Jazz Articles

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John Santos Sextet: Filosofía Caribeña Vol. 1

by James Nadal
July 28, 2011

John Santos is a sophisticated percussionist with impeccable credentials, so it is no surprise that Filosofía Caribeña, Vol. 1 is a brilliant foray into the broader scope of Caribbean music. As the title infers, there is an inherent rhythmic philosophy ingrained in this music which is as rich and vibrant as the culture which it represents. The John Santos Sextet teams Santos up, once again, with flautist John Calloway, and saxophonist Melecio Magdaluyo. Augmented with a premier ...

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The John Santos Quintet: Papa Mambo

by Chip Boaz
September 12, 2007

In the musician's world, the end of one project signals the start of a new journey towards a unique musical destination. When percussionist John Santos and the Machete Ensemble bid the world farewell in 2006, it marked the end of an era in Bay Area Latin jazz. After more than twenty years with the large ensemble, Santos embarked in a new direction, forming a quintet. The group's first album, Papa Mambo, narrates the trip into the future, presenting a mature ...

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John Santos & The Machete Ensemble: 20th Anniversary

by Forrest Dylan Bryant
August 28, 2005

John Santos & The Machete Ensemble 20th Anniversary Machete Records 2005

When percussionist John Santos founded the Machete Ensemble in 1985--back then it was called the Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble--he probably had no idea that he was creating an institution. With a difficult mission of blending jazz, folkloric, and dance idioms through an almost entirely original repertoire, and little record label support to help it find an audience, the group was lucky just to survive, ...