Alex Sino And Terry Heimat Are Unveiling The 'Funky Sonatas'

In a captivating blend of classical elegance and Latin rhythms, Grammy-winning producer Alex Sino and Global Music Award Winner Terry Heimat announce the completion of the first single—Astor Piazzolla's “Tema de Maria" from the long-awaited album Funky Sonatas. The album, set to be released in April 2025, promises to deliver an exquisite collection of melodies penned by some of the most iconic composers, including Astor Piazzolla, Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Luis Bacalov, and Chick Corea.

The Allure of “Tema de Maria"

The single “Tema de Maria" draws inspiration from Astor Piazzolla's opera “María de Buenos Aires." This tango operetta, which premiered in 1968, tells the haunting and surreal story of María, a woman whose life and death in Buenos Aires is deeply intertwined with the city's tango culture. Piazzolla's work is known for its innovative blend of traditional tango with elements of jazz and classical music, creating a rich, emotional landscape that resonates with audiences today. The piece “Tema de Maria" encapsulates the essence of María's character and her connection to Buenos Aires, making it a perfect introduction to the album.

A Stellar Ensemble of Musicians

The production of “Tema de Maria" features an impressive lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians, each bringing their unique talents to the project:

• Richard Bravo (Percussion and Drums): A multiple Grammy Award winner, Bravo's intricate rhythms and dynamic percussion have graced more than 1,500 recordings and live performances. Among them are collaborations with Arturo Sandoval, Chick Corea, Poncho Sanchez, Barry Gibb, Juanes, and Luis Fonsi. His expertise in Latin percussion adds an authentic and powerful layer to the track.
• Jerry Bravo (Bass): A Venezuelan-born bassist who complements his brother's percussion, Jerry Bravo's bass lines provide a solid and groovy foundation, enhancing the rhythmic complexity and driving the music forward. Jerry collaborated with many Latin Jazz musicians, among them Grammy-winning saxophonist Dr. Edward Calle.
• David Pastor (Trumpet): Known for his collaborations with Clark Terry, Chris Cheek, Michael Buble Paquito D 'Rivera, Pat Metheny, Bob Mintzer, Danilo Pérez, Giovanni Hidalgo or Donald Harrison, among many others. Pastor's trumpet playing is characterized by its lyrical expressiveness and technical brilliance. His contributions bring a vibrant and soulful element to the music.
• Mario Parmisano (Piano): An Argentinian pianist with a rich career spanning over three decades, Parmisano has performed with legends like Al Di Meola, Estella Raval, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Steve Gadd, Marc Johnson, Peter Erskine, John Patitucci, and others. His deep understanding of jazz and Latin rhythms makes his piano playing both intricate and emotionally resonant.
• Francis Goya (Guitar): Celebrated for his romantic and evocative guitar style, Belgian classical guitarist and producer Francis Goya has recorded fifty albums, many of which have reached gold or platinum status. Goya's delicate touch and melodic sensibility add a poignant and beautiful dimension to the arrangement.

The Art of Arrangement

The arrangement of “Tema de Maria" is masterfully crafted by vibraphonist Andrei Pushkarev, whose solo career and work with Kremerata Baltica under Gidon Kremer have earned him international acclaim. Pushkarev's experience in arranging many compositions written by Astor Piazzolla brings out the emotional depth, rhythm, and vibrant colors of Piazzolla's Tema de Maria, weaving together the different musical elements into a cohesive and powerful piece. His ability to balance the traditional and contemporary aspects of the music ensures that the track is fresh, appealing to lovers of Latin jazz, and deeply rooted in its tango origins.

The Vision Behind “Funky Sonatas"

Funky Sonatas is not just an album; it's a celebration of musical fusion. As in their last several albums, such as Domus Solis, Alex Sino and Taras Kutsenko aim to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary music, infusing timeless compositions with the dynamic grooves of Latin music. The album will feature contributions from more outstanding artists, each adding their flair to the project.

The inclusion of pieces written by Astor Piazzolla, Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, and Chick Corea further emphasizes the album's diverse musical landscape. A rhythm and philosophy of Astor Piazzolla, Morricone's iconic film scores, Rota's unforgettable melodies, and Corea's innovative jazz compositions provide a rich tapestry of styles for Sino and Kutsenko to explore and reinterpret.

As the production moves toward completion, Funky Sonatas promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the world of crossover music, appealing to lovers of classical, jazz, and Latin rhythms alike.