CD Review: Oscar Penas' 'From Now On'

Oscar Penas

From Now On

BJURecords

Oscar Penas' latest work is a Spanish/Jazz excursion that is full of smooth rhythms, cool grooves, and improvisational goodness. As a guitarist and composer, Oscar strikes a perfect balance between Spanish and jazz music. A bit of flamenco-type rhythms, Latin sensibilities, and smooth jazz leanings make From Now On a classy little gem. Oscar is joined by Dan Blake on saxophones, Moto Fukushima on electric bass, Richie Barshay on drums, Gil Goldstein on accordion and piano, and Franco Pinna on bombo leguero (Argentinian drum). Smooth jazz characterizations aside, Oscar also employs a Brazilian presence with "Choro N. 1" and "Choro N. 2". The entire album is instrumental. The soothing sounds of Oscar's guitar and additional work by assorted musicians makes From Now On an exciting musical journey for everyone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori - Mulberry Street

Jeff Fairbanks' Project Hansori

Mulberry Street

BJURecords

The multicultural roots of Jeff Fairbanks' jazz project incorporates the elements of Korean, Chinese, and American Big Band styles. Moreover, Jeff was trained in classical music with experience in African-American gospel and Latin salsa genres, too. Though, the latter genres are not represented on this album. The striking four-part "Mulberry Street" medley of New York's Chinatown region contains sub-titles of "Entrance and Funeral March," "Scaring Away Evil Spirits with Joyful Sounds," "Releasing Grief," and "The Send-off." Named for a street in Chinatown, the songs reflect the Buddhist and Western funerary musical styles all on a palette of big band and Asian tones. Each song is instrumental and reflects the mid-twentieth century Spaghetti Western and other American film soundtracks of the period. Interestingly, the album is rather cohesive and fluid in its musical approach and execution. There are ecstatic moments, as well as quieter jams with short interjections of trumpet, sax, or trombone. Notably, 'hansori' means 'one sound' in Korean. In closing, Mulberry Street can be summed up in one word: magnificent! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Alexis Cuadrado's 'Noneto Iberico'

Alexis Cuadrado

Noneto Iberico

BJURecords

As a bassist, composer, and co-founder of BJURecords, Alexis Cuadrado has amassed a stunningly-talented group of musicians for his latest release, Noneto Iberico. The reference to flamenco-jazz is particularly evident with the addition of trumpet, trombone, guitar, piano, sax, flute, drums, bass, and assorted percussion. The album is more akin to the jazzy-fusion of Latin America or tropical beat music. The entire album is instrumental and definitely explores the jazzier side of life without compromising the innate cultural elements of the songs. The shortest song is only six minutes, while the longest song is seventeen-and-a-half minutes. Eight tracks in all round out the listening experience. Everything from tropical, Latin, jazz, big band, cool/smooth jazz, and other related genres emanate from this release. If you are a fan of Norman Hedman, Brian Hughes, or Tito Puente, then this is for you. ~ Matthew Forss