Juan Carlos Quintero - Caminando

Juan Carlos Quintero - Caminando - Moondo Music

Guitarist-composer Juan Carlos Quintero was born in Columbia but came to the United States as an infant. When eight, he traveled led with his family (his father was an Army physician) to Belgium. He started playing guitar during this time. When the family returned to the United States, he continued his musical education at Berklee and the New England Conservatory studying with Gary Burton, Michael Gibbs, and George Russell. At Berklee, he first met the legendary session guitarist Tommy Tedesco who would mentor Quintero. After moving to Los Angeles in 1986, Tedesco would introduce Quintero to the West Coast studio music community, and eventually, this led to his first recordings.

The present recording is a rerelease of his 1997 album, "The Way Home." On this album, Quintero's acoustic guitar is supported by pianist Joe Rotondi and either bassist Eddie Resto or Alec Milstein. There are also a host of percussionists (Munyungo Jackson, Walter Rodriguez, Tiki Pasillas, Angel Figueroa, and Ron Powell). Quintero composed all ten compositions (one with Kenny Hudson). 

While inspiration may be from Latin American folk music, Quintero brings an appealing pop-flamenco-jazz feel to this recording. This feel is evident in the opening "El Baile," based on the cumbia folk style of his native Columbia. Here, and throughout, his excellent technique, melodic embellishments, and tone are supported by pianist Rotondi and the percussion. The title composition sounds like an acoustic Santana rendition of the cha-cha-chá, with marvelous bebop runs mixed for perhaps his most intriguing solo. Then there is the surging Latin flavor of "Hermandos," the dramatic tone to "Libre," and a lovely ballad, "The Way Home." 

The music varies from the calm, relaxing mood to The Way Home" to the exhilarating feeling engendered by the title track. His playing is outstanding with substance yet still very accessible. This recording may be older, but its new release is most welcome. It is available at Bandcamp,  https://moondorecords.bandcamp.com/album/caminando.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here he performs "Caminando."

José Rizo's Mongorama Mariposas Cantan

José Rizo's Mongorama
Mariposas Cantan
Saungu Records

Popular Los Angeles DeeJay José Rizo founded Mongorama in 2011, a nonet inspired by the great conga master Mongo Santamaria's early 1960s band. This album is the group's third album under the musical direction of flutist Danilo Lozano. The personnel on this recording are Justo Almario (tenor sax, flute); Danilo Lozano (flute, musical director); Ramon Banda (timbales); Dayren Santamaria (violin); Joey De Leon (congas); James Zavaleta (lead vocals); Joe Rotondi (piano); Alfredo Ortiz (guiro, bongo, bell, chekere, vocals); George Ortiz (timbales); and Ross Schodek (bass). Darynn Dean, Yoshigei Rizo, and Alexis De La Rocha are guest vocalists. Francisco Torres plays trombone on one selection, wrote nine of the arrangements, and co-wrote five compositions with Rizo. This album includes the final recordings of Ramon Banda, who is considered one of the greatest of timbales players.

"Mariposas Cantan" is an exhilarating recording for Latin Jazz fans. I point to "Mongorama," a Santamaria composition that provided this group its name. Besides the spirited ensemble playing, there is a section where the percussionists are featured playing over a piano vamp. On his solo, Banda scorches the groove on timbales. There is so much to enjoy from all the players. I was especially impressed by Dayren Santamaria's violin playing, whether as part of the horn ensembles or taking his terrific, soaring solos such as on the opening track, Cal Tjader's "Mambo Minduro." Almario's tenor sax impresses throughout, including his solo on the Rizo/Torres original "Mariposas Cantan" with James Zavaleta's vocal.

Danilo Lozano is featured on flute on "Helen of Jazz." He is also one of the soloists on his ebullient original "Fiesta de Charangueros." Alfredo Ortiz takes the lead on this spicy number that also spotlights violinist Santamaria, pianist Joe Rotondi, and George Ortiz on timbales. Other notable selections include a relaxed "Watermelon Man," harking back to Mongo Santamaria's classic hit recording of the Herbie Hancock composition. Joe Rotondi on piano and Joey De Leon on congas take first-rate solos. It is Justin Almara's tenor sax solo that especially shines here.

There is plenty of tropical heat on "Descarga Ramon Banda," which is Ruiz and Torres' celebration of their 'musical brother," with Rotondi exquisite on his solo. At the same time, Francisco Torres plays some fiery trombone, and Zavaleta leads the impassioned vocals. "East L.A. Meets Napa" honors an annual event that features "the amazing wines made by the hard-working Mexican-American winemakers." The exhilarating ensemble supports the exuberant singing and Lozano's floating flute. It closes this superlative recording. One should check one's pulse if one isn't at least tapping one's feet, listening to this outstanding recording.

I received my review copy a publicist. Here is Mongorama performing with special guest Hubert Laws.