Search - Juan Manuel :: Liberation

This all-original contemporary jazz CD is a result of Juan Manuel's passion for writing, sharing and expressing his music. This CD uniquely integrates sounds and styles from North and South America, Spain and a touch of Asian and African rhythms. Juan Manuel encapsulates these styles, rhythms and melodies from his experience in participating in various International & Jazz Festivals throughout the world. Each song was written using his classical guitar and instantiated using the best talents in Houston. The "Liberation" project captures the full-expression of the artists. One interesting aspect of this CD is that each song is different, yet it is cohesive in nature to the overall project. This is one aspect of the "Liberation" CD, which facilitates the listener's interest and attention. The CD starts with Liberation consisting of a jazz-classical guitar introduction followed by a powerful and tasteful saxophone and guitar melodies and solos. Asian Rainbow starts with a beautiful piano introduction followed by piano, saxophone, and guitar melodies/solos. Conquista begins with a smooth classical-Spanish guitar arpeggio, dramatically transforming into a Latin-rock-jazz-fusion explosion of fearless saxophone trills, drum rhythms, piano, saxophone solos and sinewy guitars. Rosalyn is a beautiful jazz-new age ballad filled with classical acoustic guitar and soprano saxophone melodic expressions. La Vida Sin Blues is a standard jazz-swing tune toped with brilliant articulation, accuracy, eloquence and fun. Izabelle is a sweet and playful rendition exposing the talent and accuracy of the artists. Romantic Journey uses creative instrumentation and talent to parallel the awesome roller-coaster ride found in great relationships: mellow, sweet, rocky, calm, sweet, rough, clam, mellow, etc.. Liberation Medley eloquently and poetically summarizes the "Liberation" CD with a classical acoustic rendition of the songs as originally written by Juan Manuel. This CD features top musicians in the Houston area: Juan Manuel: Acoustic and Electric Guitar; David Caceres: Alto and Soprano Saxophones; Marcus Dawson and Buzz Smith: Piano; Anthony Sapp and Rankin Peters: Bass; Chris Howland: Drums and Percussion; John Staehely: Electric Guitar.