Luis Bonilla -][- TWILIGHT [Planet Arts, 2010]

Tags

Jazz, Luis Bonilla, Trombone

Greetings beloved jazz enthusiast, it’s great to be on this gorgeous yet chilli Saturday afternoon. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of the best Latin Jazz recordings from last year by a wonderfully gifted trombonist, composer and arranger named Luis Bonilla and his latest offering “TWILIGHT.” Not long ago, my friend Chris sent this to me but somehow neglect caused me to over look this gem. Nonetheless, shame on me but I finally have the appropriate time to spend with “TWILIGHT” … and “WOW” timing is everything what a joy it is to listen to this fabulous music by Luis Bonilla for the first time! If you dig Latin Jazz with style, finesse with a lasting woo factor this is the joint jump on it! —Rob Young | The Urban Flux

Luis Bonilla - TWILIGHT

Luis Bonilla -][- TWILIGHT -(MP3)- [Planet Arts, 2010]

If ever an artist could be called an octopus, Luis Bonilla is it. The California raised, Costa Rican trombonist, composer and arranger has sought out, taken in and mastered an incredible array of musical styles. His success as a sideman with such greats as McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Bowie, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Astrud Gilberto, Willie Colon and Toshiko Akiyoshi attests not only to the skill and variety of Bonilla’s talent, but also to a mind restlessly committed to exploring some of the most complex and demanding music of our time.

Yet there is nothing rarefied about the Bonilla experience. He has worked as a studio musician with Tony Bennett, Marc Anthony, La India and Mary J. Blige and understands and exploits the liveliness of pop as well as the rhythmic sway and punch of Latin Jazz. Currently a member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra under Arturo O’Farrill’s direction (both 2009 Grammy winners) and Dave Douglas’s latest group (Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy), Bonilla is one of those rare artists whose work is always expanding, taking in more and more while remaining singular and focused: “Bonilla may be a trombonist used to handling that big long sliding thing, but when it comes to execution of his ideas, he lets nothing slide” (All About Jazz).

..:: SOURCE: Trombonilla.com ::..

Omer Avital -][- FREE FOREVER [Smalls Records]

Tags

Bass, Composer, Jazz, Omer Avital

Omer Avital - FREE FOREVER

Omer Avital -][- FREE FOREVER -(MP3)- [Smalls Records, 2011]

There is something special about Omer Avital, and while much has been written about him saying as much, there is, well, more. There’s a reason we call him “maestro,” and that has to do with his complete mastery of the musical experience from top to bottom. In this recording, you will be treated to what I would call ‘the perfect set’ from the Panic Jazz Club in Marostica Italy, on April 18th, 2007.

It also has to do with the Avital’s concept of “freedom.” In the years I’ve known Avital, I’ve heard him use that word a lot in connection with his music, and I think it is a theme of central importance. He craves freedom, finds freedom in his music, and his music speaks of freedom. Each musical outing is a journey, but with the path undetermined at the outset. This is true of jazz in general. But in Avital’s case, I do believe that he takes the idea of the journey consciously into the process. The journey is far ranging, fluid in form, and represents in many ways the development of a character as in a narrative, and is suggestive of epic themes: a journey for the seeker, a journey for the explorer, a journey to manhood, to fatherhood. Each soloist is accorded the maximum amount of freedom by the accompaniment, here in the form of fluid time, dynamics, and instrumental form, all used as a kind of narrative. —Small Records

Released: 4/12/2011

..:: SOURCE: Amazon.com | Small Records.com ::..

Stax to The Max

Tags

African American, Jazz, Kirk Whalum, Saxophone, Soul

..:: SOURCE: Kirk Whalum.com ::..

Abby Dobson -][- SLEEPING BEAUTY [LadyBraveBird Music]

Tags

Abby Dobson, Female Vocalist

Abby Dobson -][- SLEEPING BEAUTY -(MP3)- [LadyBraveBird Music, 2010] Album Review

Abby Dobson - Sleeping Beauty

I just love it when music unfolds in surprising ways, sometimes you discover it and there are times it finds you. With that said, meeting vocalist and songwriter Abby Dobson for the first time I’m moved by the lyrical and audible concept she unleashes on her thought-provoking debut album “Sleeping Beauty” (you are the one you have been waiting on) – Volumood One … is definitely one to cherish for years to come.

What I found amazing about the extraordinary Abby Dobson, she’s not only tremendously gifted song writer, and talented vocalist she’s also very difficult to pigeonhole. And why would I want to do that? On “Sleeping Beauty” she stirs up a persuasive blend of soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and even country to enrich the lives and souls of anyone that loves to surround their busy days with great music.

The opening piece “Cool Rain” A Prelude for Horns composed by Dobson literally rocked my world. This instrumental jewel features the horn section that accompanied R&B vocalist Maxwell during his Blacksummersnight Tour. “Cool Rain” features a dynamic threesome Kenneth Whalum III on saxophone, Keyon Harold on trumpet and Saunders Sermon on trombone are at the top of their game and recorded this gem at The Magic Shop in New York City.