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Camilo Valencia / Richard Bravo: Made in Miami
ByOpening on "CCU (Coronary Care Unit)," the team paints the town funky while saxophonist Ed Calle and trumpeter Jason Carder fire away. A musical "thank you" note to those who have cared for Valencia during his heart transplant surgeries, it paints a picture of positivity as the album's starting point. Two complementary cutsthe title track, a sly and catchy number with Dave Fernandez blowing on tenor saxophone and Milton Salcedo cooking on piano, and "Hurricane Jimenez," where the pianist and Valencia (on EWI) deal in infectious joy follow and solidify a signature sound. Then, just as quickly, Valencia and Bravo go someplace completely different with a glossy "Misty" featuring trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
As things progress, the co-leaders continue to please with one rhythmically energized number after another. "Songo Bop," a fusion of its two titular styles, proves to be a serious standout. "Funkeando," with Fernandez moving over to alto, Ismael Vergara adding some sinuous soprano and Philip Lassiter bringing it on trumpet, uses its name's first syllable as a calling card. "Papadin," with the Bravo family on percussion and Jorge Dobal putting his melodious trombone to good use, proves zesty and satisfying. And "Cafe Union" and the fiery-and-folkloric "Guanabacoa Streets," each eyeing Cuba from completely different angles, prove captivating. Add to that a tender "One Heart at a Time," honoring a young murder victim whose heart now beats in Valencia's body, and a bonus-track alternate version of "Misty, " featuring vocalist Jackson King, and the story is complete. Miami has so much music to share and influence to bear, and Camilo Valencia and Richard Bravo bring that truth to light for all to hear.
Track Listing
CCU (Coronary Care Unit); Made in Miami; Hurricane Jimenez; Misty; Songo Bop; Funkeando; Papadin; One Heart at a Time; Cafe Union; Guanabacoa Streets; Misty (bonus track).
Personnel
Richard Bravo
drumsCamilo Valencia
saxophone, sopranoAlex Sino
producerArturo Sandoval
trumpetMilton Salcedo
pianoDavid Hernandez
saxophone, tenorEd Calle
saxophoneJulio Ariel Diaz
trumpetRafael Valencia
bassJackson King
vocalsAlemnest Andino
fluteLuis Enrique
percussionAdditional Instrumentation
Alemnest Andino: trumpet; Ismael Vergara: saxophone; Dave Fernandez: saxophone; Camilo Valencia: saxophone, piano; Julio Diaz: trumpet; Jose Sibaja: trumpet; Yaure Muniz: trumpet; Igor Rivas: trumpet; Jason Carder: trumpet; Dante Vargas: trumpet; Arturo Sandoval: trumpet; Jorge Dobal: trombone; Jorge Dobal, Jr.: trombone; Dana Tebce: trombone; Milton Salcedo: piano; Javier Concepcion: piano; Dan Warner: guitar; Manny Lopez: guitar; Tommy Anthony: guitar; Camilo Velandia: guitar; Junior Bravo: guitar; Rafael "Fafa" Valencia, Jr.: bass; Rafael "California" Valencia, Sr.: bass; Omar Hernandez: bass; Jerry Bravo: bass; Julio Hernandez: bass; Richard Bravo: percussion.
Album information
Title: Made in Miami | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Pier 5 /Warner Music Latin