Featured Artist: Wavelength

CD Title: Masarap (delicious)

Year: 2005

Record Label: RLG

Style: Fusion

Musicians: Ferdinand Magallanes (keyboards, vocals, composer, producer), Ron Smith (guitars), Bobby Gaviola (drums), Jeffrey Cox (bass), Mike Galisatus (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jason Stewart (guitars), Bobby Rawlings (sax), Lianni Castro (back vocals), Victor Nolasco (percussion), Oscar Estrella (chant vocals), Paul “Dolor” Samson (bass), Steve Feierabend (sax), Derek James (trombone), Mitchell Chernock (lyrics)

Review: Wavelength offers the listener many different styles from the palette of the jazz genre. Each member brings their own cultural experiences and musical preferences to the project and this is evident through the wide array of styles showcased from jazz, R&B, rock, funk and soul. This album took almost two years to make through the hard work and dedication of the core members of this band. This band has been together for over 15 years. Core members have opened, recorded, and performed with Sapo, Patti Labelle, George Benson, Maze, Cold Blood, Malo, The Tempations, 4 Tops, Jorge Santana and numerous others. Wavelength consists of accomplished musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area this is reflected in this album. The various influences of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene are audible on this project.

The album "Masarap(delicious)" starts off on a high note, with “Bliss,” which segues into “Dream Come True.” Both are energetic and vibrant songs. “LaNoche” and “My One and Only Love” are slower songs with a romantic feel to them. “Bailar Finale” and “Two of Us Together” are brilliant tracks with smooth guitar riffs. Paul Samson on bass adds to the overall intimate melody. The title track, “Masarap,” is up-tempo and has a distinctive Latin flare. The mood shifts to that of romance with “My Timeless Treasure” with heartfelt vocals by Ferdinand Magallanes. “By Your Side” highlights Ferdinand Magallanes beautiful keyboard playing, accompanied with background vocals by Lianni Castro. The following track, “Trash Talk,” is a smooth track which showcases Bobby Rawlings on sax over Magallanes on keyboards. The album ends on a high note with “Sweet Remembrance” dedicated to Magallanes’ departed mother-in-law.

Congratulations are in order to Wavelength. This album took almost two years to make. It was well worth it. This album should be a part of every jazz lover’s collection. The various styles showcased on this album truly are enchanting!

Tracks: Bliss, Dream Come True, LaNoche, My One and Only Love, Bailar Finale, Two of Us Together, Masarap, My Timeless Treasure, By Your Side, Trash Talk, Sweet Remembrance

Artist's Website: http://wavelength.fmcompserve.com

Reviewed by: Katrina-Kasey Wheeler

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