“4.5 Stars. A rollicking triumph of styles and genres that is fun from one end to the other.” – James Hale, DownBeat
Wayne Wallace Quintet - !Ben Ben!
Wayne Wallace Quintet -][- ¡BIEN , BIEN! – [Patois Records, 2009]
December 2, 2010 – World-renowned master trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer Wayne Wallace has earned a GRAMMY nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Album” for his CD ¡BIEN BIEN! on the Patois label. The CD, which topped the radio charts and earned rave reviews including 4.5 stars from DownBeat and a place on numerous top CDs of the year lists, features The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet and special guests trombonist Julian Priester and vocalist Kenny Washington. The nominations for the 53rd annual GRAMMY awards were announced last night by the Recording Academy. Complete List Of Nominees here: http://www.grammy.com/nominees
This is the first time Wallace, a San Francisco native, has been nominated for a GRAMMY for one of his own projects. “All the members of the quintet and I are deeply humbled and thankful that the Recording Academy deems us worthy of being considered in this year’s Latin Jazz category,” says Wallace. “There is no greater honor for an artist then to receive recognition from one’s peers.”
The musically multi-lingual San Francisco native possesses fluency in countless styles, and has worked with a staggering number of luminaries from across the musical spectrum (Count Basie, Ray Charles, Joe Henderson, Celine Dion, Carlos Santana, Lionel Hampton, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sonny Rollins, Pearl Bailey, Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente, Lena Horne, Pete Escovedo, Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker, Earl “Fatha” Hines and cellist Joan Jeanrenaud of the Kronos Quartet to name a few). He is known to many as “The Doctor” for his production skills, but he is also a lauded composer and educator. His independent label Patois Records has a growing catalog of critically acclaimed releases by Wallace and other exceptional West Coast musicians. In 2010 Wallace placed in both the DownBeat Critics Poll and DownBeat Readers Poll. In January 2011 he will release his stellar new CD “To Hear From There” featuring his Latin Jazz Quintet and special guests. “I’m so thrilled to be nominated next to Chucho Valdés because on my new CD I’ve dedicated a song to his father, Bebo Valdés. I’m hoping to see him in person and give him a CD at the Grammy ceremony.”
Here’s what some journalists said about ¡BIEN BIEN! and about Wayne:
“San Francisco native Wayne Wallace is practically a one-man ecosystem of jazz. He is a phenomenal trombonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, producer, and head of his own record label. With impeccable musicianship and boundless imagination, this group takes listeners on a multicultural musical voyage to Cuba, Africa, and Latin America.” – Forrest Dylan Bryant, Jazz Observer
Top 10 Jazz Album of 2009 : “Wonderful Latin-based bop that avoids cliché.” – Tad Hendrickson, Spinner
“A fine player, musical thinker, and soloist.” – Josef Woodard, Jazz Times
“An accomplished arranger, educator, and composer.” – Maria Hinojosa, Latino USA
“Holds a serious set of chops and a defined musicality that walks with grace and ease between traditional jazz improvisation and hard-core clave phrasingŠ ¡Bien Bien! finds Wallace hitting a musical milestone as a bandleader, maintaining a journey into higher levels of artistry that seems destined to continue.” – Latin Jazz Corner
“An excellent CD, with great solo playing, precise ensemble performance, and great rhythmic backupŠ attractive to trombone enthusiasts and jazz aficionados alike.” – International Trombone Association Journal
“Wayne Wallace is heard at his best, really digging into the material and expressing a wide variety of emotions over the stirring rhythms.” – Scott Yanow, L.A. Jazz Scene
“Gives Wallace the chance to show off his warmth, depth and skillŠ If his last two albums are any indication, there’s no doubt that this rising star will continue to thrill listeners with his creativity and talents.” – Nancy Ann Lee, Jazz & Blues Report
“Wallace’s unit is like an elite commando unit: lean, mean and packing some serious heat.” – Forest Dylan Bryant, Jazz Observer
“Pure, unadulterated music that offers a great representation of the spirit of Latin music. Wallace should be proud.” – Bridget Arnwine, All About Jazz
“High-quality Latin Jazz mixed with elements of pop and funkŠ [¡Bien Bien! is] Wallace’s best to date.” – Brad Walseth, http://www.JazzChicago.net
“Worth keeping an ear out for… If you look closely at the liner notes on Latin jazz records coming from the Bay Area, chances are you’ll see Wallace’s name as producer/session man/arranger/spiritual guide. Which makes his new effort one to watch.” – Felix Contreras, NPR Music http://www.patoisrecords.com
..:: Source: BKMusic PR ::..
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My hat’s off to brother Wayne. No one is more deserving of the nomination and of winning the whole thing. I’m proud to say that the longest stint Wayne ever did with any of the many bands he’s played with, was with my group, The Machete Ensemble from 1985 to 2006, during which time we recorded nine CDs together. He was a huge part of our sound and whatever successes we enjoyed, through his creative playing, writing, and positive attitude. I’ll always be indebted to him for that. I hope he goes all the way with this nomination. Congratulations to Wayne and all the great musicians on Bien Bien.
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