Eliseo Borrero
The Prophecy
Elibor Records
For many year now, creating his own Latin Jazz sound has been
a priority for bassist Eliseo Borrero. With this new and rich
recording you will hear for yourself how this great talent has
done just that. Born on New Year's Eve 1958 in Ponce, Puerto
Rico, Eliseo follows the musical tradition of his family and
hometown. His Grandfather and Uncle both crafted violins and
guitars in Puerto Rico and his sister Vickie taught him to play
the guitar when he was only 13. He soon switched to bass and
followed in the footsteps of his cousin Pito Martell.
Eliseo studied music at Escuela Libre De Musica Juan Morell
Campos and at the Interamerican University and Conservatory of
Music in Puerto Rico. While in Puerto Rico, Eliseo played with
Ednita Nazario, Menudo, Wilkins and his own Jazz-fusion group
Terranova. Since moving to Los Angeles in the early 80's Eliseo
has been teaching Latin bass at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood
and at the Los Angeles Music Academy in Pasadena. His stay in
Los Angeles has allowed him to work with the acclaimed group
Strunz and Farah. He has also worked with the likes of Papo Lucca,
Dave Samuels, Robby "Draco" Rosa, Vikki Carr, Ruben
& Roberto Blades and many other local talents.
On this fine recording The Prophecy (La Profecia), it was
Eliseo's desire to represent the best in Latin Jazz rhythms.
In this endeavor Eliseo has enlisted some of LA's top talents
like Joey De Leon, Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas, Joe Rotundi,
Julius Melendez, Jimmy Branly, John Fumo, Ramon Flores, Otmaro
Ruiz, Alex Acuna, Robertito Melendez, Ramon Yslas, Ramon "Mongo"
Ramos, David Stout and others to interpret Eliseo's brand of
Jazz Latino. I think it is done quite nicely and this second
effort by Eliseo will garner him some well-deserved recognition.
Eight of the nine tunes here are Eliseo originals and he also
included a stunning version of the Victor Young classic "Stella
by Starlight" that is extremely gorgeous and complete with
strings! I especially enjoyed the energetic "Comparsa Pal
Compadre" with its dynamic horn arrangement. The title track
"The Prophecy" is a swingin Jazz mambo with a too tough
solo duo from Ramon Flores (Trumpet) and Eric Jorgensen (Trombone)
esto si es mucho swing!
"Variacion de Impromtu" is a delicious danza that
features some straight-ahead playing from Eliseo on Cuatro and
bass. This one was taken from an original danza by legendary,
Luis Miranda. "Sao Paulo" is a Brazilian style mambo
and it swings with character as Otmaro Ruiz's piano virtuosity
shines. I really enjoy Otmaro's playing on this one. Eliseo's
tribute to the Jazz fusion group Weather Report is on "Elegua's
Hip Hop." An interesting jam, featuring Joey De Leon on
Congas and Ramon Yslas on Cajon.
The cool "Bombeando" with its sassy arrangement
is sure to satisfy and the more salsa oriented "Pesadilla"
and "Si asi Fuera" let the band explode with an array
of danceable rhythm and swing. I can't recommend this CD enough.
Eliseo has definitely created his own explosive and enjoyable
style of Latin Jazz.
A Gozar!
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
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