CARLOS JIMENEZ - THOUGHTS (2008)

This is a pleasant collection to anyone who loves contemporary smooth jazz.

Carlos Jimenez Flute
Ruben Rodriguez Bass
Vince Cherico Drums
Fidel Cuellar Piano

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review by Rudy Mangual - courtesy Latin Beat Magazine

The New York City-based flutist/composer/arranger Carlos Jimenez is back with his third and latest production as a leader. Thoughts (Pensamientos) finds Jimenez at his best, with a powerful quartet that also includes Ruben Rodriguez (bass), Vince Cherico (drums), and Fidel Cuellar (piano/keyboards). Eleven feisty original scores bring out the best from these young jazzmen, combining tremendous arrangements with flavorful improvisations. Jimenez's flute sound is full, clean and sweet, leading all the melodies with the ease of a tropical breeze, yet able to blow a storm when called for. Cuellar does a an excellent job on the ivory keys as well as on the Fender Rhodes (adding another dimension to the quartet), while the bass and drums groove freely, displaying every note and change in the compositions. Standouts include the opening track Carlitos My Son, Bluedo, the tittled track Thoughts, and the selection Look At The Sky.