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Jazz Articles about Gumbi Ortiz
Al Di Meola: Twentyfour
by Geannine Reid
Al Di Meola'sTwentyfour is a textured blend of acoustic and electric guitar set against a diverse palette of orchestral colors. Initially conceived as an acoustic project during the pandemic, the album evolved to include contributions from woodwinds, brass, percussion, keyboards, and a chamber orchestra. Di Meola, a New Jersey native and Berklee School of Music graduate, performs on guitar and multiple other instruments. The album's highlights include “Ava's Dance in the Moonlight," where lush orchestration complements Di Meola's ...
Continue ReadingRob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3
by Jim Worsley
The beat goes on. Yes, that was a big hit for Sonny & Cher back in 1967. However, here it references the third volume of drummer Rob Silverman's Drumology series. The formula seems to be working, so why not keep pounding them out? Again all proceeds go to the Neil Peart Fund for brain cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. And the core band stays intact, with Silverman being joined by brother Michael Silverman on piano and keyboards, bassist Larry ...
Continue ReadingDaniela Soledade: Pretty World
by Edward Blanco
Brazilian singer and composer Daniela Soledade presents her sophomore release Pretty World continuing a family tradition of exploration into light bossa nova music. Recognized as a proponent for a new bossa nova sound, her unique hushed-styled vocals distinguish this singer from the other vocalists of the genre. Born in Rio de Janeiro where the album was recorded, Soledade co-wrote two originals ("Beijo No Arpoador" and “Nothing Compares") with guitarist and producer Nate Najar and sings lyrics in English and Portuguese. ...
Continue ReadingGumbi Ortiz: Stepping Out With Miami
by Woodrow Wilkins
Gumbi Ortiz's passion for jamming helped launch the percussionist's professional career. Blending his Afro-Cuban heritage with various styles of music, he's followed the lead of Carlos Santana in mixing Latin sounds with pop. Although he started playing the sax when he was a child, to honor his sax-playing father, he preferred percussion instruments. After playing with local Latin bands in his native New York, Ortiz stepped up to doing gigs with drummer and timbale player Chuckie Lopez. That ...
Continue ReadingGumbi Ortiz: Miami
by Woodrow Wilkins
Gumbi Ortiz's debut is a musical smorgasbord that represents the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the percussionist's life. A longtime member of guitarist Al Di Meola's band, Ortiz has a passion for jamming--and food. It's the former that helped launch his professional career. Blending his Afro-Cuban heritage with jazz and other styles of music, he's followed the lead of Carlos Santana in mixing Latin sounds with pop. Although he started playing the sax when he was ...
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