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Nestor Torres: Jazz Flute Traditions
ByRecorded live at public radio station WDNA 88.9 FM studios in front of a justifiably wildly enthusiastic audience,Jazz Flute Traditions offers both a genuine masterclass in this all-too rarely heard instrument and a whistle-stop tour recalling some of its greatest exponents. It also revisits some classic pieces of jazz that have become standards or that have become synonymous with their composers.
Thus the listener is treated to a clutch of brilliant jazz flute numbers such as Herbie Mann's "Memphis Underground" and Eric Dolphy's "Gazzelloni." There's a lively version of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Serenade To A Cuckoo" and an affecting interpretation of Yusef Lateef's "The Golden Flute." But there are also tunes which are embellished with dynamic interpretations, such as Chick Corea's exuberant "Spain," arguably his best-known and best-loved composition.
This is undeniably a beautiful album executed by a true virtuoso of the flute and one who, like his contemporary Hubert Laws, has made the instrument one of mesmeric attraction. From the irresistible opener "Swingin' Shepherds Blues," through Neal Hefti's famous "Cute" to the Latin-esque finale "Miami Beach Rhumba," every number on this record possesses its own unique charm and in doing so makes this welcome release very addictive.
Track Listing
Swingin' Shepherds Blues; Memphis Underground; Jungle Fantasy; Adagio From Concierto De Aranjuez/Spain; The Golden Flute; Serenade To A Cuckoo; Sequenza / Gazzelloni; Cute; Windows; So in Love; Miami Beach Rhumba.
Personnel
Nestor Torres
fluteNéstor Torres: flute; Silvano Monasterios: piano; Jamie Ousley: bass; Michael Piolet, Marcus Grant (8): drums; Jose, Miguel Russell, Gregorio Hernandez (2,3,11): percussion; Ian Muñoz (2,6, 8): alto saxophone.
Album information
Title: Jazz Flute Traditions | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Alfi