Description
Label Review.
2019 album.
Our Overview.
The unassailable force that is Michel Camilo is releasing his new album ‘Essence’ , which will also mark his 25th in total. The artistry and virtuosity of - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic born creative, whose career spans three decades and two hemispheres - Michel Camilo bridges the genres of Jazz, Classical, Popular and World music. He is a composer and pianist extraordinaire. He is a bandleader, lecturer, and visiting professor. He is a chart-topping producer; a Grammy, Latin Grammy and Emmy award winner. He is the recipient of his native country's highest civilian honours.
Michel Camilo is all of these things and more, wrapped in a human being of boundless enthusiasm, musical passion, and love of life. He is a pianist with a brilliant technique and a composer who flavours his tunes with the spice of Caribbean rhythms and jazz harmonies.
Says Michel of his latest title “'Essence’ marks my 25th album. This milestone recording is a celebration of the flowing dynamic creativity and interactive energy between my rhythm section and a top-notch horn section, as we explore together the challenging virtuoso passages and exciting unexpected turns in some of my most well-known compositions which are now here presented in a larger format. The exhilarating “ensemble tightness” captured on these superb performances have always been an important signature element of my musical stylings. Recording this special project was BIG FUN and I am really thrilled to share it with all of you!”
Michel has developed a reputation as one who enjoys breaking barriers. His compositions have been performed by some of the top Jazz and Latin Jazz artists ranging from Dizzy Gillespie to The Manhattan Transfer, from Paquito D’Rivera and flamenco guitarist Tomatito to Classical pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque. Camilo has performed with many of these artists as well. He was featured in the award-winning Latin Jazz documentary film Calle 54 and has recorded for various film soundtracks.