Review: Federico Britos and Jorge Garcia debut together with their newest project The Sound of Strings. The artists perform both standards and original compositions. Federico Britos is the winner of several Grammy awards for his work with Charlie Haden, Bebo Valdes, and Israel “Cachao” López. He is considered to be a titan of the violin. He has performed with such jazz legends as Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Byrd, and many others. He has also worked with some of the greatest musicians of Latin America such as, Astor Piazzolla, Joao Gilberto, Vinicius de Moraes, Zitarrosa, Bola de Nieve, José Antonio Mendez, Juan Luis Guerra, and one of my favorite singers, Luis Miguél. Federico has also composed and recorded works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, ballet and dance, as well as music for films, TV, and theatre.
Guitarist Jorge Garcia is from Cuba and his influences comprised of Latin rhythms are audibly translated into his music. Garcia possesses an intense fervor for his instrument. Garcia has performed with such greats as Tony Bennett, Richie Cole, Patti Page, and Joel Grey, Enrique Iglesias, Trini Lopez, The Drifters, Bobby Riddell and many more. His early influences include, Wes Montgomery, Joe Diorio, Pat Martino, and Django Reinhardt.
The album commences with the track, “Three Brothers” which is upbeat and vivid. Britos is brilliant on the violin as is Garcia’s solo. The next track, “Oriente” is exquisite and has a very bossa nova feel to it. They are truly the masters of beautifully haunting melodies, the song demands your attention to sit and contemplate all the sounds and how they interplay with eachother. The album continues with “Vivian” and “The Girl From Ipanema.” “Vivian” is a stunning original composition. Britos and Garcia take “The Girl From Ipanema” and make it their own. They add their own latin flare to it, while at the same time maintaining its original authenticity and it works giftedly. “Caramelo”, “Because There Is You”, and “Buenaventura” showcase the dazzling duo that is created by Britos and Garcia. Their love for Latin music is perceptible and easily felt. They are able to communicate much emotion with every string and chord that is played; they create – a melodious liaison. Garcia’s influence by Django Reinhardt is demonstrated with the track “Manoir De Mes Reves.” Britos and Garcia are simply breathtaking on this track. They succeed in their endeavor to produce a superb rendition of this song. The album closes with the well known, “Night & Day” and “Besame Mucho.” This rendition of “Besame Mucho” is an outstanding and poignant way to end the album. If you enjoy Latin music and love songs, this will unquestionably be a longed-for addition to your collection.
Tracks: Three Brothers, Oriente, Vivian, The Girl From Ipanema, Caramelo, Because There Is You, Buenaventura, Manoir De Mes Reves, Night & Day, Besame Mucho.
JazzReview.com
