“IRRESISTIBLE, TOE-TAPPING, HIP, & HEAD-SHAKINGLY GROOVY!"
- Kevin Ball (WGBH 89.7, Boston)
Musicians:
Joel “Masacote" Massicot - Piano & Musical Director
Panagiotis Andreou - Bass & Vocals
Pablo “Chino" Nuez Jr.
Timbales, Bongos, Minor Percussion
Pablo Bencid (Drums)
Luisito Quintero - Congas
Tim Mayer - Alto & Tenor Saxophone
Richie Viruet - Trumpet
Michel Gonzalez - Acoustic Guitar
When Joel Massicot released his debut CD “Masacote", everyone was pleasantly asking “who is this kid?" The Boston based pianist brought the masses 8 smokin' tracks backed by a handful of New York all-stars. The dance scene immediately embraced the project and local radio stations were awed by the progressive approach Massicot took for his first album. Needless to say, It's no surprise that Joel has returned with his follow up CD “Fantagious." This time, Joel returns with Grammy winning musicians Chino Nuez & Luisito Quintero along with a slew of Boston's finest.
Fantagious' catchy title, a combination of Fantasy & Contagious, leads us into a world funky arrangements and original compositions that keep listeners moving until the last number. The talented pianist manages to tastefully challenge the traditional approach to Latin Jazz with his infusion of R&B and caribbean nuances. His melodies and montunos are hip and illustrate how Latin Music is beginning to evolve... and evolution is what Fantagious is all about.
This percussive driven project starts with the extremely danceable 'Maiden Voyage' which is savory variation of Herbie Hancock's masterpiece. The horns come as a pleasant delight in which the smooth yet mesmerizing saxophones are complimented with the intensely driven trumpet. Although the treat ultimately comes from bassist Panagiotis Andreou who holds down the rhythm section with his unorthodox yet swinging style. He even blesses the hypnotizing “Rumba Walk" with a vocal surprise. The icing on the cake is Joel's original composition “Clowning Around" which has been lauded by many as his future to composing a hollywood movie score. It is no surprise that with this outstanding cast of musicians, Fantagious is full of flavor and swing.
What sets it apart from any other Latin Jazz album are the dynamic compositions and arrangements that Joel cooked up. He shows his maturity in all aspects of this production going above and beyond any set expectations. It seems he has figured out the formula to intrigue listeners and more importantly, keep them glued for the entire CD.
As record stations, stores, and dancers anxiously await Fantagious' release, Joel and his Ritmo Masacote are preparing for a busy summer tour incorporating his extremely popular dance company.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
