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Oscar Hernandez & Alma Libre: Vision
ByAs a result, Los Angeles-based Alma Libre went into the studio in May, 2021 to record ten dazzling compositions. Featuring longtime colleague Justo Almario who provides all the saxophone and flute voices on the album. Other members include drummer Jimmy Branly, bassist Oskar Cartaya and percussionist Christian Maraga. To enrich and energize the sound, the pianist also adds the great vibraphonist Joe Locke, trumpeter Aaron Janik and Luisito Quintero on timbales and percussion as special guests.
Though a Latin jazz format for sure, should you listen with a discerning ear, you will hear elements of the modern contemporary jazz sound throughout the session. The title track kicks off the music in swinging fashion showcasing the Latin rhythms that will reverberate from this point on. "Ritmo Pa' Ti" feature the sax and trumpet sounds along with the customary percussions that make Latin music so familiar. On "Donia Provi" Hernandez performs a beautiful light intro on the piano before Almario steps in on the flute in this Danzon-styled number dedicated to the pianist's mother.
Another dedication, this time to the late great Chick Corea, "Chick Forever" is one swinging burner featuring the saxophonist, the drummer and the leader on outstanding solo moments in one of those tracks that's not quite an all-Latin tune, containing plenty of modern jazz elements, too.
One more composition revealing the contemporary jazz sound over the Latin-flavored theme of the album is "Make the Move," with Almario on the alto and trumpeter Janik leading the music on a plain straight-ahead piece of terrific jazz. The following "Tributo al son" returns the group to the theme of the set displaying the beats and rhythms of the Latin sound the band is primed to play. After forging through three additional Latin-styled numbers, the music comes to splendid end with "Virtually Here," a track that swings from Latin to modern in a balance and taste of both resulting in a delicious finale.
Track Listing
Vision; Ritmo Pa' Ti; Dona Provi; Chick Forever; Make the Move; Tributo al Son; Don't stop Now; Spring; So Believe It; Virtually Here.
Personnel
Oscar Hernansez
pianoJusto Almario
saxophoneJimmy Branly
drumsOskar Cartaya
bassChristian Moraga
percussionAaron Janik
trumpetJoe Locke
vibraphoneLuisito Quintero
percussionAlbum information
Title: Vision | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Ovation Records
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Oscar Hernandez & Alma Libre
Album Review
Edward Blanco
Lisa Reedy Promotions
Vision
Ovation Records
Justo Almario
Jimmy Branly
Oskar Cartaya
Christian Maraga
Joe Locke
Aaron Janik
Luisito Quintero
Chick Corea