Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Mike Arroyo: My Jazzy Mood

199

Mike Arroyo: My Jazzy Mood

By

Sign in to view read count
Mike Arroyo: My Jazzy Mood
Smooth jazz guitarist Mike Arroyo recorded these sessions several years ago in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Brooklyn, New York. His guitar takes us on a tour of traditional tunes, a few spiritual excursions, and plenty of Latin jazz textures to complement the scene.

Arroyo prefers a gentle touch and a fluid technique that allows him to enunciate melodies simply and plainly. Electric bass, drums, a distant piano and catch-all congas complement the sound. Solo work comes from piano, tenor saxophone, vibraphone, and Arroyo's guitar, which he uses to emphasize straightforward melodies.

Pianist Jason Lindner brings a heartfelt gospel solo to "Mira a Cielo, which Arroyo uses to explore the improvisatory qualities of jazz. He, Lindner, bassist John Benitez and drummer Gene Jackson light sparks in the night through their extensive soloing on this selection, which is one of the album's high points.

Arroyo's slow and meaningful portrayal of "What a Friend I Have in Jesus presents a mellow homage, while "Perfect Mood flows with down-home charm. Milly Laracuent's vocal interpretation of "Florecitas stands out for its genuine sensuality. While the guitarist's session pays homage to the Holy Spirit, its emotional impact cools somewhat through interpretation. Arroyo's smooth jazz allows for beautiful melodic translations, but leaves some of the true feeling on the outside.

Track Listing

Florecitas; Bridge Over Troubled Water; Initial Flight; Vine a Adorar; Mira al Cielo; Oh Que Amigo es Cristo; Perfect Mood; Florecitas.

Personnel

Mike Arroyo
guitar, electric

Mike Arroyo: guitar; John Benitez: bass; Alon Yavnai, Jason Lindner: piano; Manuel Valera: keyboard; Steve Hass, Gene Jackson: drums; Richie Flores: congas; Christos Rafalidez: vibraphone; Dominic Lali: tenor saxophone; Milly Laracuent: vocal.

Album information

Title: My Jazzy Mood | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.