Promotions
Truth Revolution Records Presents Ralph Peterson “TriAngular III”
Drummer Ralph Peterson Makes Triumphant
Return to Trio Format with TriAngular III,
Featuring Zaccai and Luques Curtis
Album Serves as Testament to the Healing Power of Music
Available April 8 via Onyx Music & Truth Revolution Records
A great sequel is a rarity worth waiting for. Drummer, composer Ralph Peterson returns to the trio format for only the third time in 30 years on TriAngular III, due out April 8 via Peterson’s own Onyx Music label and Truth Revolution Records. This time out he’s joined by brothers Zaccai and Luques Curtis on piano and bass, adding a new incarnation to the prestigious TriAngular lineage.
Recorded live at New Haven’s Firehouse 12, TriAngular III provides not only a showcase for Peterson’s boundless energy and imagination, but also a testament to the healing power of music. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered as Peterson was being diagnosed and treated for colorectal cancer, becoming a sterling symbol of his successful battle against the disease.
“Early on I thought that if this is my time, I’ve got to get this music finished and out because I’m real comfortable with this being my swan song,” Peterson says. “If it’s not, I still wanted to get it out because I’m really excited about this music that we put together.”
Cancer is not the only health challenge that music has helped to usher Peterson through. TriAngular III was released just days before the drummer marked a landmark 20 years drink and drug free. “I’m now approaching the balance where I’ve been clean longer than I ever used,” he says, “and that’s a powerful example of what is possible through faith. It shows the restorative and healing power of the music to move you through situations in life that can be challenging.”
Given the evidence of the music contained herein, which bristles with electric interplay and abundant joy, Ralph Peterson has plenty of life and music left in him. The album is a fitting successor to its two predecessors: 1988’s Triangular with Geri Allen and Essiet Essiet, and 2000’s Triangular 2 with David Kikoski and Gerald Cannon.
“The trio is one of the purest vehicles for expression in this music,” Peterson says. “With the right players you can sound like an orchestra.”
Peterson is particularly proud of the line-up for this outing, as Luques Curtis was a student of the drummer’s at Berklee College of Music and he’s therefore known both brothers for nearly half their lives. “Our families have adopted each other,” he says. “The fact that they’re brothers makes them seem telepathic at times, and I think of them as my brothers. These two guys never rest on their laurels. They’re always pushing the music forward, they’re always trying to get something different out of it, and that’s good for me as I get older.”
So enamored with the Curtis brothers is Peterson that he’s releasing TriAngular III as a co-production between his Onyx Music imprint and their Truth Revolution Records label. And unlike the previous one-off TriAngular line-ups, he foresees this one continuing on for the foreseeable future. “In these times of guerrilla entrepreneurship, I think it may be a smart maneuver for artists to work together to expand each other’s audiences,” he says. “I’m impressed by their business acumen and their willingness to have a vision that’s not myopic. I think this particular version of TriAngular will hold together for a number of years.”
TriAngular III is also the unofficial third entry in another trio; although it’s not titled ALIVE 3, it marks the third recording that Peterson has made at Firehouse 12, which he praises as “an extremely intimate space. The fact that it was a firehouse that became a recording studio that became a tapas bar that decided to use their studio space to present live music is a rather unique evolution. It’s not a gig you do to retire on; it’s a gig that you do to share your music with a particularly appreciative musical community. And the Curtis Brothers are from Connecticut, so it’s always a homecoming celebration.”
Peterson brings his career full circle on TriAngular III by including three compositions by the late pianist Walter Davis, Jr., the drummer’s earliest mentor and employer. “Uranus” kicks off the album with enthusiastic precision, “Backgammon” is brisk and playful, while the cautiously hopeful “400 Years Ago Tomorrow,” introduced by a compelling Luques solo and containing a jaw-dropping spotlight for the leader, unfolds with sweeping drama and a gospel accent. “If we forget where we come from, we lose track of where we’re going,” Peterson says of Davis. “I’m of the age now that Walter was when I met him, and it is important for me to express my gratitude by doing for young musicians what Walter did for me. That’s simply to try to inspire them, not in spite of but because of what I’m going through.”
Saxophone legend Joe Henderson is another longtime inspiration paid homage, through a relaxed take on Sam Rivers’ “Beatrice,” a tune strongly associated with Henderson, and a unique Afro-Cuban arrangement of the saxophonist’s trademark, “Inner Urge.” The repertoire also includes the classic standard “Skylark,” an opportunity for the trio to show off its tender side.
The album is rounded out by several originals: the Curtis brothers contribute the brooding “Manifest Destiny” and the gorgeously airy “Moments,” a song that Peterson calls, “amazingly delicate and nuanced and sensual, the kind of song that ends up in my head for the rest of the day.” The leader himself reprises his steely “The Art of War” and closes the album with “Blues for Chooch,” titled after his own childhood nickname. “I used to be embarrassed when my parents would yell that across the club at Sweet Basil to get my attention, but eventually you become comfortable with all aspects of who you are.”
If Peterson’s job is, as he puts it, “to protect this national treasure we call jazz,” he’s in a unique position to do just that. At 53, he can look back on legendary mentors like Art Blakey and Elvin Jones as well as fruitful collaborations with greats like Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker and Betty Carter, not to mention a notable career as a respected educator. While his health challenges are no doubt formidable, a friend summed it up well when Peterson remarked that he wasn’t quite out of the woods yet. “Maybe not,” he replied, “but it looks like you’re holding the axe.”
Ralph Peterson · TriAngular III
Onyx Music & Truth Revolution Records
Release Date: April 8, 2016
Website: ralphpetersonmusic.com
Buy this album on: trrstore.bandcamp.com/album/triangular-lll
Truth Revolution Recording Collective: truthrevolutionrecords.com
For media information, please contact:
DL Media: 610-667-0501
Matthew Jurasek: matthew@dlmediamusic.com
Don Lucoff: don@dlmediamusic.com
Latin Grammy nominee Estrella Acosta expands her artistic reach with Caminos – A Latin American Landscape. Recorded with her Amsterdam-based ensemble, Esquina 25, the album is a vibrant exploration of “music without borders,” bridging the gap between Cuban roots and the diverse traditions of Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and beyond.
Acosta’s vision traces a musical map across the continent, blending Afro-Caribbean grooves with Brazilian lyricism and Peruvian rhythms. From intimate duos to the expansive sound of a full band with special guests, the recording offers a wide variety of creative arrangements. This project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a living dialogue that connects cultures through a shared musical language.
Whether you’re drawn to intricate jazz compositions or infectious rhythms that invite you to dance, Caminos provides a captivating journey through the soul of Latin America. Experience a landscape where tradition meets innovation in one seamless, borderless performance.
• FEATURED VIDEOS •
• SELECTED QUOTES •
“…Balancing the sophistication of jazz with the warmth and rhythmic energy of Latin American music… Acosta has a smooth yet commanding presence, and her vocals give the album a feeling of intimacy even when the music becomes lively and exuberant… Contemporary Latin jazz that is polished and accessible, but still full of the distinctive rhythmic and emotional character of Latin American music… an album of warmth, movement, and atmosphere.”
– Acacia Grace (All About Jazz)
“The new album by Cuban-Dutch singer Estrella Acosta opens with familiar sounds— jazzy Cuban vibes, just as we’ve come to expect from her previous CDs. Her longtime partners-in-crime, pianist Marc Bischoff and reed player Efraïm Trujillo, are still on board, so the instrumental quality is top-notch. Immediately, the first surprise arrives, as the second track kicks off with the feather-light swing so characteristic of Brazilian bossa nova. … In
Nevando en Camagüey, the rhythm section—drummer Enrique Firpi and double bassist Samuel Ruiz—steps up, delightfully delivering angular breaks and punchy accents. When the backing vocals join the fray, Acosta takes flight, her voice soaring joyfully above the beautiful, spirited interplay. … Stylistically more varied than previous albums, yet bearing the same
unmistakable signature of craftsman/womanship that has been honed and refined in friendship over the years…”
– Ton Maas (MixedWorldMusic.com)
“What happens when an artist maps an entire continent through song? For Amsterdam-based, Cuban-born vocalist and Latin Grammy nominee Estrella Acosta, the result is Caminos – A Latin American Landscape (released May 2026). Backed by her formidable, long-standing ensemble Esquina 25, Acosta crafts a spectacular musical map tracing the folk traditions of Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is a stunning showcase of what she calls music without borders.”
– Danilo Navas (LatinJazzNet.com)
“I enjoyed every note of the CD… very fresh arrangements and your voice fits them perfectly. I loved the work of the tresero, as well as the bassist, the guitarist, the tenor player and the rhythm section, very delicious.”
Paquito D’Rivera (multiple Grammy-winning clarinetist/saxophonist)
“Estrella Acosta has pulled it all together on this very special recording: heartfelt and unique vocal interpretations, an incredible team of musicians, and stunning arrangements. She has brought new life to many of Cuba’s forgotten great women composers by uncovering many musical gems with a new and fresh approach.”
Jane Bunnett (Canadian artist, multiple Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee)
“The delightful whimsy of Ms. Acosta’s interplay with the saxophone of Efraim Trujillo and the piano of the incomparable Marc Bischoff also adds to the marvellous aesthetic of this music. The supple bass playing of Samuel Ruiz throughout, and the masterful rhythmic colours of Enrique Firpi make this music so memorable that you will want to return to it frequently.”
– Raul da Gama (LatinJazzNet.com)
• PHOTO GALLERY •
Click on thumbnails to enlarge
• LISTEN TO “CAMINOS – A LATIN AMERICAN LANDSCAPE” •
• WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA •
WEBSITE: https://estrellaacosta.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/estrellaacostamusic
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/estrella.acosta.music/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@estrellaacosta7061
BANDCAMP: https://estrellaacosta.bandcamp.com/
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/estrellaacosta
• CONTACT •
EMAIL: estrella@xs4all.nl
In 2025, Amsterdam-based band Estrella Acosta & Esquina 25 celebrate their 20 years of playing together! They will be touring to commemorate this anniversary and would love to make you part of their festivities
Marc Bischoff (piano)
Efraim Trujillo (saxes/flute)
Samuel Ruiz (double bass)
Enrique Firpi (drums)
Estrella Acosta (vocals)
Guest TBA (percussion)
Latin GRAMMY® 2023 nominee Estrella Acosta is an acclaimed vocalist known for her captivating performances and deep connection to her Cuban roots. In Esquina 25, Acosta has assembled a group of international musicians based in The Netherlands who artfully combine Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz with modern arrangements and playful creativity.
Drawing inspiration from the rich musical heritage of her motherland, and especially the works of its female composers, they play a program featuring music from their nominated album ‘Tierra’, with songs deeply rooted in the music of the Cuban countryside, known as ‘música guajira’, including her own compositions. Thanks to the creative collaboration of all musicians and arrangers, the band has crafted a repertoire with a distinctive character, in which elements like improvisation and jazz harmonies meet Cuban tradition.
Performances at festivals like North Sea Jazz, World Music Chicago and Canada’s Sunfest have brought them international acclaim. Their music is described as “a happy transatlantic party that takes off and soars”.
• FEATURED VIDEOS •
• SELECTED QUOTES •
“I enjoyed every note of the cd… very fresh arrangements and your voice fits them perfectly. I loved the work of the tresero, as well as the bassist, the guitarist, the tenor player and the rhythm section, very delicious.”
Paquito D’Rivera (multiple Grammy winning clarinetist/saxophonist)
“Digging deeper, Estrella has bypassed classic tunes for songs off the beaten path that, like their authors, clamor for greater recognition… For her dedication to showcasing hidden gems in the songbook of her country of origin, Estrella Acosta deserves the appreciation of Cuban music lovers, not only in the Netherlands, her home base, but the world over.”
Nat Chediak, author of ‘Diccionario de Jazz Latino’ and Grammy winning music producer
“Estrella Acosta has pulled it all together on this very special recording: heartfelt and unique vocal intrepretations, an incredible team of musicians, and stunning arrangements. She has brought new life to many of Cuba’s forgotten great women composers by uncovering many musical gems with a new and fresh approach.”
Jane Bunnett, Canadian artist, multiple Juno Award winner and Grammy nominee
“The delightful whimsy of Ms. Acosta’s interplay with the saxophone of Efraim Trujillo and the piano of the incomparable Marc Bischoff also adds to the marvellous aesthetic of this music. The supple bass playing of Samuel Ruiz throughout, and the masterful rhythmic colours of Enrique Firpi make this music so memorable that you will want to return to it frequently.”
– Raul da Gama, LatinJazzNet.com
“A project that pays tribute to the deepest roots of Cuban popular music. Sound imbued with the authentic fringes of the Guajiro-Sonero flavor in fusion with echoes of jazz and Afro-Caribbean cadences, in orchestrations of singular harmonic consonance.”
– Carlos Olivares Baró, La Razón, Mexico
“The seven songs, including three of her own, receive an emphatically jazz-tinged treatment with room for improvisation and soloistic excursions, especially by pianist Marc Bischof and saxophonist/flutist Efraim Trujillo. In addition, the sophisticated arrangements full of surprising breaks and twists provide extra listening pleasure.”
– Ton Maas, MixedWorldMusic.com
“Because Estrella Acosta is seasoned in the Latin American music tradition, this album sounds like a bell: it swings, introduces you to the Cuban music tradition, gives you a sense of ‘joie de vivre’ through the mixture of Cuban and jazz music and… gives you a new view on this special mix that was initiated by American jazz musicians in the 1940s and is now given a new handle by Estrella Acosta’s approach.”
– Rinus van der Heijden, JazzNu.com
• PHOTO GALLERY •
click on thumbnails to enlarge
• LISTEN TO THE LATIN GRAMMY® NOMINATED ALBUM “TIERRA” •
• WEBSITE / SOCIAL MEDIA •
WEBSITE: https://estrellaacosta.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/estrellaacostamusic
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/estrella.acosta.music/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@estrellaacosta7061
BANDCAMP: https://estrellaacosta.bandcamp.com/
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/estrellaacosta
• CONTACT •
EMAIL: estrella@xs4all.nl
Marlon Simon and The Nagual Spirits return with the ambitious new album On Different Paths, blending a myriad of cultural and musical traditions. A Truth Revolution Records release, On Different Paths features pianist Edward Simon, trumpeters Michael Simon and Alex Norris, saxophonist Peter Brainin, bassist Boris Kozlov and percussionist Roberto Quintero.
You can buy this acclaimed album directly from his creator at https://marlonsimon.com/online-store. Your purchase will contribute to keep the music alive and will support the artist directly, without intermediaries. GET YOUR COPY NOW!
JazzWax Review by Marc Myers
“The album is Latin jazz, but it’s way more than that. The album is loaded with a wide range of rhythms, jazz feel and tenderness… The Latin jazz on this album is unlike any you’ve heard before. Marlon’s original compositions seem to evolve organically, shifting moods and rhythms as they flower. The music is truly extraordinary.”
Modern Drummer Magazine Review
“The drum and percussion world should be much more aware of Marlon Simon, he is a master drummer, percussionist, and composer. And all of these components have never been on better display than on the record On Different Paths. Bassist Boris Koslov and pianist Edward Simon round out the rhythm section and guide us through eleven deeply emotional compositions. The Venezuelan drummer leaves more space than his contemporaries, but his sense of space is impeccable.”
LatinJazzNet Review by Brooks Geiken
In eleven tracks Marlon Simon and the Nagual Spirits explore a captivating and superbly imagined outing, On Different Paths. Marlon and his brothers Edward and Michael, all born in Venezuela, all composers, all esteemed instrumentalists, join together to delve into a sonic world with ties to jazz, European classical and world music. Having some experience with Edward’s piano playing through recordings with Charlie Sepulveda, SF Jazz Collective and his band with Scott Colley and Brian Blade, Steel House, I was somewhat prepared for On Different Paths. What I was unprepared for is the composing and drumming of Marlon taking the listener into some delightful and brilliant textures.
Jazziz Magazine Review by Matt Micucci
“On Different Paths is the fifth album from drummer, percussionist and composer Marlon Simon with his eclectic ensemble, The Nagual Spirits. Partly funded by Simon’s 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship, this bold new project propels beyond the innovative fusion of pan-Latin jazz and classical elements found in their earlier works, embracing a captivating blend of diverse cultural and musical traditions.”
Paris-Move Review by Thierry De Clemensat
“On Different Paths is an important, essential album that, beyond its cultural inspirations, serves as a note of hope, a form of renewal, a ray of sunshine in the heart of a winter that greatly needs it. Without hesitation, the editorial teams of Bayou Blue Radio and Paris Move have placed this album in the stack of Essentials.”
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