Jazz Articles

Astor Piazzolla: Pulsacion

by Jerry D'Souza
November 17, 2003

A little bit of background, dear reader. The first four tracks on this album were written by Astor Piazzolla for a movie titled Pulsacion. The last five were utilized to augment the release of this CD and come from the “tango operita” Maria de Buenos Aires. Now it’s time to turn to the music.

Piazzolla extended the ambit of the tango without watering down its integrity or diminishing its strengths. In doing so the bandoneon player embodied it ...

Marta Topferova: Sue

by AAJ Staff
October 22, 2003

Sometimes where you're headed is more important than where you came from. Such is the case with vocalist Marta Topferova, who delivers a ten-pack of soft, Latin-inflected pieces on Sueño Verde. Born and raised in Czechoslovakia, Topferova emigrated to Seattle as a youth and has subsequently relocated to New York. For this outing she gathers nine musicians, including her chief collaborator, co-composer, co-arranger, and co-producer: Enrique Lopez.

Whatever her past history, Topferova has clearly settled down in an ...

Ray Barretto and New World Spirit: Trancedance

by Jim Josselyn
January 1, 2002

Ray Barretto and New World Spirit are one of the finest ensembles in Latin jazz and on the elegantly swinging “Trancedance" they prove why throughout. The date opens with a simply wonderful arrangement of a simply wonderful Monty Alexander tune, “Renewal". Pianist John Di Martino's solo is a delight, as is the playing of special guest James Moody, here and on the other four numbers he contributes to. Trumpeter John Baily and the tireless percussion section shine on the Randy ...