Search - John Beltran :: In Full Color

John Beltran's "In Full Color" is his sixth album and he dives deeper into his latin roots but also brings the music full-circle integrating the ambient warmth and electronic sounds found on his first few albums. Beltran spent the time to make sure the album's tracks, whether it be full-on club tunes like "Kissed By The Sun" (described by XLR8R as a "sunny, conga-fueled samba shuffle") or "Candela" ("An absolute stormer!" exclaims Rainer Trüby), the more ambient passages like "Rain In Shibuya" and "Pictures And Indian Summer" or bossa tunes like "Dia Brioso," were as big and bold or as subtle and musically engaging as they could and should be. With lush pads and chord progressions fused with Latin vibes, rhythm programming, soaring vocal chorus, live performances and vocal collaborations this album showcases the growth of a unique producer/composer and catches him in full color. Helping reach this next level are very special guests from around the world: Producer Andreas Saag and partner/amazing vocalist Elsa Hedberg from Sweden (of Stateless, Swell Session, etc) collaborated on the enchanting "Starlight Memories." The multi-talented vocalist and keyboard player Ayro and fellow Detroit guitarist/producer John Arnold are all over the album. Colonel Red appears on "Your Colors." Lastly, the Candela Arts crew, including Local 12 (Turntables On The Hudson, etc), from Puerto Rico round out the long distance collaborations. In fact at the recent Candela Arts festival in Puerto Rico dubplates of "Candela" were thoroughly rinsed by the all-star DJ line-up and the tune quickly became a party anthem in old San Juan.