Diego Rivera - Indigenous (Posi-Tone Records 2021)

Bandleader and saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera explores the "Indigenous" multi-cultural roots of our human family with his second release for Posi-Tone Records. With a program of exciting original compositions, a few tasty covers, and a special guest appearances by trumpet virtuoso Etienne Charles, this whole session swings swiftly into action and shines with bright moments from the get go.

 

Also on the date is an all-star rhythm section of pianist Helen Sung, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards. With the deep emotionality of this musical offering, Diego Rivera has noticeably advanced his intention and expression up onto another level and the poignancy of these performances will entreat jazz enthusiasts everywhere to dig deeper into the "Indigenous" message with amazement and delight.

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Etienne Charles - San Jose Suite (2016)

Label: Culture Shock Music

Source: San Jose Jazz

Genre: Jazz / Afro-caribbean

GAB's Rating: ★★★★★

Composer, arranger, recording artist and educator Etienne Charles is one of the most compelling and exciting young jazz artists on the scene, ushering the genre into groundbreaking new territory. The young trumpeter and bandleader performs the world premiere of his San Jose Suite, borne of influences from San Jose, CA; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Charles’ native St. Joseph, Trinidad.

The San Jose Suite explores stories, rituals, native chants, rhythms, and other cultural elements that shaped the three San Jose cities. This musical exploration will take place through a mix of composition and improvisation, with each movement of the 60‐75 minute piece introducing cultural and historical icons, traditions, and milestone events in the history of the cities.

Charles is known to deliver a unique spin on Creole-oriented tunes, including covers from past masters ranging from Bob Marley to Thelonious Monk. His latest album Creole Soul is a captivating journey of new jazz expression, formed from his Trinidadian background. Charles has also performed with a vast range of musicians, from Roberta Flack, Rene Marie, and David Rudder to Wynton Marsalis, Johnny Mandel, and the Count Basie Orchestra, in addition to his work as Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University.

 1  Boruca     5:16
2  Limon     4:57
3  Cahuita     6:43
4  Hyarima - 14 October 1637     6:17
5  Revolt     4:12
6  Juego De Los Diablitos     3:46
7  Muwekma     6:07
8  Song For Minh     1:32
9  Gold Rush 2.0     5:49
10 Speed City Intro     3:31
11 Speed City     5:08
12 Speed City (Reprise)     1:40

Etienne Charles, trumpet
Brian Hogan, alto saxophone
Alex Wintz, guitar
Victor Gould, piano
Ben Williams, bass
John Davis, drums

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