Sometimes a recording just sends a message loud and clear as I listen - it’s usually a relationship to something or someone that I’ve heard in the past, a connection to another musical experience that I just can’t let go. It can be a song that I can’t connect with a name or a mystery phrase quoted in a solo; there’s a number of scenarios that can provoke this feeling for me. The toughest scenario arises when I hear a musician that strikes me as a powerful personality, but I can’t remember where I encountered that artist in the past. Even after looking on the album’s liner notes and finding the artist’s name, I often find myself drawing a blank in regards to the musician’s background. To complicate matters, I tend to become slightly obsessive about details like this, and the question sits in my head until it’s resolved. I spend hours digging through my CD collection in search of recordings that feature the musician and often spend the same amount of time online researching details. When a musician’s presence just burns with personality and strength, I’ve got to follow up on their career and hear more, regardless of where that takes me.

I experienced this feeling recently when listening to saxophonist Craig Enright’s La Belleza . . .; yet, it wasn’t a single musical personality that jumped out of the recording, it was four distinct artistic voices. Enright’s ensemble exerts a powerful influence on the musical output, acting as complete collaborators in the process and strong voices in the final product. You simply can’t listen to the album without noticing their contribution. It’s not a selfish display of virtuosity though - the musicians make wise musical choices that support Enright while they display their musical skills. Their voices stand in the forefront of the recording next to Enright, and their performances are captivating, making you wish for more. That funny feeling led me to believe that I’d heard these four musicians in other settings, which set my whole research process into action. I was right on this account - these guys have been around the Latin Jazz scene; in fact, they’ve played with some of the best musicians on the scene.

I thought that I’d share my research with you in the hopes of exposing these musicians’ careers. I’ve included brief biographical information, some recording credits, and a video of each musician performing in a different context. Check these guys out, and you’ll probably find that you’ve heard at least one of them in another place. All four of these musicians are doing top-notch work, so take a minute to check out their work - enjoy!

———-
Enrique Haneine
Pianist Enrique Haneine has maintained a dual career, walking in both the jazz world and the Latin pop scene. His performance career has placed him in diverse settings, from a job as musical director for pop sensation Ricky Martin to pianist on percussionist Chembo Corniel’s instructional DVD. Haneine has recorded on a number of albums, including Alignment by Alex Garcia’s Afromantra. He makes a significant contribution to La Belleza . . . and stands as a musician to follow!

Enrique Haneine Performing “Dolphin Dance” with flautist Carlos Jimenez

Alex Hernandez
Bassist Alex Hernandez grew up in Miami, jumping into rock and pop bands at an early age, playing guitar and later bass. His passion for music led him to studies in college and eventually three years of gigs in Spain. Once Hernandez relocated to New York, he dived headfirst into the city’s jazz scene, all the while maintaining an active participation in the Latin music world. Hernandez appears on La Belleza . . . as a major soloist with a melodic sensibility that any bassist would envy.

Alex Hernandez performing “Bebop” with Bobby Sanabria and Ascension

Aryam Vazquez
Percussionist Aryam Vazquez keeps La Belleza . . . deeply rooted in Cuban music with his strong conga work and thorough knowledge of Afro-Cuban styles. A musician born in Cuba and transplanted into the United States, Vazquez has made a definitive impact upon New York’s Latin and jazz scenes. Bringing a wide knowledge of modern Cuban timba, Vazquez has performed with a number of local groups including La Bola. At the same time, Vazquez has contributed to Latin Jazz groups such as Alex Garcia’s Afromantra. A diverse musician with a lot to say, Vazquez should be watched.

Aryam Vazquez Performing With Alex Garcia’s Afromantra

Ludwig Afonso
Drummer Ludwig Afonso developed his musical skills in his home of Miami, eventually earning high profile gigs with local stars Ira Sullivan and Nestor Torres. Afonso relocated to New York and quickly landed a gig with the smooth jazz super group Spyro Gyra. After leaving the group, Afonso has been featured on a number of recent Latin Jazz recordings, including A Genesis from Insight, Bridges from Chiemi Nakai and Emmanuel Bizeau, and The Magician from percussionist Sammy Figueroa. A busy musician in the modern Latin Jazz scene, keep an eye on him!

Ludwig Afonso Performing “Refugee” With Hector Martignon

———-
Check Out These Related Posts:
The Ongoing Path Of Discovery: Chiemi Nakai, Carlos Del Pino & David Eure On Video
Obsessive Listening: Afromantra
Wind Players And The Star Status In Latin Jazz
The Irreplaceable Experience Of Live Music: Cachao On Video

———-
Click here to have these posts delivered via email. Or, click here to subscribe to the full text RSS feed and never miss another post!

Stumble it!