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Manhattan Vibes: Blue November
ByThe personnel line-up on Blue November is completely different from its predecessor, but equally potent. The reconfigured Manhattan Vibes is a piano trio-plus-vibraphone/marimba grouping that explores the ins-and-outs of pan-Latin jazz. A strong Chick Corea influence comes through in the music, whether fused with a tropical sound, à la vibraphonist Dave Samuels ("718"), or dosed with a hint of Mediterranean lust and a touch of Middle Eastern dust ("Sorayia"). Elsewhere, the band gets its slow groove on ("Blue November"), turns an old chestnut on its head with a Latin rewrite in nine ("Love Is A Many Splendored Thing"), delivers mellow jewels that unfold into something more ("Days Of Silence"), and visits Brazil with a bouncy affair ("Samba Wa"). Rafalides closes out the program with a solo vibraphone performance that puts all of his many gifts on display ("Whisper Magic").
The influence of Rafalides' mentor and occasional duet partnervibraphonist Joe Lockeisn't lost on this music, but it's simply one ingredient in the complex recipe that is Manhattan Vibes. Pianist Sergio Salvatore, another mano-a-mano duo companion of Rafalides, syncs up wonderfully with the vibraphonist, matching his charisma and Latin-infused charm pound-for-pound. Drummer Vince Cherico can drive the music when necessary, but he also displays a sensitive touch that doesn't overpower. Bassist Mike Pope, who also works with Locke, is superb at every turn, whether soloing or holding down the fort.
Blue November is full of charm, excitement, class and in-the-pocket grooves. Manhattan Vibes has captured all that's right with its namesake city in this ten-song program.
Track Listing
718; Blue November; Sorayia; Red And Black; Love Is A Many Splendored Thing; Days Of Silence; Unrequited; Smile; Samba Wa; Whisper Magic.
Personnel
Christos Rafalides
vibraphoneChristos Rafalides: vibraphone, marimba; Sergio Salvatore: piano; Mike Pope: bass; Vince Cherico: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Blue November | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
Comments
About Christos Rafalides
Instrument: Vibraphone
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