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306

Article: Album Review

Suenos Latin-Jazz: Azul Oscuro

Read "Azul Oscuro" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Interpretation exists as both a necessity and a dangerous path for the Latin Jazz artist. Creativity and personalization are important tenants of jazz; artists cannot repeatedly perform songs the same way. An artist makes their statement by interpreting melodic phrasing, harmonic alterations, and the rhythmic feel. When an artist interprets stylistic elements, they run the risk ...

290

Article: Album Review

Jos: Tambolero

Read "Tambolero" reviewed by Chip Boaz


All-star bands create music that brims with possibilities; yet the outcome runs the risk of positive or negative results. Combining high caliber musicians brings expectations of powerful music. Experience gives these artists knowledge and skill, increasing the chance of memorable music. When distinctive artists join forces, a possible mismatch can also occur. Groups sometimes lack a ...

216

Article: Album Review

Wilson "Chembo" Corniel: For The Rest Of Your Life

Read "For The Rest Of Your Life" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Our expectations shape our listening experiences, even before we hear an artist's recorded work. We anticipate musical genres based on a musician's past and assume that the bandleader will be featured prominently. We judge unfamiliar artists on their instrument, album covers, or websites; and then we decide whether that artist deserves our attention. Once we listen ...

225

Article: Album Review

Rafi Malkiel: My Island

Read "My Island" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Latin jazz artists faces important choices when shaping their debut album. First-time leaders write original music or interpret standards--the resultant repertoire and musical expressions display wisely chosen risks or lack of judgment. Musicians invite guest artists to perform, adding a sense of cohesion or confusion to the album's overall sound. The musical direction deserves careful consideration; ...

263

Article: Album Review

Eddie Reyes: Lost World

Read "Lost World" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Blending musical styles requires a broad foundation in both genres, a respect for the dual set of aesthetics, and the ability to prioritize tradition amid creativity. A solid foundation in both musical styles balances influences and avoids overly simplistic sonic references. Cultural aesthetics guide musicians away from implementing styles as a novelty. Understanding tradition is the ...

192

Article: Album Review

Alex Garcia's Afromantra: Espiritu Optimista

Read "Espiritu Optimista" reviewed by Chip Boaz


When a Latin jazz artist shapes their approach, they can let rhythms drive the sound, or they can incorporate the rhythms into a compositional focus. Emphasizing the music's rhythmic aspect highlights dance styles and simplistic harmonic writing. Such musicians rearrange standards and complete their repertoire with commercial compositions. Musicians that integrate Latin ...

159

Article: Album Review

Mark Weinstein: Con Alma

Read "Con Alma" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Collaboration lies at the heart of any successful performance--a fact all artists remember when gathering musicians for a recording. The personnel need to compliment each other artistically while reflecting diverse musical backgrounds. The repertoire needs to challenge the musicians yet they must demonstrate mastery over it. The ensemble should display a mutual respect for the tradition ...

231

Article: Album Review

Poncho Sanchez: Raise Your Hand

Read "Raise Your Hand" reviewed by Chip Boaz


An album reflects an artistic personality; the creative mixture of past influences determines the current output. When Concord Records acquired the Rhythm 'n Blues label Stax, percussionist Poncho Sanchez gained access to musicians and repertoire that shaped his musical identity. This provided Sanchez the opportunity to paint a fuller picture of his artistic background. On Raise ...

187

Article: Album Review

Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours: From The Badlands

Read "From The Badlands" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Poet Lola Rodriguez del Tio declared Puerto Rico and Cuba as “two wings of the same bird, yet many people lose sight of Puerto Rico's musical contributions. Numerous Latin jazz musicians hold Puerto Rican heritage, yet most songs mix jazz harmonies with Cuban rhythms. New York Puerto Rican musicians applied their identities to traditional dance music, ...

148

Article: Album Review

Hector Contreras: Hector Contreras and His Latin Jazz Ensemble

Read "Hector Contreras and His Latin Jazz Ensemble" reviewed by Chip Boaz


Music reflects an artist's life, revealing both their current musical state and developmental path. Young musicians often produce frenetic and overwhelming music, filled with fresh and creative approaches. They display an early developmental stage, exploring their chosen art form's possibilities. Some musicians produce passionate and insightful music, expressing a search for understanding. Their art evolves into ...


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