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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.