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Jazz Articles about Sylvia Cuenca
Enrico Granafei: It's Hard to Say Goodbye
by Nicholas F. Mondello
With It's Hard to Say Goodbye, multi-talented Italian guitarist and harmonica player, Enrico Granafei and a group of standouts offer eleven Latin-flavored jazz selections. The effort, recorded over an extended period, also features two artists who have unfortunately passed--trumpeter Claudio Roditi and pianist, Mike Longo. Granafei has dedicated the album to them and to the memory of Granafei's mentor, Toots Thielemans. “Claudinho," a Granafei original samba, opens the session. Upbeat in tempo, Granafei and Roditi make the ...
Continue ReadingWondering: Harvie S and Roni Ben-Hur featuring Sylvia Cuenca
by Dan Bilawsky
Though it may seem to be shrouded in mystery, there's a clear explanation for the dovetailing dynamic and palpable chemistry between guitarist Roni Ben-Hur and bassist Harvie S. “We listen intently and we play with a lot of generosity toward each other," shares the noted six-stringer. Believe it or not, it's as simple--and sophisticated--as that. In documenting their work in a trio with drummer Tim Horner on 2018's Introspection, Roni and Harvie formally cemented their longtime partnership ...
Continue ReadingHarvie S, Roni Ben-Hur with Sylvia Cuenca: Wondering
by Troy Dostert
One of the drawbacks of being a consummate sideman is that it can be hard to find time for one's own projects as a leader. That is certainly the case for bassist Harvie S who, in a long career, has distinguished himself with superb work in support of Sheila Jordan, Don Friedman, Alan Broadbent, and many others; however, the sheer quantity of those efforts can cause his own releases to fall through the cracks. Hopefully that will not be the ...
Continue ReadingSylvia Cuenca: Exit 13
by Riel Lazarus
Since the organ-drums-guitar trio first came to prominence in the early ‘60s, many have tried and failed to recreate the impassioned, groove-laden drive of its most celebrated practitioners. Exit 13, the newest release by drummer Sylvia Cuenca, represents another such attempt, though, unlike so many before them, the trio here walks away with a measured yet boast-worthy triumph in soul-jazz. Rounded out by organist Kyle Koehler and guitarist Dave Stryker, the Cuenca trio carves capable grooves throughout ...
Continue ReadingSylvia Cuenca / Kyle Koehler / Dave Stryker: Exit 13
by C. Michael Bailey
Sylvia Cuenca is an up-and-coming drummer/percussionist who has plied her wares with the likes of Clark Terry (check out Herr Ober ), David Glasser, Ron McClure, Don Friedman, and Eddie Henderson. She now co-leads the Exit 13 date with organist Kyle Koehler, who most recently has been providing piano support to Matthew Parris (see Circles ). Here, Koehler trades the eighty-eight for an organ and the duo adds the capable Dave Stryker to the mix to produce a low-fat organ ...
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