Latin Jazz Music

If you haven't heard Martirio you're in for a treat!

To be honest I haven't got the cd yet, but I saw their show in Teatro Teresa Carreño in Caracas, Venezuela and was AMAZING. I do own several cd's from Chano and one of Martirio called "Mucho Corazón" which I believe is great and a MUST HAVE.

Acoplados is a master piece.

Toquinho is such a superb guitarist - he deserves his nearly 'legendary' status down in S. America and elsewhere. You can't go wrong with any of his recordings, really, but this has been one of my favorites for a long time now.

Even though I appreciate this music as a musician does, I also find it quite a good fit for parties, and even soothing a baby to sleep.

If you appreciate samba, bossa nova, the latin music flavor -- you can't skip this cd.

This DVD is great in helping you get a grasp on soloing on acoustic. All styles and techniques are reviewed, with plenty of examples and such to keep you occupied.

This DVD is definitely intermediate level stuff. He starts with a quick review of the 5 basic scale patterns, pentatonic, blues, and diatonic, plus the related chords. If you've read Fretboard Logic this will be familiar. Then a quick review of which scales go with which chords. Nice. Then arpeggios and how to use them. Also nice. Then he puts theory in action by teaching some very nice country and blues licks, then some Brazilian and a pop tune with altered chords. Just a very pleasant DVD, full of good info and nice tunes. Mr Findlay has a very breezy teaching style. The licks work on electric guitar as well. Lots of info in a short time. One of the best guitar teaching DVDs I've seen. And the price is right.

Acoustical Vineyard is a must for jazz enthusiasts who admire beautiful melodies punctuated with just the right amount of improvisational genius. This CD has been beautifully produced and shows that music can be performed without the feeling that each artist has to compete for recognition. The sounds intertwine and meld with each other like chocolate and wine. Always impressive is Bryan Lubeck's song writing skills and guitar magic. Thank you for bringing back the melody!
Greg Lesan

Smooth jazz with Latin undertones, very relaxing, and a high quality recording. One of my favorites !

I can't still recover from the day I saw this Monster behind the drum kit. Such speed and perfect timing, but moreover such knowledge and experience, which he translates perfectly in his clinics as also in this album. In "Acuarela de Tambores", Alex Acuña (who has played with Elvis Presley, Dianna Ross,and also been a session player for U2) displays not only his drumming skills, but also his equaly masterfull knowledge of latin percussion and rythms, which as he says, are anything but simple. A true tribute to the Latin American Culture, and a must for any drummer, percussionist or musician in general that keeps an open mind. He can also be seen in Weather Report albums, but this one is the one to buy.

Jorge Ben Jor is an icon of Brazilian music and a legend in his country. The sound quality and the total look of the show is great and well worth a look. Ben Jor has three percussionist backing him up throughout the show and they don't miss a beat. There is also a twenty-member string section that sounds absolutely fabulous. Overall, a great show, highlighting a great musician and his music.

He put the funk into Brazilian pop. Fat, heavily orchestrated arrangements make these two sets incredibly lush. Features "Umbabarauma" (a paen to a goalie, and one of the greatest songs about soccer, ever)and Jorge de Capadocia (well known to fans of Caetano Veloso who has covered it). Originally recorded for MTV Brasil.
Includes subtitles (in english) and chord changes!

If you're a world music fan, and you don't know about Jorge Ben, then get out from under your rock. Jorge Ben Jor is one of Brazil's longest lasting musical icons. In a quote, some years ago, he said something to the extent of: "...I'm an urban and suburban poet, and my beat stays the same...".

His melting buter voice, his cool look, impecible guitar rythmn, brilliant songwriting and outstanding leadership makes Jorge Ben Jor one of the leading international musicians. Not many can match this man. Watch the DVD, and you'll see for yourself, how captivating this performance is.

--TL