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Silvano Monasterios: Unconditional

By Edward Blanco

Unconditional is pianist and composer Silvano Monasterios' debut album for the Savant label and his fourth effort as a band leader since 1998. Having studied at the University of Miami and being named the “Best Jazz Musician" by the Miami New Times, the Venezuelan-born pianist has chosen to settle in Miami and take advantage of the rich cultural backdrop of the community. It is in Miami where he found the talents of saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Rodolfo Zuniga to ...

Silvano Monasterios: Unconditional

By Dan Bilawsky

The word “unconditional" is often associated with love, referencing the feeling that parents have for their children and pets have for their owners, but the word itself isn't limited to use on this topic. In fact, the very meaning of “unconditional" actually addresses a lack of limitations or constraints, as does the music on pianist Silvano Monasterios' Unconditional. This recording marks Monasterios' Savant Records debut, and the Venezuelan-born, Miami-based pianist breaks free from the shackles of Latin jazz labeling and ...

Silvano Monasterios: Unconditional

By Greg Simmons

Miami pianist Silvano Monasterios' Unconditional doesn't announce its qualities with musical histrionics: it's far subtler than that. This collection of eight original tunes shows craftsmanship, fine improvisation and coherence. Monasterios has constructed a compelling musical statement with an emphasis on composition and attention to detail. This is an entire album, not simply a collection of songs. Even in places where the percussion is prominent, it is integrated with a vision that never becomes frenetic. There are passages on ...

Silvano Monasterios / Mark Egan / Paul Wertico: Jazz Impressions 1

By John Barron

Recorded live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the spring of 2006, Jazz Impressions 1 is an inspired, piano-led set of straight-ahead jazz, co-led by Venezuelan-born pianist Silvano Monasterios, bassist Mark Egan and drummer Paul Wertico.

Monasterios, who regularly performs with Latin jazz percussionist Sammy Figueroa, demonstrates astonishing facility throughout. The notes fly fast and furious on modern jazz gems like Wayne Shorter's “Wildflower, Bill Evans' “Very Early and Steve Swallow's “Falling Grace. The pianist's take-no-prisoners approach inspires intuitive group interplay, ...