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Oscar Hernandez & Alma Libre: Vision

By Edward Blanco
February 27, 2022
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Multiple Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz pianist/composer and band leader Oscar Hernandez and his group, Alma Libre (Free Spirit) issue another shoulder-moving album presenting more of the rhythms he and his bands are so well known for. A true Latin music legend, Hernandez is best regarded for his direction of the 13-piece Spanish Harlem Orchestra that has gathered three Grammy Awards. This album was, in essence, a product of the pandemic situation. Hernandez says: "Recording this album was a way to react positively, and to counteract the negative circumstances surrounding the pandemic."

As a result, Los Angeles-based Alma Libre went into the studio in May, 2021 to record ten dazzling compositions. Featuring longtime colleague

Justo Almario

saxophone

" data-original-title="" title="">Justo Almario who provides all the saxophone and flute voices on the album. Other members include drummer

Jimmy Branly

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Jimmy Branly, bassist

Oskar Cartaya

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Oskar Cartaya and percussionist Christian Maraga. To enrich and energize the sound, the pianist also adds the great vibraphonist

Joe Locke

vibraphone
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Locke, trumpeter

Aaron Janik

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Janik and

Luisito Quintero

percussion

" data-original-title="" title="">Luisito Quintero on timbales and percussion as special guests.

Though a Latin jazz format for sure, should you listen with a discerning ear, you will hear elements of the modern contemporary jazz sound throughout the session. The title track kicks off the music in swinging fashion showcasing the Latin rhythms that will reverberate from this point on. "Ritmo Pa' Ti" feature the sax and trumpet sounds along with the customary percussions that make Latin music so familiar. On "Donia Provi" Hernandez performs a beautiful light intro on the piano before Almario steps in on the flute in this Danzon-styled number dedicated to the pianist's mother.

Another dedication, this time to the late great

Chick Corea

piano
1941 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Chick Corea, "Chick Forever" is one swinging burner featuring the saxophonist, the drummer and the leader on outstanding solo moments in one of those tracks that's not quite an all-Latin tune, containing plenty of modern jazz elements, too.

One more composition revealing the contemporary jazz sound over the Latin-flavored theme of the album is "Make the Move," with Almario on the alto and trumpeter Janik leading the music on a plain straight-ahead piece of terrific jazz. The following "Tributo al son" returns the group to the theme of the set displaying the beats and rhythms of the Latin sound the band is primed to play. After forging through three additional Latin-styled numbers, the music comes to splendid end with "Virtually Here," a track that swings from Latin to modern in a balance and taste of both resulting in a delicious finale.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Vision; Ritmo Pa' Ti; Dona Provi; Chick Forever; Make the Move; Tributo al Son; Don't stop Now; Spring; So Believe It; Virtually Here.

Personnel

Oscar Hernansez

piano

Justo Almario

saxophone

Jimmy Branly

drums

Oskar Cartaya

bass

Christian Moraga

percussion

Aaron Janik

trumpet

Joe Locke

vibraphone

Luisito Quintero

percussion

Album information

Title: Vision | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Ovation Records

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