LUIS MUNOZ - OF SOUL AND SHADOW (2007)
Nico Abondolo: Acoustic bass
Ramses Araya: Bata drums, Conga, Bongo, Timbales,Tambora
Dave Binney: Alto sax
George Friedenthal: Piano
Gilberto Gonzalez: Acoustic guitars
Luis Munoz: Piano, Synthesizer, All percussions
Jonathan Dane: Marimba, trumpet
Tom Buckner: Tenor Sax, Alto sax
Robert Clements: Shekere
John Nathan: Marimba
Randy Tico: Bass
Adolfo Acosta: Trumpets
Tom Etchart: Acoustic Bass
Ira Nepus: Trombones
Ron Kalina: Chromatic Harmonica
Bill Flores: Pedal Steel Guitar
Bruce Bigenho: Piano
Narciso Sotomayor: Guitars, acoustic Guitar
Gil Valencia: Background vocals
Andy Zuniga: Lead vocals, background vocals
Bill Flores: Tres
Josefina Abondolo: Violins. violas
Laura Hackstein: Violins. violas
Claudia Kaiser: Cello
Song Nervis: Harp
1. PASO A PASO 6:36 2. VERDE MUNDO INFINITO 4:57 3. LA SEMILLA 4:50 4. AL SILENCIO 5:47 5. LUZ DEL SUR 1:43 6. LA VERDAD 4:42 7. MAS ALLA DE LA NOSTALGIA 6:40 8. EL VEDADO 3:55 9. PAZ 5:23 10. ADAM’S DREAM 3:06
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Dr. Ana Isabel Ordonez - courtesy www.jazzreview.com
Costa Rican native Luis Muñoz has conceived ten compositions that have graced over 25 musicians including special guests Adolfo Acosta (Tower of Power) on trumpet; percussionist Ramses Araya (Ruben Blades); chromatic harmonica player Ron Kalina; trombone player Ira Nepus (Diana Krall); and New York based Dave Binney on alto sax. Highlights embody the swingy “Paso a Paso”, the bluesy “Mas Allá” and “Paz” as well as Latin shades in the dainty “La Verdad”.
Luis Muñoz is remarkable in “Adam’s Dream,” and he is evenly harmonized by his collective. The swing that Muñoz creates in this release merits listening to over and over again. Compositions and arrangements are colorful and cheerful. Luis Muñoz is the winner of an ACAM Award for his previous CD, Vida (Jazz Composer/Producer of the Year 2006). These creations are so robust in their portraits of Central American folklore, classical music and jazz, that if you let your mind go, you may find yourself wondering around Costa Rica.
The whole album is committed to Costa Rican sounds. Muñoz soars with his drum and piano work which is skilfully honored by his band mates. The tempo slows down a bit on “Al Silencio”. Etchart’s gentle bass and Friedenthal soft piano counterpoint Kalina’s powerful chops on the chromatic harmonics. Muñoz’s compositional skills and the musician’s dexterity blend to generate a fresh soundscape in each track. The track “Luz Del Sur” is another great piece from this CD, actually... there are many good tracks to opt for. Delightful release, highly recommended!
