Featured Artist: Christopher Cortez
CD Title: Talamasca
Year: 1999
Record Label: Blue Bamboo Music
Style: Fusion
Review: A nice selection of tracks by the talented Christopher Cortez. He combines elements of Latin and Southern influence to spice up the menu. The tunes are generally short with a couple of interludes that don't exceed two minutes. The nucleus of the band includes, but is not limited to Danny Infante, bass; Gary Marcus, piano & trombone, Joe Raines, trombone & keyboards; and Noah Shaye on drums. Most of these are based on Cortez's life experiences, places he's lived and the people (and pets) he's known along the way.
He leans on Kurt Vonnegut for titles of two cuts, "Chrono Syncratic Infundibulum," and "Sirens of Titan". Both have a slightly intergalactic groove, but "The Iguana," is perhaps the most mysterious and spacey. He tackles all instruments on "Megaman" and "Bayou Liberty," and quite well; he is the consummate musician. However, he doesn't monopolize the set and generously shares the spotlight with his comrades. The Latin spice is on with the haunting "Talamasca" and "Ten Tan Tens," which has a provocative root, utilizing bossa-like rhythms throughout, but the heat is restrained. The most festive piece, "Martes Gordo" (Spanish name for Mardi Gras) also leans on the Afro-Cuban than actual New Orleans-type groove, but nevertheless celebrates the high abandon that it's named for. The tracks, with few exceptions are consistent; neither too aggressive, nor sleepy. It's pleasant to the ear and a true testament to the talent of the multi-instrumentalist Christopher Cortez.
Record Label Website: http://bluebamboo.com
Reviewed by: Denai Burbank