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| The 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® (Para Tu Consideracion) “Artistas, Músicos Y Poetas” Chembo Corniel Quintet A brilliant percussionist who plays tumbadoras, Cajon, Barril de Bomba, Bata (Itotele), quinto, shekere, gua-gua, clave, and guiro along with other rhythmic instruments, Chembo Corniel can always be relied upon to create musical excitement. It is little wonder that he has long been in demand by the who's who of Latin music and Jazz. Artistas, Músicos Y Poetas, his sixth release as a leader, features Chembo Corniel at his best, both as a dazzling percussionist and as the head of a quintet that is augmented by many of his favorite musicians. The core group, consisting of tenor-saxophonist and flutist Hery Paz, pianist Carlos Cuevas, electric bassist Ian Stewart, and drummer-percussionist Joel E. Mateo, is a mighty force by itself. Add to that the guests (which on "Pa'La Ocha Tambo" includes an additional trumpet player Agustin Someillan Garcia and guest pianist/arranger Hector Martignon) and one has quite a musical feast. Liner Notes: There are moments in the journeys of gifted artists where they produce a piece of work that transcends anything they have done in the past. They could be painters, musicians, or poets, but when it happens, it's as if their thinking, vision, creativity, passion, experience, and purpose all align in such a way that their hearts and souls lift their work to the highest levels. The only way to describe a great piece of work is – "Magnum Opus". That is the case of Wilson "Chembo" Corniel's "Artistas, Músicos y Poetas". In my humble opinion, with total respect and admiration for his previous recordings, all of them musical gems, this album is truly a "Magnum Opus". Everything about this recording is exceptional: the selection of music, its sequence, the musicianship, the spoken word, and the beautiful cover art by Andres Chaparro and artwork by Charlie Rosario, coming seamlessly together under Chembo's concept of paying homage to his musical roots, and his ancestors, while celebrating his 20th anniversary as a bandleader and opening the door to the future by showcasing his new group of multi-talented, young, fresh, and gifted musicians. I ask that you close your eyes and listen intently to every musical sound on this recording. It is as if Chembo is a master chef who has prepared a succulent musical meal of several courses. For us to enjoy it from beginning to end, our ears have to take in all of the aroma of sounds to fully grasp the special flavors that make these tunes so interesting and piquant. Chembo in many ways personifies the musician who is a poet with every sound of his drums sounding like copious and profound verses to our ears that paint portraits and landscapes in our minds as we listen. Musicians and music bring us together for a community gathering and celebration, bring us light when there is darkness, hope when there is despair, therapy when our bodies and hearts are in pain, and uplift our spirits with inspiration. Percussionists in particular take me to distant places, to our roots and with every slap of their hands on the skin of a drum, or the sound of a stick, they awaken the spirits of our ancestors and connect us so that we honor them while we continue their legacy and path forward. It is for these reasons that I am honored and humbled whenever I am in the presence of these Angels because the rhythm of their musical balm is my connection to the Almighty y los Santos. Wilson "Chembo" Corniel is a Living Angel who has gifted us with his Magnum Opus. We are Truly Blessed! José C. Massó III Host/Producer/Curator "¡Con Salsa!" 47 Años de Patria y Cultura WBUR 90.9FM write your comments about the article :: © 2023 Jazz News :: home page |