivian Ayala, Jhan Lee Aponte, Jorvian Santana

Production: Film & Sound by Javier Hernandez, Production Assistant Anilyn Diaz
Executive Producers: Paoli Mejias & Sarah Vogel

Recorded at Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico June 14-15, 2011
Independently produced by Paoli Mejias

NOTE OF APPRECIATION FROM PAOLI:  To me this project represents the greatest demonstration of brotherhood among exceptional musicians and some extraordinary people. This experience was a fraternal embrace between a group of dear individuals who have been supporting me unconditionally since my first CD. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve what I have achieved up to now. They are witnesses of the great sacrifice we have undertaken in order to bring our music to this high level in a critical time for musicians and artists. It has been to contribute without expecting anything in exchange, in hopes that someday this moment here documented will have a historical value for the next generation. Being able to bring together on one stage a generation of young musicians who are the future of this music alongside other experienced and renowned veteran musicians made this concert a bond of camaraderie and humility which is what I want to endure in our island of Puerto Rico and the world. I express this with all my heart, that this was a unique moment of pure energy, but with a natural fluidity that clearly reflects an environment of peace, harmony and much happiness. This is the direct expression of our being when we do what we love with others who have the same passion for the music and life itself.

Lastly, I would like to thank all those who buy this original DVD. Thanks to the people who from my first CD Mi Tambor, followed by Transcend and then Jazzambia, and now this DVD, have preferred to buy the original product so that I can continue to offer my musical projects in the highest quality possible, all created and produced independently by me. It is for these individuals who have supported me until now that I have decided to produce this project exclusively in Blu-ray format and mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound; because you deserve the best. You demand quality each time you purchase my CD or DVD. For your support, here for you is the highest quality in images and sound, and most importantly music.

New CDs – September 2011 – Part 1

		CD: Chano Y Dizzy Artist: Poncho Sanchez and Terence Blanchard Label: Concord Picante Country: USA Track: Chano Pozo Medley: Tin Tin Deo / Manteca / Guachi Guaro Author: Chano Pozo, Dizzy Gillespie 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 drum and the horn, an inspired duet that played a vital role in the birth of Cubop. Poncho Sanchez and Terence Blanchard, two Living Masters in their own right, pay a heartfelt tribute to Chano Pozo and Dizzy Gillespie, two Masters whose legacy continues to expand in the ample vocabulary of Jazz music. Their musical spirits are more present than ever on Chano Y Dizzy!
		CD: 8 Momentos, 8 Fotografías Artist: Daniel López Infanzón Quintet Label: Independent Country: Mexico Track: Torito Author: Daniel López Infanzón 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. In his early thirties, Daniel López Infanzón is an accomplished pianist and bandleader whose compositions are impregnated with the culture of his native Mexico, where he resides and evolves as an artist. Firmly planted on his roots, Daniel mixes in a delightful concoction of international musical flavors and rhythms. "Torito" is a lively, forceful track, full of creative energy.
		CD: Purpose Artist: John Benítez Label: Seed Music Country: USA/Puerto Rico Track: Purpose Author: John Benítez 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. Bassist extraordinaire and proud Boricua, John Benítez, has an only purpose on this new recording: to expand the vocabulary of Latin jazz with the richness of his compositions. He combines a diversity of latin derived styles; rumba, son, bomba, cumbia, chande (a less known Colombian rhythm) meld with jazz harmonies to present a fresh sound that also revitalizes fusion.
		CD: Mexico Azul Artist: Magos Herrera Label: Sunnyside Records Country: USA/Mexico Track: Tres Palabras Author: Osvaldo Farrés 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. Mexican-born Magos Herrera (now living in New York) possesses a voice that at the same time delivers melodic lines with finesse and earthly roughness. Her jazzy treatment of classic pieces from the great Latinamerican Songbook is gracious and respectful of the spirit of these widely revered boleros. Truly, a magnificent celebration of Mexico’s golden age of cinema and television.
		CD: Alma Adentro: The Puerto Rican Songbook Artist: Miguel Zenón Label: Marsalis Music Country: USA/Puerto Rico Track: Juguete Author: Bobby Capó 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. Being a recipient of the coveted MacArthur Fellowship has given Miguel Zenón the freedom to pursue great projects like this one. Alma Adentro is an extraordinary exploration of the Puerto Rican Songbook. The true soul of a nation reflected in its musical creations. The result has invaluable quality. Variations on a theme that are rooted in the tradition, elevating the standards to new musical heights.

Michael Simon – New York Encounter (Fresh Sound – 2009)

It is not obvious that Michael Simon is a native of Venezuela, who owes as much to that tradition as he does to the jazz one that he weaves in and out of. But then nothing is obvious about Michael Simon: not his trumpet-playing antecedents, nor his compositional ones, or who he follows—figuratively-speaking, of course. However, it is safe to say that his musical voice burns with a quiet fire, just like that of his brother, the pianist, Edward and his other drumming sibling, Marlon. And this fire bursts forth with spectacular pomp and circumstance every so often, when the folkloric persona of the Simon’s bursts into flames on this fine album, New York Encounter. At least Simon does not reveal this Venezuelan folk persona until the roaring parranda sequence in his extraordinary suite, “House of Thoughts”. The ecstatic dancing nature of the music that pervades throughout the album culminates with abandon on Simon’s masterful composition “Joy is Within”, but its swing of delight is felt throughout.

Michael Simon is an extremely talented composer and musician. His horn-playing is marked with the blazing staccato accents that punctuate his playing as they emerge like fireballs from the bell of his horn. He rarely plays in long lines here, preferring to make short stabbing forays into the melody, entwined with his brother Edward’s galloping arpeggios and the swerving interloping of Peter Brainin’s tenor saxophone or Miguel Zenon’s alto horn. He is wont to tear down a melodic line, recasting it somewhere in the middle of a sequence to construct an altogether new melodic motif. Or he might retreat into a harmonic role, softly suggesting a muted chord that changes the complexion of the music altogether. All this suits his role as a musical facilitator of sorts throughout this album, where his voice appears to be heard not always at the forefront of the music, but when you least expect it, making for a delightful surprise always.

Thus, New York Encounter is itself an album of surprises. The superb blues of “Blues del Silencio trio” for instance, which is a soul-stirring minor blues, for instance, breaks down the swagger of his Latin rhythms after they are boldly stated. This is a wonderful surprise, as is the gentle, culo e’puya drums that rock throughout the myriad pirouettes of “Joy is Within”. In fact Simon’s drumming brother has much to do not only with the unwavering high quality of the rhythm section but with the wondrous character of the music itself. His subtle coloring of “Sabor Intimo” is brilliantly contrasted with the bold statements on “Mi Amigo el Machista” and the joyous celebration of “Fiestas”. Edward Simon completes the superb filial presence on this album.

It would be remiss if the presence of bassists, Andy Gonzalez and Boris Kozlov were not acknowledged here. Gonzalez plays with growling muscularity and his roaring accents match the sinewy thrusts of percussion and brass. Kozlov is a revelation as he negotiates the shifting rhythms of the Latin tinge with great intellect and purple-toned majesty. A word about Kozlov: He is a White Russian of a bassist and his lineage spans continents as he aligns himself as much with the complex structures of the music of Charles Mingus as well as with the twists and turns of his Latin peers. His insidious tone contains large dollops of joy as well and this bodes well for his sustained presence in the world of Latin rhythms. So full marks to Michael Simon with another splendid album that is both interminably joyful and utterly memorable as well.

Track Listing: Mi Amigo el Machista; New York Encounter; House of Thoughts; Sabor Intimo; Fiestas; Blues del Silencio Trio; Joy is Within; Equanimity.

Personnel: Michael Simon: trumpet (1, 2, 4-8), flugelhorn (3); Miguel Zenón: alto saxophone (1, 3-6, 8); Peter Brainin: tenor saxophone (1-5); Edward Simon: piano; Andy Gonzalez: bass (1, 2, 7); Boris Kozlov: bass (3-6, 8); Marlon Simon: drum set, bata drums, minor percussion, timpani, gong, vocals (7); Roberto Quintero: congas, güiro (4), parranda drum (3), culo e’puya drums—prima, cruzao, pujao—(7), vocals (7); Luisito Quintero: timbales (1); Noah Bless: trombone (7).

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.

Michael Simon on the web: www.michaelsimon.nl

Review written by: Raul da Gama

2010 Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival

Photographer Carlos Haddock has been documenting the culture and music of New York and Puerto Rico for nearly three decades. His photographs have been exhibited at the Manners of Fine Art Gallery in New York and the Bienal de Fotografia in Puerto Rico. In addition, he was awarded a trophy by The Association of Photojournalists in Puerto Rico for his photographs of Festival de Jueyes, Maunabo (2002). Carlos is a member of The Association of Photojournalists in Puerto Rico and his work is registered with Non Stock Photographic Image House, an agent for independent photographers and images of fine art.

Though Carlos is essentially self taught, he attended The School of Visual Arts in New York and has conducted workshops at the Artes Plasticas Photography Workshop in Puerto Rico. More recently he has turned his attention to Puerto Rico’s music scene, where he’s been an official photographer for the Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival. Carlos Haddock is a creative spirit who continues to draw his inspiration from the joy of life and the richness of all living things.

View slideshow: 2010 Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival (this link will open in a new window)

2010 Toronto TD Jazz Festival – June 25 to July 4

The city’s largest music festival takes over this summer!
TD Toronto Jazz Festival – June 25 – July 4, 2010

Toronto ~ Late June signals not only the start of summer, but also the arrival of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival as it takes over the city for 10 incredible days. Local clubs, restaurants, venues and even a church or two will be playing host, creating a Festival network that includes over 40 participating stages all over the city. Now, that is a lot of jazz!

Harry Connick Jr. – Sun 06/27 (Canon Theatre)
A true consummate entertainer, Harry Connick Jr. has successfully launched careers in both acting and music with the corresponding accolades to show for it – 25 million albums sold worldwide, three Grammy Awards, an Emmy award and a starring role in a Tonywinning Broadway musical. Harry appeared in his first jazz recording at the tender age of ten, by 18 released his solo debut and at 30 appeared in movies such as Independence Day, Copycat and Memphis Belle. It has been over 20 years since Harry last performed at the Festival and his return is long overdue. Welcome back, Harry.
The hub of the Festival is Nathan Phillips Square and it is here where some of the biggest names in jazz can be found. Each evening, the Mainstage tent is transformed into an intimate concert theatre.

Featured performers on the Toronto Star Stage include:
Fri 06/25 – Maceo Parker
Sat 06/26 – Herbie Hancock w. Chris Potter & Dave Holland
Sun 06/27 – Taj Mahal & The Trio (James Hunter opening)
Mon 06/28 – Stanley Clarke Band f. Hiromi
Tues 06/29 – The Roots
Wed 06/30 – The Allen Toussaint Band / Mavis Staples
Thurs 07/01 – Angelique Kidjo
Fri 07/02 – John Scofield and the Piety Street Band

Harbourfront Centre will once again be part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, as the Enwave Theatre presents four outstanding acts over three nights. Up first is the 2008 recipient of the “Genius Grant”, or coveted MacArthur Grant, saxophonist Miguel Zenon who will explore the roots of Puerto Rican plena, followed by Toronto’s own Hilario Duran Big Band (Sat. 06/26). Dave Douglas, arguably one of the most prolific and original trumpeters/composers of his generation, brings his latest avant-garde project Spark of Being, A Film by Bill Morrison to the Festival (Tues. 06/29); the project is the retelling of the Frankenstein myth screened to a live musical performance by Douglas’ electric band, Keystone. James Farm is Joshua Redman’s latest collaborative group featuring Aaron Parks, Matt Penman and Eric Harland (Wed 06/30). Jazz by the Lake Series is sponsored by JAZZ.FM91.

The Festival is spreading the gospel of jazz this summer and taking it to the churches. The Music Gallery at St. George The Martyr Anglican Church (197 John St.) and Church of the Holy Trinity (10 Trinity Square) will both feature local and international musicians in one of the most unique Festival environs yet. What better place to experience jazz!
Sun 06/27 – Eric Boeren Quartet (Music Gallery)
Mon 06/28 – Random Access Unplugged (Music Gallery)
Mon 06/28 – Tomasz Stanko Quartet (Holy Trinity)
Tues 06/29 – Marco Benevento Trio (Holy Trinity)
Fri 07/02 – Fred Frith (Music Gallery)
Sat 07/03 – Doran-Stucky-Studer & Tacuma Play Music of Jimi Hendrix (Music Gallery)

Trane Studio will host five nights as part of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival with a very special presentation of up-and-coming saxophonist Grace Kelly (Tues 06/29). At 17, Kelly is generating much buzz and has been lauded by Downbeat, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., and Phil Woods, just to name a few. Toronto born, NY based Andy Milne (Sat 07/03) and his group Dapp Theory blend funk, hip-hop and jazz with seamless precision. Andre Leroux Quartet (Mon 06/28), Terry Clarke Trio with Phil Dwyer (Fri. 07/02) and Sandro Dominelli Trio (Sun 07/04) also perform at The Trane. JazzTimes Magazine has called Christian Scott “the architect of a new commercially viable fusion.” Performing music from his latest release, Yesterday You Said Tomorrow, Scott plays at the Hard Rock Café on Sat. 07/03. One of the premier jazz-fusion guitarists, Mike Stern also joins the Hard Rock line-up with special guest Alain Caron (Mon 06/28). Tony Monaco Trio (Tues 06/29) rounds out the series.
The TD Toronto Jazz Festival, celebrating its 24th anniversary this year, runs from June 25 – July 4, 2010. Get ready to kick off summer as the city’s largest music festival presents free concerts and workshops, late night jam sessions and some of the biggest names in jazz. It is a musical celebration like no other!

All tickets are on sale now. For Harry Connick Jr., call TicketKing at 416.872.1212 or 1.800.461.3333, www.ticketking.com; tickets for previously announced Keith Jarrett are available at 416. 363.8231 or Four Seasons Centre Box Office. For all the other shows call Ticketmaster at 416.870.8000, www.ticketmaster.ca.

For more information visit www.torontojazz.com

Media Contact:
Anna Tom
publicity@tojazz.com
416.928.2033, x21

Latin Jazz Network Radio – Jukebox – March 2010 Playlist

Click here to launch our audio player. See our playlist below.

# Song Artist Album Label 01 Spring Samba Claudio Roditi Simpatico Resonance Records 02 Mi Amigo El Machista Michael Simon New York Encounter Fresh Sound Records 03 Danz Sol Arturo Stable Quintet Call Origen Records 04 Sobrevivencia Luis Muñoz Invisible Pelin Music 05 Descarga 1492 Roberto Rodriguez Timba Talmud Tzadik Records 06 Triunfal Oscar Feldman Oscar E Familia SunnySide Records 07 Taino Revenge Curtis Brothers Quartet Blood, Spirit, Land, Water, Freedom Truth Revolution Records 08 Saci Perere Nilson Matta’s Brazilian Voyage Copacabana Zoho Music 09 Seventeen/Avisale Cachete Maldonado y Los Majaderos Rumba Boricua Campesina Palo Viejo/Bata Records 10 Ceora Robby Ameen Days In The Life Two and Four Records 11 Blen Blen Blen Mario Ortiz All Star Band Tributo 45 Aniversario Sony Music 12 376 Manante Para Los Engreidos Independent 13 Esta Plena Miguel Zenón Esta Plena Marsalis Music 14 Drume Negrita Roberto Fonseca Akokan Enja Records 15 El Comandante Javier Colina/Antonio Serrano Colina Serrano Project Universal/ContraBaix Records 16 La Candela Viento de Agua Fruta Madura Viento de Agua Records 17 Si o Si Dafnis Prieto Si o Si Quartet Live at Jazz Standard NYC Dafnison Music 18 La Trampera Pablo Aslan Tango Grill Zoho Music 19 Apetecible Alain Perez Apetecible Globomedia Musica 20 Batiricoco Truko y Zaperoko En Plena Rumba Lujuria Records

Latin Jazz Network Radio – Jukebox – November 2009 Playlist

Click here to launch our audio player. See our playlist below.

# Song Artist Album Label 01 Sombras Buika El Ultimo Trago con la colaboración de Chucho Valdés WEA International 02 Navad (The Wanderer) 3 Cohens Braid Anzic Records 03 Canto de Xangó Mario Adnet & Philippe Baden Powell Afrosambajazz Adventure Music 04 Call Arturo Stable Arturo Stable Origen Records 05 La Sitiera Brian Lynch Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra Bolero Nights for Billie Holiday Venus Records 06 Danzon for a Night Coto Pincheira The Sonido Moderno Project Independent 07 Thoughts Not My Own Curtis Brothers Quartet Blood, Spirit, Land, Water, Freedom Truth Revolution Records 08 Nature Boy Kalil Wilson Easy to Love Independent 09 Silver Gold Giovanni Hidalgo Silver Gold   10 Upper Manhattan Medical Group (U.M.M.G.) Henry Brun & The Latin Playerz Rhythms and Reeds… A Tribute to the Master Duke Ellington Pulsar Records 11 Move Mario Ortiz All Star Band Tributo 45 Aniversario Sony Music 12 Nana Mark Levine & The Latin Tinge Off & On – The Music of Moacir Santos Left Coast Clave 13 Villa Palmeras Miguel Zenón Esta Plena Marsalis Music 14 Lo Que Me Hace Vivir Roberto Fonseca Akokan Enja Records 15 Triste Sophie Milman Take Love Easy Koch Records 16 La Clarosa Cruz Sofia Tosello Alma y Luna Sunnyside Records 17 Baianinho Benjamin Taubkin Trio + 1 Adventure Music 18 Se Lo Que Es Rumba Truko & Zaperoko En Plena Rumba Lujuria Records 19 Sabroson Edmar Castañeda Entre Cuerdas ArtistShare 20 Southamerican Getaway Pilar de la Hoz Hozadias Play Music

Paoli Mejias – Jazzambia – Recording Session

On this earthy and emotionally charged record, Jazzambia (2008), percussionist Paoli Mejias may appear to be showcasing his skills, but in actual fact, he is doing much more than that. He is actually setting out to draw a not-so-tenuous rhythmic line between the music of Africa and of Puerto Rico. In his own very personal vision of Puerto Rico the glue that binds this is European programmatic music and, of course, the African-American idiom of jazz.- Raul da Gama

Jazzambia is independently produced by Paoli Mejías. Featuring internationally acclaimed musicians: Miguel Zenón – Sax; Jaleel Shaw – Sax; Antonio Sánchez – Drums; Tony Escapa – Drums; Luis Perdomo – Piano; Hans Glawischnig – Bass; Paoli Mejías – Percussion & Chris Cheek – Sax; Christian Nieves – Cuatro / Puerto Rican Guitar; Rafael “Tito” De Gracia – Timbales; Ricardo Pons – Sax and Yan Carlos Artime – Chorus.

Photographs by Sarah Vogel

Paoli Mejias – Jazzambia (Paoli Mejias Records 2008)

On this earthy and emotionally charged record, Jazzambia (2008), percussionist Paoli Mejias may appear to be showcasing his skills, but in actual fact, he is doing much more than that. He is actually setting out to draw a not-so-tenuous rhythmic line between the music of Africa and of Puerto Rico. In his own very personal vision of Puerto Rico the glue that binds this is European programmatic music and, of course, the African-American idiom of jazz.

This is established right in the first track, “Diaspora,” which opens in a purely derivative Latin American context. Then as soon as he solos, the music breaks down into a richly crafted narrative meandering from African roots, through a fine European sensibility. Finally the music flows back into the Latin American metaphor, before a re-statement of the theme, but this time more robust and melodic, yet featuring a resolution of the African and the Latin American. Miguel Zenon states the European in an alto saxophone tone; Mejias rediscovers the African roots and then the wonderfully sensitive piano meandering of Luis Perdomo brings the song home to Puerto Pico in smart rhythm. And this is very much the case, only more traditional, on Nestor Toro’s track “Jibarology,” which features the electrifyingly colored cuatro work of Christian Nieves.

However there is much more to this record than the first two extraordinary tracks and Mejias takes the listener through them with a wonderful array of percussion from the African and the Brazilian to the Puerto Rican and also the American.

There is the beautiful ‘singing’ track, “Logos” and the oblique tribute to he bebop masters – “Fragment,” which features a rising star, Jaleel Shaw on one of the most lyrical alto saxophone excursions imaginable. Shaw returns to wax lyrical on “Sentimental Cha,” a swinging cha cha shuffle. And then there is the dynamic attack throughout, of Luis Perdomo, a direct musical descendent of the great Eddie Palmieri. Perdomo – true to his penchant for a percussive Latin attack creates an enormous swathe of rhythm around the melodic elements of his Latin signature and defines the musical thrust of the record.

And there are also some fine challenging rhythmic excursions where the musicians employ complex time signatures. Bassist Glawischnig’s “El Tintero” is a classic case in point, where this very mode can be seen in the energetic introduction of the song and then throughout the song.

Mejias also states in his dedication that he wanted to pay tribute to the powerful ancestors in his musical family. And if his intention was to praise the griot tradition, which he was born into then this record, with its rhythmic heart that beats around a rich tapestry of melodic and harmonic journeys, then Mejias has truly succeeded in creating a magnificent testament to his heritage.

Tracks: 1. Diaspora; 2. Jibarology; 3. Logos; 4. Fragment; 5. El Tintero; 6. Sentimental Cha; 7. Links; 8. Lo Cierto que es lo incierto; 9. Seres.

Personnel: Hans Glawischnig: bass; Luis Perdomo: piano; Antonio Sanchez: drums (1 & 2, 5 & 6 & 7, 9); Tony Escapa: drums (3, 4, 8); Miguel Zenon: alto saxophone (1 – 3); Jaleel Shaw: alto saxophone (5 & 6), soprano saxophone (7); Ricardo Pons: alto saxophone (8); Chris Cheek: soprano saxophones (9); Christian Nieves: cuatro/Puerto Rican guitar (2), guiro (2, 8); Rafael (Tito) De Gracia: timbal (4, 8); Yan Carlos Artime: chorus (4, 5); Paoli Mejias: all percussion and all percussion solos on all tracks.

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Paoli Mejias on the web: www.paolimejias.com

Review written by: Raul da Gama