LATIN JAZZ BAND

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The Caribbean Jazz Project was formed in 1993. Over the course of eight acclaimed recordings, a Grammy in 2003 and 2 Grammy nominations in 2004 & 2005, the inventive Latin jazz ensemble has blended scintillating rumbas, sambas, boleros and cha-chas with the uncut spirit of jazz improvisation. As ringleader Samuels once explained, "Caribbean defines part of what we do, and jazz defines the other part." On Mosaic, the group’s eighth recording, the ensemble is augmented for the first time by the sounds of organ (courtesy of Alain Mallet), giving the Grammy-winning group a wholly unique texture on its most dynamic offering to date.

Dave Samuels

With his distinct musical personality, Dave Samuels has established himself as the top mallet player of his generation. He is recognized for his fresh new sound and creative approach to both the vibraphone and marimba. Dave has demonstrated his versatility and gained world wide recognition by performing and recording with a broad scope of artists ranging from Gerry Mulligan, Oscar Peterson, Chet Baker, Stan Getz, Carla Bley, The Yellowjackets, Pat Metheny, Bruce Hornsby, Frank Zappa, The Fantasy Band, Spyro Gyra, Double Image and The Caribbean Jazz Project. Throughout his career, Dave has been recognized by fans and critics alike for his quality in performance and recording. During his time with Spyro Gyra, the 5-time Grammy Nominated group was named #1 Contemporary Jazz Artist and Contemporary Jazz Group of the 80's by Billboard magazine. Dave's other awards include being voted Best Vibes Player in both Jazziz and Modern Drummer Magazine He received a Grammy Award in 2003 for “Best Latin Jazz Recording” with his group, the “Caribbean Jazz Project’s”, CD, “The Gathering”. In 2004 he received a second Grammy Nomination for “Best Latin Jazz Recording” for the “Caribbean Jazz Project's” release “Birds of a Feather” and again in 2005 received an unprecedented third consecutive Grammy Nomination for the “Caribbean Jazz Project’s” release “Here and Now – Live in Concert”. His most recent “Caribbean Jazz Project” release is entitled ‘Mosaic’ reunites charter members Paquito D’Rivera on alto sax and clarinet and Andy Narell on steel pans playing 3 new originals tracks. The rest of the cd is augmented for the first time by the sounds of organ and violin (courtesy of Alain Mallet and Christian Howes, respectively) giving the Grammy-winning group a wholly unique texture on its most dynamic offering to date. The most current release is “Caribbean Jazz Project/Afro Bop Alliance”. A powerful and colorful portrait of the music of the Caribbean Jazz Project featuring a big band performing new music and some of the CJP’s signature arrangements of jazz standards. Another groundbreaking recording from the always original Caribbean Jazz Project.

CARIBBEAN JAZZ PROJECT featuring Dave Samuels - AFRO BOB ALLIANCE (2008)

Dave Samuels Vibes, marimba
Steve Williams Lead alto soprano sax, solo on 'Naima'
Andy Axelrad Alto sax
Luis Hernandez Tenor sax, solos
Vince Norman Tenor sax
Rob Holmes Baritone sax
Chris Walter Lead trumpet
Nick Cooper Trumpet
Greg Reese Trumpet
Tim Stanley Trumpet, solo
Dan Drew Lead trombone
Jim McFalls Trombone
Ben Patterson Trombone
Mark Morgan Bass trombone
Harry Appelman Piano
JJ Wright Piano on "Five for Elvin"
Max Murray Bass
Joe McCarthy Drums, percussion (bells, timbale, clave, chekere, shakers)
Roberto Quintero Percussion (congas, bongos, maracas)

Recensione di Gian Franco Grilli

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