Latin Thursday - Calle 54 - From Within (Michel Camilo/Horacion 'El Negro' Hernandez/Anthony Jackson)

Ok here we go!

LT

Today I want to feature a latin jazz trio. They don't usually play together, but as most latin jazz musicians do, apart from having thier solo projects, they jump around playing with their long time friends... what agreat thing to do! Now that is what I call the good life. This presentation comes directly from the film directed and written by Fernando Trueba, called Calle 54. In the film the director follows some of the greatest latin jazz musicians of the time to their native countries or cities where they reside to show how they take on their lifes living in the exile or the humbleness of their homelands. Live presentations of this artists are shown where different generations of musicians play flamenco, african rythms, and latin influenced jazz which come together and create a blend of very intresting music that is worth paying attention to.

Some of the musicians featured are Tito Puente, Chucho & Bebo Valdez, Paquito, Cachao, Patato, Chico, Gato Barbieri among many others.

Some of those other musicians take on the stage and bring the biggest display of technicall musicianship while maintaining the feeling, showing that the good music comes From Within. Michel Camilo, Horacio El Negro Hernandez and Anthony Jackson pull out this outstanding performance for us to enjoy so let's do it already.

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Notice the smile from Michel Camilo, it's almost as he's saying: "I can't believe we pulled it out." It's as they were all posessed by some latin jazz devil.

Now let me tell you a little bit about Michel Camilo. He was born in Republica Dominicana. Started his formal musical training at the age of 9. By the time he was 14 he was already playing with the national symphonic orchestra of RD, and looking up to contemporary jazz players such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock as well as Keith Jarret. He moved to NY to study in Julliard's and Mannes College. After that, in 1983 he was recruited by the great Tito Puente to play with him at the Montreal Jazz Festival. Then, he played with Paquito D'Rivera. Unitl in 2000 he launched a collaboration CD called Spain with the spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito which earned him the first Latin Jazz Grammy. He holds several honorary awards from his country, academic degrees and Visiting Professorship at Berklee College of Music... excusez-moi. Oh as well as recording studio sessions and extensive touring through the US, and Europe.

See you nexxxt Latin Thursday.

Please post comments or suggestions. Rock hard!