Search - Turning Point :: Matador

Invigorating!

smoothjazzandmore | Clay, NY USA | 01/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Turning Point is a talented quintet of smooth jazz artists who hail from Phoenix, Arizona. Music from their previous CD has been highlighted on our radio station play list for the last 6 months, via the Live365.com Music Library. To describe their style, they've patterned their music based on the group, Spyro Gyra. However, their style of music is original and satisfying. Their latest CD, "Matador" mixes it up with Latin, Flamenco & Native American rhythms. The group sounds uniquely invigorating. The track, "Quisiera Ser" is the highlight of this release. It's an invigorating track that will remind you of the southwest. It's a great piece of work that will become a classic."

Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 09/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From fusion-funk to flamenco, Arizona-based Turning Point has created its most dynamic album yet, and covers all the hues of contemporary jazz within the scope of MATADOR's eleven tracks, nine of which are originals. In the same way that Hiroshima has successfully melded their Asian heritage and contemporary jazz, so, too, has this outstanding band deftly combined elements of brothers Demitri (bass) and Thano (guitar) Sahnas' Greek heritage and the band's Southwest Latin jazz heritage with progressive jazz, rock, R&B, and blues. The result: an energetic, compelling collection of amazing performances. The rest of this popular band: Steve Culp on keys and John Herrera on drums/percussion, plus, featured sax man Domenic Amato. The first radio hit from MATADOR is a flamenco-funk cover of the Latin Grammy-winning "Quisiera Ser" from South American superstar Alejandro Sanz's songbook.  In addition, you need to check out the killer "salsa meets hummus" treatment of the classic, "Spain," which features Charlie Bisharat on violin. My favorites also include the festive "Despues de Manana" and the way hip retro-soul "Suburban Safari." Good stuff indeed, and if it sounds like this band has fun making their music, it's definitely by design. To quote John Herrera, "The reason we're successful is that we are committed to having fun, no matter what." MATADOR is not only fun, but also a quality project from a quality band. One listen and you'll be able to see why Turning Point is the hottest thing going in Arizona outside of the sun! ~Scott O'Brien"

Christmas Shopping with one click

M. JACKSON | Minneapolis, MN | 11/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Matador is a great record. I'm sending this CD to all my friends for Christmas... I love this band because although they are incredibly talented, they don't take themselves so seriously, and the resulting music is spontaneous, passionate, and fun. If you ever get the chance to see John Herrera play live -- don't miss it."