Showing posts with label Chano Dominguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chano Dominguez. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Chano Domínguez - Chabem

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:55
Size: 129,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:57) 1. Capricho de Espanha
(3:47) 2. Para Chick
(3:47) 3. Afro Flamenco
(6:15) 4. Olha Maria
(3:56) 5. Chumbulum
(7:10) 6. Zyryab
(4:49) 7. A Mi Padre
(5:56) 8. Santa Morena
(4:18) 9. Em Nome Da Esperança
(4:07) 10. Luz de Vida
(5:48) 11. Carinhoso

Spanish pianist Chano Dominguez has achieved an unusual integration between the rhythms and languages of modern jazz and the entire lineage of flamenco. While many musicians have attempted this fusion with varying degrees of success Dominguez has created a unique idiosyncratic style from them. His 20th century recordings Más Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminutas (1978), Noche Abierta (1979), and Canción de Primavera (1980), not only established his reputation at home as a pianist and composer, they put his name on the map in Europe and Asia as a true musical innovator. Since then, Dominguez has established a groundbreaking partnership with Paco De Lucia on acclaimed albums such as 1997's En Directo. His own recordings, including 2008's Cuentos del Mundo, 2014's Chano & Josele with guitarist Niño Josele, and 2015's Soleando with WDR Big Band Cologne have forged a new direction not only for flamenco but also for modern jazz.

Born in Cadiz in 1960, Dominguez started playing flamenco guitar around age eight before moving on to the piano. In his twenties he formed the progressive Latin rock ensemble CAI, who released three albums for CBS. After the group disbanded in 1981, Dominguez pursued a solo career. He quickly garnered several awards for his innovative mix of flamenco and jazz, including First Prize in the National Jazz Competition for Young Interpreters in 1992. A year later, he released his debut solo album, Chano, and relocated to New York City. Several more well-received albums followed, including 1995's Paco de Lucia-themed 10 de Paco and 1997's En Directo. The 2000s saw Dominguez release a steady stream of forward-thinking, cross-cultural albums, including 2001's I Si!, 2002's Hecho a Mano, 2006's Acercate Mas, and 2007's New Flamenco Sound. Also in 2007, he appeared alongside saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera in the concert film Quartier Latin. A year later, he delivered Cuentos del Mundo.

In 2010, Dominguez earned a Latin Grammy Award nomination for his album Piano Ibérico. Two years later, he returned with Flamenco Sketches, a re-visioning of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue that peaked at number eight on the international jazz album chart. He then teamed with contemporary flamenco guitarist Niño Josele for Chano & Josele. In 2017, he delivered the intimate solo piano album Over the Rainbow, recorded live at Barcelona's Palau Falguera, and followed it a year later with the collaborative album Chano & Colina (with Spanish jazz bassist Javier Colina) on Sunnyside Communications. While appearing at the 2017 Jazzahead Conference in Bremen, Germany, the pianist met the acclaimed Israeli flutist Hadar Noiberg after she heard his set. She introduced herself and proposed that the two work together. Since they each lived in Brooklyn, New York and, as fate would have it, mere blocks apart they began rehearsing together informally at first, whenever they were in the city at the same time.

The duo found their approaches to music fit well together; both had backgrounds in jazz and classical music along with a love for a variety of Latin music. Dominguez's Spanish influences were not foreign to Noiberg, her background in the widely eclectic music of Israel provided touchstones to the Iberian Peninsula, and further, her own involvement with Latin American music gave her a grounding in its rhythmic ideas. Further, many of the Israeli folkloric pieces that Noiberg introduced to Dominguez reminded him of holiday tunes from his native Andalusia. After rehearsing, performing, and developing a collective sound, the pair took their new repertoire and made a formal recording at Trading 8s Studios in Paramus, New Jersey. The duo set was issued as Paramus in 2019.~Matt Collor https://www.allmusic.com/artist/chano-dom%C3%ADnguez-mn0000199906/biography

Chabem

Friday, January 4, 2019

Chano Dominguez, Javier Colina - Chano & Colina

Styles: Piano Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:16
Size: 165,8 MB
Art: Front

( 5:18)  1. Luces de la fragua
( 5:57)  2. You the Night and the Music
(11:20)  3. Habanera de la Habanera
( 8:22)  4. My One and Only Love
( 5:49)  5. Para Chick
( 9:08)  6. We Will Meet Again
( 5:45)  7. You Must Believe In Spring
( 6:47)  8. Canción de Amor
( 8:39)  9. Ziryab
( 5:06) 10. Serpent's Tooth

Chano Domínguez is from Cádiz, Spain, the birthplace (according to legend) of flamenco. His discography is mostly on Spanish labels. He released two records on Blue Note in 2010 and 2012 (Piano Ibérico and Flamenco Sketches), but they are atypical and already rarities. Over the Rainbow came out last year on Sunnyside; now there’s Chano & Colina too. For those new to Domínguez, the two Sunnyside titles are where to start, and they will be revelations. His unique piano language organically fuses two sensibilities: the rhythms and harmonies of flamenco and the improvisatory spirit of jazz. The first Sunnyside album was a solo concert. Chano & Colina, also recorded live in Spain, adds bassist Javier Colina. “Ziryab,” by Paco de Lucía, is unleashed excitement, an ornate spontaneous jazz design overtaken by the climactic flourishes of flamenco. Even more striking are the North American standards. “You and the Night and the Music” has been waiting 80 years for Domínguez to inject all those extra flamenco beats into its straight 4/4. A song about being “filled with flaming desire” has never been set on fire like this. Domínguez’s rhythmic sophistication and intensity do amazing things to ballads. “My One and Only Love” becomes a spring-loaded flamenco waltz, an assertive new concept of tenderness. It’s initially surprising that he chooses two songs associated with Bill Evans, but on them he proves that he’s more than a master of metrical manipulation; he generates energy in the service of lyricism. “We Will Meet Again” has a new lift, which makes it more, not less, poignant. (Its emotion is deepened by one of Colina’s many dramatic solos.) “You Must Believe in Spring” is transformed by the creative force that sets it into throbbing motion. Michel Legrand’s fragile avowal of faith has rarely sounded so sensual. https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/javier-colina-chano-dominguez-chano-colina/

Personnel:  Javier Colina (bass); Chano Dominguez (piano)

Chano & Colina

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Chano Dominguez - Over The Rainbow

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:31
Size: 156.9 MB
Styles: Piano jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[6:53] 1. Django
[5:17] 2. Drume Negrita
[5:15] 3. Evidence
[9:37] 4. Gracias A La Vida
[7:11] 5. Hacia Dónde
[5:11] 6. Los Ejes De Mi Carreta
[6:18] 7. Mantreria
[9:03] 8. Marcel
[6:02] 9. Monk's Dream
[7:39] 10. Over The Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is a genius effort from a historic musician who continues his storied narrative here in America. We are honored and grateful he is here. It is a giant leap forward on a musical pilgrimage with no end. His offerings along the way have a unique organic presence that reminds us that we all emanate from a colorful palate of cultures worldwide, but exist as a single canvas of humanity. As we express each color as unique and beautiful, we search for ways to have them blend together, to add and subtract them, to create an interaction of unity going forward. Dominguez continues to draw from the cultures and people that inspire his creative genius, and apply them to a tangible form we can all understand, and aspire to emulate. There is a maturity in his playing on this record, a thoughtfulness that pays homage to the multiplicity of musical currents that rise to the top during solo performance. To a listener unfamiliar with the work of Mr. Dominguez, it serves as a sampler of his stunning virtuosity, and joyous fusion of flamenco and jazz. To those already engaged in his musical voyage, it represents a snapshot along the way to new horizons, behind the moon, beyond the rain. ~Paul Rauch

Over The Rainbow mc
Over The Rainbow zippy

Friday, December 8, 2017

Various - Miles Espanol (2-Disc Set)

Conceived and Produced by Bob Belden, Miles Espanol is an amazing journey into the Spanish soul of Miles Davis---and beyond. In May of 2010, a group of Miles Davis alumni, New York's finest Latin Jazz players, and a contingent of exceptional Spanish flamenco musicians, gathered at Sear Sound Studios in Manhattan for an unprecedented recording event. MILES ESPANOL travels more deeply than ever before into the connective tissue between the jazz innovations of Miles Davis and the modern masters who performed in his bands; and the dramatic, romantic soul of Spanish, Latin and Moorish traditional and contemporary music.

Two CDs of material were recorded, blending two different categories of repertoire. New interpretations and arrangements of Miles classics from Sketches Of Spain (Concierto de Aranjuez, Saeta/Pan Piper Medley , Solea), Kind Of Blue (Flamenco Sketches), and Someday My Prince Will Come (Teo aka Teo/Neo.) New compositions by principals in the sessions Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, etc. that enhance and extend the musical concepts into the multicultural language of 21st Century Jazz.

THE PLAYERS: Chick Corea, Jack DeJohnette, John Scofield, Ron Carter, Sammy Figueroa, Sonny Fortune, Alex Acuña, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Rabih Abu-Khalil, Chano Domínguez, Jorge Pardo, Carles Benavent, Eddie Gomez, Jerry Gonzalez, Cristina Pato, Jaco Abe, Edsel Gomez, Adam Rudolph, Brahim Fribgane, Edmar Castañeda, Niño Josele, Antonio Sanchez, John Benitez.

Album: Miles Espanol (Disc 1)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:43
Size: 127.6 MB
Styles: World jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[ 9:26] 1. Rabih Abou Khalil, Edmar Castañeda & Alex Acuña - Concierto De Aranjuez
[10:03] 2. Chick Corea, Ron Carter, Antonio Sanchez & Jorge Pardo - Trampolin
[ 9:38] 3. Rabih Abou Khalil, Chano Domínguez & Alex Acuña - Just Three Miles
[ 4:51] 4. Niño Joseles & Jorge Pardo - Duende
[ 5:29] 5. Gonzalo Rubalcaba - Fantasia Por Miles Y Gil
[ 4:23] 6. Alex Acuña, Adam Rudolph & Niño Joseles - Broto Y Cayo
[ 4:06] 7. Edsel Gomez, Alex Acuña, John Benitez & Sammy Figueroa - Paisaje
[ 7:45] 8. Cristina Pato & Edmar Castañeda - Saeta Pan Piper

Miles Espanol (Disc 1)

Album: Miles Espanol (Disc 2)
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:32
Size: 134.0 MB
Styles: World jazz
Year: 2011
Art: Front

[10:25] 1. Jack Dejohnette, Chano Domínguez, Eddie Gomez & Jorge Pardo - Spantango
[ 7:10] 2. Sonny Fortune, Jerry Gonzalez, Chano Domínguez, Sammy Figueroa, Alex Acuña & John Benitez - Flamenco Sketches
[ 4:56] 3. Chick Corea, Carles Benavent, Jack Dejohnette & Niño Joseles - Tirititran
[ 7:01] 4. John Scofield, Chick Corea, Jack Dejohnette & Eddie Gomez - El Swing
[ 5:14] 5. Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ron Carter & Alex Acuña - Momento
[ 8:59] 6. Edsel Gomez, Alex Acuña, John Benitez & Sammy Figueroa - Teo Neo
[ 7:31] 7. Niño Joseles & Chano Domínguez - Beautiful Love
[ 7:13] 8. Jaco Abel, Victor Prieto & Carles Benavent - Solea

Miles Espanol (Disc 2)

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Martirio Y Chano Dominguez - Acoplados

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:18
Size: 120,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:10)  1. El Aguita Del Querer
(4:56)  2. Locura De Mi Querer
(2:12)  3. No Me Digas Que No
(5:25)  4. Torre De Arena
(3:30)  5. Te Lo Juro Yo
(4:52)  6. Me Embrujaste
(5:39)  7. La Bien Paga
(4:09)  8. Compuesta Y Sin Novio
(4:36)  9. Ojos Verdes
(4:24) 10. Yo Soy Esa
(4:33) 11. Dicen
(4:45) 12. Nana Vidalita De Filigranas

Self-professed "fusions" of various musical forms in jazz are routinely and often justifiably treated with suspicion by critics and fans. The formulas employed for these events can be either fruitful and satisfying, or a recipe for utter pretentious disaster. Fortunately, Acoplados falls into the former category, with the unlikely but fascinating placement of traditional Spanish music within a brassy, swinging context. Spanish vocalist and actress Martirio, who has been no stranger to mixing musical styles over the course of her 25-year career, is joined by pianist and arranger Chano Dominguez and those Spanish civil servants of swing, the RTVE Big Band and Orchestra a state-run organization with many fine soloists whose contributions are criminally uncredited in the CD packaging (although they are listed below and on Sunnyside's website). Bassist George Mraz and drummer Guillermo McGill round out an agile and accomplished rhythm section. In this context, such genre-stretching is not so far-fetched, since adapting traditional copla songs (which pre-date flamenco all the way back to medieval times) is not unlike the efforts of 19th Century classical composers, who blended folk songs into their compositions as a means of forming distinct musical identities for their respective nations. And, of course, the jazz greats of yore routinely adapted Tin Pan Alley tunes for jazzy purposes.

"El Agüita del Querer" echoes Gil Evans' arrangement of "New Rhumba" with its steady rhythmic pulse and stop/start vamp, pretty much setting the tone for the whole album. The torch blues feel of "Locura de Mi Querer" is a dead ringer for a classic Dinah Washington track, with its loose feel and uncannily timed brass hits. Two up-tempo numbers, "No Me Digas que No" and "Compuesta y Sin Novio," strongly retain their copla roots as syllables fly by at a dizzying rate and a hint of flamenco phrasing can be heard in Dominguez's piano. The overall result is more Broadway than Birdland, but after all, many of these selections are torch songs, albeit five hundred-year-old ones. Although Martirio does not possess a natural feel for swing, it doesn't really matter in the end. She has a finely honed, robust and haunting instrument that makes this recording something special. "Ojos Verdes" and "La Bien Pagá" display Martirio's considerable range as a vocalist, with a command of dynamics and phrasing that are particularly arresting when she dips into lower registers. The lush string arrangements cradle her skillful, dramatic delivery. The disc closes on a sombre note with little relation to jazz, but the last piece is one of the best tracks on the album. "Nana Vidalita de Filigranas" combines a gorgeous, dirge-like orchestral arrangement with a mournful, superbly delivered vocal. It sends chills up the spine. 

One might consider the Charlie Parker sides with strings as a comparison: Mitch Miller and the assembled musicians did their thing while Bird did his thing on top without a detectable hint of an alteration of his style. So it goes with Acoplados, except in reverse. Both traditional Spanish folk songs and big band timbre come together, and neither style is diluted one whit they combine to create something that, while far from seamless, is pretty damned interesting. These are simply great traditional songs with arrangements that harken back to another era an American era of dance bands with girl singers like Martha Tilton or Doris Day if they sung in Spanish, and if the Benny Goodman Orchestra were dressed in medieval chain mail gig uniforms. Panache and the wholly original concept carry the day on Acoplados, one of the most intriguing releases of the year. ~ Ken Kase https://www.allaboutjazz.com/martirio-and-chano-dominguez-acoplados-by-ken-kase.php

Personnel:  Martirio: vocals; Chano Dominguez: piano, arrangements; George Mraz: bass, arrangements; Guillermo McGill: drums, arrangements; RTVE Big Band and Orchestra incl. Perico Sambeat: tenor sax, arrangements; Matthew Simon: trumpet, arrangements; Bob Sands: tenor sax; José Miguel Pérez: alto sax; Francisco Blanco: baritone sax; Xavi Figuerola: tenor sax; Patxi Urtegui: trumpet; David Pastor: trumpet; Jan Mungula: trumpet; Carlos Martin: first trombone; Juan Scalona: second trombone; Francisco J. Ruiz: bass trombone; Stephane Loyer: trombone; Marina Albero: cowbell; Ernesto Hernández: maracas.

Acoplados

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Chano Dominguez Trio - Con Alma

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:22
Size: 161,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:48)  1. La Tarara
(6:02)  2. No Me Patiques Mas
(5:27)  3. How About You?
(5:51)  4. Dolphin Dance
(5:34)  5. Con Alma
(7:49)  6. El Toro Y La Luna
(7:25)  7. It Could Happen To You
(7:42)  8. Hullo Bolinas
(7:19)  9. Jure
(6:23) 10. Speak Low
(5:59) 11. Darn That Dream

This is a rather different Chano from the one who first enthralled me with Hecho a Mano (Hand-made), his blazing flamenco/jazz mix recorded in Madrid in 1996 and released on Sunnyside a few years ago. On Con Alma he's replaced the handclaps and multilayered percussion with a traditional jazz trio, bringing on world-class band mates George Mraz and Jeff Ballard. But his roots are still very much in evidence from the first track, a dynamic take on a traditional song my dictionary tells me "La Tatara" means "sound of a trumpet as a signal for action." There's no trumpet here, but there's plenty of action.  Dominguez has a lithe, sensitive touch, impeccable time, and terrific sense of spacing; while he has chops to burn, he lets a lot of fresh air into his playing, unlike some of his more bombastic compatriots. "How About You" is bright and playful and his "Dolphin Dance" is a whirl through the clouds rather than a splash in the sea. Dominguez knows how to build excitement, as demonstrated in the title track; "Con Alma," which features one of several fine solos by Mraz, who is justifiably famous for his lyricism and fat, round sound. Meanwhile, Ballard supplies just the right feel throughout: subtle, intricate, and ever-swinging, he gets to break out on a delightful, sparkling "Speak Low." 

It's a terrific trio and beautifully in synch. One of my favorite tracks is "It Could Happen to You," which begins with a solo full of flamenco flair, then takes off for an extended joyride. This is followed by an intriguing meditation on Steve Swallow's "Hullo Bolinas" which is both free and structured, highlighting the group's versatility. The inclusion of strong Spanish compositions makes a nice mix with the familiar standards; Con Alma ia a rich and tasty feast, laced with salsa. Recommended. ~ Dr. Judith Schlesinger https://www.allaboutjazz.com/con-alma-chano-dominguez-venus-records-review-by-dr-judith-schlesinger.php

Personnel: Chano Dominguez: piano; George Mraz: bass; Jeff Ballard: drums.

Con Alma

Monday, March 13, 2017

Chano Dominguez - Over The Rainbow

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 159,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:53)  1. Django
(5:17)  2. Duerme Negrita
(5:15)  3. Evidence
(9:36)  4. Gracias a la vida
(7:11)  5. Hacia donde
(5:11)  6. Los ejes de mi carreta
(6:18)  7. Mantreria
(9:03)  8. Marcel
(6:02)  9. Monk's Dream
(7:39) 10. Over The Rainbow

Jazz music is an interpretive art form, it is in fact, the quintessential American art form. This is an undeniable attribute to the genre, which over the past century has impacted musical culture internationally, sharing it's compositional and improvisational commonalities and absorbing the unique musical identities of neighboring musical movements. Certainly this is the case with the musical forms of Latin America, with notably strong contributions emanating from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and perhaps most prominently, the Afro-Cuban rhythms and harmonizations evolving just off the southeast coast in the Caribbean. These contributions were brought to light in the 2000 film and subsequent recordings created by Spanish director Fernando Trueba, Calle 54 (EMI, 2000). The film highlighted such artists as Brazilian born pianist Eliane Elias, Cuban piano masters Bebo Valdes and Chucho Valdes and a pianist from Cadiz, Spain, little known to the elite American jazz audience at the time, named Chano Dominguez. Dominguez revolutionized the use of the piano in flamenco, prior to his influence, almost exclusively a domain for the more traditional instrument, the guitar. While much of latin jazz is rhythmic adaptation of traditional compositional and harmonic components of the form, Dominguez has distinguished himself as a true pioneer of flamenco jazz, incorporating flamenco palos, generally composed of 12 beats, with traditional jazz composition written in 4 or 3. While the palos bulería, or soleá may seem incomprehensible to the sensibilities of the swing or jazz ballad forms, Dominguez, whether playing with his band, or in the case of this recording, playing solo piano, seamlessly blends these musical worlds together compositionally, and in their obvious commonalities-those derived through the art of improvisation. On his latest release, Over the Rainbow, Dominguez mixes jazz standards, latin classics, and original compositions on this solo live performance recorded in February of 2012 at the Palau Falguera in Barcelona, Spain. From note one, the listener is drawn in, surrounded by musical images that emphatically state the elegance and historic brilliance of the interpreter, the esteemed Mr. Dominguez. His interpretation of the well known Violeta Parra composition, " Gracias a la Vida," a classic that set the standard for the movement, "Nueva Canción," exudes the joy and soulful passion we have come to expect from Dominguez, whether playing with his flamenco ensemble, a jazz trio, or as a true master of solo piano performance.

I found his inclusion of the Thelonius Monk compositions, "Monk's Dream," and "Evidence, " to be fascinating on several parallel levels. American jazz, and Spanish Flamenco music both find their roots in oppressed peoples on their respective continents, jazz from the African American population that endured centuries of slavery, and whose battle for social justice continues presently. Flamenco which is rooted in gitano, or gypsy culture, bears the marks of oppression and injustice as well. One might contend they are both expressions of what the jazz world refers to as the blues. Both forms radiate the soul, or duende of their respective cultures. The parallels between these two artists, Monk and Dominguez are undeniable as well, both daring and challenging the musical universe with their personal musical adventurism, cultural diversity, and pioneering spirit that tends to create positive, impactful innovation. "Monk's Dream," whether played by Dominguez, or Monk himself, reaches back to historical precedence, with elements of ragtime, stride, and Ellington inspired swing, emanating a joyous caricature brilliantly intertwined with the fluid virtuosity prevalent throughout this recording. Few musicians can create the total musical experience for the listener as a solo performer. Dominguez, who has thrilled us for more than two decades in ensembles of varying size, and with such luminaries as Paco De Lucia, and Wynton Marsalis, is clearly comfortable creating an almost orchestral feel as a solo performer, and does so in stunning fashion over the length of Over the Rainbow. "Mantrería," and "Marcel," are original compositions inspired by his children, "Mantrería" being a play on words, between the flamenco palo bulería, and the word mantra, to express the repetitive mantra like theme of the piece. Mantrería is lively, and enchanting, exhibiting so many of the characteristics of the unique piano style, and compositional genius that Dominguez has dynamically shaped over his storied career. It is in sharp contrast to the more pensive and reflective, "Marcel." "When Marcel was born, he gave me this melody, I always write about the people I love and they bring their own melodies to me, I don't know how, but I feel it," says Dominguez, refering to his children Marcel, Serena, and Pablo. "Marcel" does indeed personify the young gentleman that is the composition's namesake, and in common with "Mantrería," a father's unconditional love for his most precious source of inspiration in life, his children. The Arlen/Harburg classic, "Over the Rainbow," is one of the most beloved songs of the twentieth century, and alludes to a place far, far away, behind the moon, beyond the rain. It incites a journey down a path unknown, to places unknown, the spirit ignited with the reason of hope and inspired adventure. Dominguez moved to the United States three years ago, first to Seattle, and presently, to New York, to indeed embark on such an adventure, with the hope of continuing his musical legacy with new inspired projects in America, in concert with the genius of American interpreters of both improvisational and orchestral forms. His partnership with Sunnyside is a wonderful start. The concept is unique, the playing brilliant, and the recording quality without peer. The sound jumps out of your device as if you are seated in an intimate venue, just a few meters away from the piano.

Chano Dominguez has the unique ability to navigate different musical worlds, to create a sound that becomes one music, that unites the world of music by building bridges to places that nurture cultural understanding and enduring peace. This ability is a joyous presence that is sorely needed in these times. He is able to unite in an all encompassing orchestral light, all that is just and beautiful in the world. Somehow solo piano exposes the artist to the core of his or her being, and expresses the innermost point of one's passion for the music, and outer reaches of one's imagination. Over the Rainbow is a genius effort from a historic musician who continues his storied narrative here in America. We are honored and grateful he is here. It is a giant leap forward on a musical pilgrimage with no end. His offerings along the way have a unique organic presence that reminds us that we all emanate from a colorful palate of cultures worldwide, but exist as a single canvas of humanity. As we express each color as unique and beautiful, we search for ways to have them blend together, to add and subtract them, to create an interaction of unity going forward. Dominguez continues to draw from the cultures and people that inspire his creative genius, and apply them to a tangible form we can all understand, and aspire to emulate. There is a maturity in his playing on this record, a thoughtfulness that pays homage to the multiplicity of musical currents that rise to the top during solo performance. To a listener unfamiliar with the work of Mr. Dominguez, it serves as a sampler of his stunning virtuosity, and joyous fusion of flamenco and jazz. To those already engaged in his musical voyage, it represents a snapshot along the way to new horizons, behind the moon, beyond the rain. ~ Paul Rauch https://www.allaboutjazz.com/over-the-rainbow-chano-dominguez-sunnyside-records-review-by-paul-rauch.php
 
Personnel: Chano Dominguez: piano.

Over The Rainbow

Friday, April 1, 2016

Chano Dominguez - Hecho A Mano

Styles: Piano Jazz, Latin Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:39
Size: 145,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:35)  1. Alma De Mujer
(4:23)  2. Retaila
(5:31)  3. Pinar Hondo
(4:35)  4. Tu Enciendes Las Estrellas
(2:52)  5. Cardamomo
(6:34)  6. Bajamar
(7:15)  7. Cilantro Y Comino
(6:58)  8. Solea Blues
(3:55)  9. Jacaranda
(7:23) 10. Bubango
(2:57) 11. Bemsha Swing
(4:34) 12. Solo Con Verte

The cross-pollination of Latin music and jazz has been going on for decades. Typically, a jazz group will borrow Latin grooves and instrumentation, while Latin players apply their rhythms and harmonies to the American standards songbook. It's usually a rather self-conscious blending in which the genre lines are still obvious; only a few musicians have managed to make the mix organic (Chick Corea, Michel Camilo, and Al DiMeola's The Grande Passion CD come to mind).  Now we have Chano Dominguez, a fine pianist from Cadiz, Spain, who weaves jazz with a flamenco approach. Hecho a Mano (aka Handmade) was recorded in Madrid in September, 1996, for Nuba Records, and released on October 15, 2002 by Sunnyside. Dominguez's ten originals integrate jazz improvisation and harmonies with the fire and mystery of his native culture; it's a seamless blend, exciting and original. Dominguez also breathes fresh life into a pair of classics: "Turn Out the Stars" gets a new Spanish subtitle {"You Turn On the Stars") as a tribute to composer Bill Evans; it also gets a new feel as a lovely flamenco waltz. Monk's quirky "Bemsha Swing" becomes a delightful mix of piano and powerful hand-clapping and shoe-tapping.

Dominguez introduces the American listener to a broad range of flamenco forms which extend far beyond the Hollywood stereotype of the fierce, scowling dancer to include the tango, the exuberant buleria and sequidilla, and the bluesy solea. His compositions range from a musical description of a woman's soul ("Alma de Mujer"), which builds from tenderness to passion, to the tabla-inflected "Cardomono," the gypsy "Retaila" and the sexy fandango, "Pinar Hondo." "Cilantro y Comino" is an extended journey that's full of rhythmic surprises and joyful energy. All the musicians are first-rate, with notable solos delivered by bassist Javier Colina and guitarist Tito Alcedo. This is exciting, soulful, memorable music.~Dr Judith Schlesinger http://www.allaboutjazz.com/hecho-a-mano-chano-dominguez-sunnyside-records-review-by-dr-judith-schlesinger.php

Personnel: Chano Dominguez: piano; Javier Colina: bass; Guillermo McGuill: drums; Tomatito: guitar; Antonio Toledo: guitar; Nono Garcia: guitar; Tito Alcedo: guitar; Tino di Geraldo: percussion, tablas, cajon, drums, tambourine, clapping); Chonchi Heredia: vocals, clapping; Joaquin Grilo: foot tapping, clapping; Juan Diego clapping; Lorenza Virseda: clapping.

Hecho A Mano