Random Notes 6/15/2020

Pacific Mambo Orchestra’s Conguero Javier Cabanillas has been busy preparing the new full length recording with his Cabanijazz Project entitled “Hellasonic” to be released later this summer. Cabanillas said that he had 80 percent of Hellasonic recorded and ready before the outbreak of COVID-19 shut down the USA and the world in mid March. Cabanillas is collaborating with vocalists Juan Luis Perez, Carlos Xavier and Armando Cordova on the new recording. He intends to release both the full length digitally and on colored vinyl for this upcoming release. Cabanijazz Project who broke out with their fresh, self described “new Cali Mambo and Retro Salsa” sound released their first recording “Infrasonic” in 2018 to enthusiastic reviews. Their follow up EP “Retrosonic” which came out on cool green vinyl came out last year. Now “Hellasonic” promises to be an exciting evolution on their take of West Coast Latin Jazz and Salsa with a bit of timba thrown in for good measure. For more information, visit their website: www.cabanijazzproject.com. Image: Cabanijazz Project @ Oakland Museum 4/12/19. Photo: Luis Medina

I recommend the following recordings to get you through this rough era of the Coronavirus pandemic and the US in upheaval due to issues of racism, the abuses of power, mass unemployment, people rising up in protest against police brutality and Agent Orange in the White House. Not to diminish personal issues such as self-isolation, loneliness and lack of connection. Heavy stuff like that needs great music!! Here are some recommendations to get you through the darkness in order to reach the light: Quintero’s Salsa Project “Tributo A La Dimension Latina”, Edwin Perez “Street Corner Chronicles“, Herman Olivera “Recuerda Que Te Quiero”, Spanish Harlem Orchestra “The Latin Jazz Project”, Edwin Bonilla “Infinito”, Orquesta Aragon “Icono”, Alain Perez “El Cuento De La Buena Pipa”, Kike Valera “Vivencias En Clave Cubana”, Eddie Montalvo “Señor Tambo” and Chick Corea’s Spanish Heart Band “Antidote”.

New releases to look out for…..“Mayan Suite” by drummer Brian Andres Trio Latino with PMO’s Christian Tumalan on piano and Aaron Germain on bass. “Arrival” by Key Elements, the new quintet headed by pianist wunderkind Patricia Thumas (ex-Tipica Cienfuegos, Ritmo 74, Chevere). Check out “Descarga Peruchin”, their swinging, loving tribute to the Cuban piano legend. For the social media surfers: check out You Tube for the latest from Los Van Van “Resolucion” and a rare live video featuring Ismael Miranda “Maria Luisa” with Victor Manuelle on Coro and El Gran Combo’s Jerry Rivas on cuatro joined by a whole slew of all stars during El Dia Nacional De La Salsa weekend recorded in Puerto Rico at a dance earlier this year before the pandemic struck worldwide.

That’s it for today! Ciao 4 now!!!