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Ray Mantilla: Good Vibrations
Backed by Enrique Fernandez (baritone saxophone and flute), Edy Martinez (piano), Mike Freeman (vibes), Cucho Martinez (bass), Bill Elder (drums) and special guest Steve Berrios (percussion), Mantilla sculpts a record that is simultaneously festive and solemn. It's a melodic paradox that's ubiquitous in jazz, but Mantilla has paved new ground here.
Despite its spiritual underpinnings, Good Vibrations comes across as a celebratory album that's elegiac in neither concept nor arrangement. Mantilla leads the congas to contour Martinez's dexterous dominion of the keys, creating a frothy blend of rhythmic complexity that comes across like a delicately synchronized seduction. "Maria Cervantes is what lovesickness should sound like, in all its tragic glory. There may be a time to mourn, but there's also a time to danceand that's biblical. Good Vibrations tolerates no dissenting arguments.
Track Listing
Flying Home; Midnight Sun; Maria Cervantes; For Keeps; Ya No Me Quieres (Bolero For Tito); Blues For Queen D; Camino Al Cielo Too; Namesake; Bari Con Bata.
Personnel
Ray Mantilla
percussionEnrique Fernandez: baritone sax, flute; Edy Martinez: piano; Mike Freeman: vibes; Cucho Martinez: bass; Bill Elder: drums. Special Guest: Steve Berrios: percussion.
Album information
Title: Good Vibrations | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: HighNote Records
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