Oskar Cartaya: My Music, My Friends, My Time (2004)

Rudy Mangual, Latin Beat, June/July 2004

"As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the best Latin jazz recordings of the year."

Product Description

my music – Starting with the clavé as the foundation of everything the music springs out of a lifetime of traveling the world playing, recording and creating music in a myriad of situations with an amazing blend of musicians who became -

my friends – The album is exciting and alive because of the contributions of the many brilliant musicians who gave generously of their talents including Alex Acuña, Claudia Acuña, Bobby Allende, Justo Almario, Eguie Castrillo, Luis Conte, Tito De Gracia, Alfredo De La Fe, Sheila E., Eddie Palmieri, Humberto Ramirez, Otmaro Ruiz, Michito Sanchez, Dave Valentin, Arturo Velasco, Kirk Whalum and many, many more. All who joined on the journey knew it was -

my time – It wasn’t ten years or even five years ago but now is the time. After twenty years of collaborating, composing, being the musical director, arranging etc. etc. for so many of his friends and peers now is the time for Oskar to come out front with his own vision. The results are fresh, original, and often astonishing.--Amazon

My Music, My Friends, My Time

Rapidshare / Hotfile @ 320K

Caribbean Jazz Project: The Gathering (2002) mp3 @ 320K

The Gathering is the Caribbean Jazz Project's third release; principals Dave Samuels and Dave Valentin are joined by Paquito D'Rivera, once a regular with the group, on the lively opener, "Rendezvous," as well as a Latin reworking of Monk's "Bemsha Swing." Oliver Nelson's classic "Stolen Moments" comes in for a moody 7/4 treatment. Pianist Dario Eskanazi, bassist Ruben Rodriguez, and percussionists Dafnis Prieto, Richie Flores, and Robert Quintero provide strong backing for the front-and-center solo exchanges of Samuels and Valentin. The band is consistently melodic and accessible, not just on romantic themes like "Libertad" and "The Path" but also on more adventurous fare like Prieto's "El Guarachero Intrigozo (The Scheming Party Animal)" and the big finish, "Masacoteando (In the Groove)." (98MB)