Latin Jazz Music

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 !

Well, i only gave it 3 stars because i have only heard clips( i haven't bought it yet) but whati heard blew me away! i just hope the rest doesn't turn into bland,rambling watch the paint dry music. After all we need to hear real music,honest interpretations and observations...and,ok, i'll buy it.

First of all, I'm surprised that nobody has written a review for this album yet. Boy, when you hear it you'll want to own it, let me just get that out of the way.

Danilo Perez is, for those unaware of him, a jazz pianist that has played with way too many jazz greats to list here, but he's paid his dues and has established himself as an intelligent, passionate pianist. He also has that certain Latin feel to some of his lines, which helps to get things cooking.

Here is the lineup for this record:

Danilo Perez - Piano
Christian McBride - Bass
Lewis Nash - Drum
Luis Quintero - Percussion
Cassandra Wilson - Vocal (on two tracks)

All arrangements by Claus Ogerman who's arranging talents can be heard from the late, great Bill Evans, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Diana Krall, amongst others. He does a brilliant job with the string sections, which once you hear them you'll see why he's one of the best arrangers out there today.

The music on this recording is pure musical bliss. Anyone interested in jazz piano trio with string arrangements then look no further. Pick this one up today!

My review for this record is simple : MARVELOUS, TOUCHING...There is no weakness, everything is so well balanced, the piano, the orchestra, the voice and of course the arrangements of a real craftsman for many years, Claus Ogerman is a bliss for every musiclover. More of those records and you forget your daily sorrows, believe me.

What a great recording! When I got this, a couple of months ago when it first came out, I almost cried when I played it. It was so like another favorite of mine, the Bill Evans Trio with Symphony Orchestra recording. Finally. Danilo's playing and Ogerman's arranging/conducting are superb. This is not to be missed. And if you like this you may also want to pick up The Gary McFarland Orchestra with Special Guest Soloist: Bill Evans, and Bill Evans: Symbiosis with Eddie Gomez and Claus Ogerman. Claus Ogerman has also recorded a couple Piano Concertos he wrote. Great music.

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

"Imposible Ha De Ser", "Tu Me Desesperas" and "Las Puertas DEe Mi Casa" were this one's big hits. Adalberto Santiago's self-titled solo debut album was a strong and engaging set but he would record better albums later on in his career. This was still a commendable effort and one well worth adding to your Salsa CD collection. Adalberto is truly one of Puerto Rico's all-time greatest singers.

Adalberto returns to his mariachi roots on this scorcher of a CD. He's a multitalented guy with a super-soulful voice. Anyone who remembers his great work in the 1970s will be thrilled to know that Adalberto Gallegos is back with his strongest material in two decades.

This is Adalberto Santiago's first solo recording after he left Los Kimbos and Tipica 73 before that. This CD contains some hot songs like Tu Me Desesperas, Imposible de Ha Ser, Llevale A Mi Amor (a Bomba) and Luces De Nueva York (a Bolero). This was released in 1977 and Produced by Ray Barretto for Fania Records.
Recorded at La Tierra Sound Studios, New York.

Musicians:
Salvador Cuevas Bass
Pablo Dominguez Trumpet
Roberto Rodriguez Trumpet
Orestes Vilato Timbales
Joe Mannozzi Piano
Eddie Montalvo Conga
Charlie Santiago Bongo
Kako-Quinto & Caja en "Llevale A Mi Amor"
Demetrio Gonzalez (Mollejita) Sax en "Tirita"
Bienvenido Gonzalez (Pito) Tambora en "Tirita"
Carlos Lalane Piano en "Tirita"
Santiago Ceron Guiro en "Tirita"
Adalberto Santiago Guiro, maracas, coro, and vocals
Nancy O'Neil Coro en "Llevale A Mi Amor" y "Tirita"
Nestor Sanchez Coro
Meñique Coro