The Elegant sounds of Guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero
Los Musicos
For over a decade,
Colombian born guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero has been performing
in Los Angeles all a while developing his own very personal style.
From an earlier 1990 self-titled release on Nova Records, one
memorable tune comes to mind--a heavy duty Cha-Cha called "Por
Que No?." In his early years, he was influenced by the sounds
of rock legends like Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin and his affection
for the Cumbia rhythm of his native land.
On the Latin side, Juan has taken much inspiration from masters
like Cal Tjader, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Antonio Carlos
Jobim and Carlos Santana. However, he found more guidance in
the forming of his sound from the music of Chick Corea's unique
style of mixing Latin music with American Jazz. Juan strengthened
his musical foundation while attending Berklee College of Music
and the New England Conservatory. As a result, he has developed
into a college professor and created the guitar department at
College of the Canyons in Valencia, California.
Juan's music has reached a wide audience through numerous
television shows including Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,
Extra, Hard Copy and programs throughout Europe and Japan. His
tasty guitar work was also featured on the critically acclaimed
"Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars Vol.1 and 2" releases
on Cubop records. Currently on this forth CD release titled "Los
Musicos" Quintero presents a Latin Jazz style that is elegant,
varied and without limitations.
Rich with melodic turns and twists, "Melina's Rumba"
starts the Show with a delicate performance by Juan that is highlighted
by pianist Otmaro Ruiz and the percussion section of Walter Rodriguez
(drums), Ramon Banda (timbales, shekere) and Papo Rodriguez (congas).
"Cumbia para los bandidos (de Amor)" will take you
into the sensual Cumbia rhythm featuring Lucho Campillo on accordion
and Guillermo Guzman on Bass and percussion, who also co-produced
this recording. "El Sueno" has an entrancing introduction
dedication to his wife Irene. As a tribute to one of Juan's early
influences Antonio Carlos Jobim, the Brazilian flavored "Jobim"
has a melody like that of a bird in flight, gliding with grace
and beauty. The title track "Los Musicos" is next and
allows the creative side of Juan to deliver a delicious mix of
percussion progressive guitar licks.
"El Camino" is an explosive and soulful Cha-Cha
that is sure to get the toes tapping. Juan is joined by Eddie
Resto on Bass and the sultry piano stylings of Joe Rotundi. Joe
has worked with many top names in Latin Jazz like the Estrada
Brothers, Bongo Logic, Pete Escovedo, Jazz on the Latin Side
All-Stars, Tolu, Caravana Cubana, Susie Hansen and Francisco
Aguabella. On a lighter side comes "La Cumbia y La Luna",
an interesting piece that features percussionist Ramon Yslas
(spoons & shells) with Aristarco Perrea Pandeles (percussion)
and the interplay between Juan and Lucho Campillo on accordion.
Next, "Cafe Colombia" highlights the percussion
interplay of Luis Conte (congas) and Richie Garcia (congas, timbales,
percussion) including the accordion work of Enrique Martinez.
"La Fiesta" closes out the recording with an upbeat
sound that represents the style and rhythmic quality of Quintero's
music.
This CD expresses much passion and Joy as Juan Carlos Quintero
and a marvelous cast of musicians deliver a relaxing and refreshing
dose of Latin Jazz
For more information on Juan Carlos Quintero visit: www.juancarlosquintero.com
By Erik "Chico" Manqueros
Contributing writer LatinJazzClub.com Magazine
Email: EManqueros@LatinJazzClub.com
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz
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