Musically Speaking recently crossed paths with Albuquerque native Camilo Quiñones, aka CQ the Drummer, a producer, percussionist, drummer, DJ, and member of the Quiñones family of highly regarded percussionists, including his father, Tony; his uncle, Rafael; and his brother, Marc. He recently worked his studio and percussive magic on a version of the tropical anthem “El Tiki-Ta” from Acapulco’s famed band Fiesta 85. “TikiTa” releases November 11 on the usual streaming services.
Two of the most accomplished and exciting ensembles in contemporary jazz expand the repertoire in two completely different ways.
One of the most engaging and creative projects to have found its way to my ears, Measured Not Found, from the visual/musical collective Biota, invites listeners to travel across time and space on a trip of their imagination’s making.
Here are two more of the “first impression” reviews as I reduce the “must listen” pile, with new releases from Fred Hersch’s trio and from the quartet of Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier, and Eric Harland—the first as beautifully restrained as the second is beautifully unbound—along with a single that offers a philanthropic opportunity.
I’m continuing with the single listen/short review process to lower the must-listen pile. Here are first impressions of releases from Argentine-German vocalist Sabeth Pérez, New Mexico all-stars Michael Anthony and Terry Burns, and Swedish vocalist Frida Touray.
