REVIEW FROM L.A. JAZZ SCENE

Liberation
Juan Manuel (Artist Unlimited)

By: Jonathan Barg

Juan Manuel plays both acoustic and electric guitars in this fine showcase effort. The eight-selection CD spans his talent for classical, flamenco, blues and jazz styles. Rather than recording a disc of solo tunes, he has invited an ensemble of other talented musicians to help. His finger picking style on "La Vida Sin Blues" sells this solid blues number and the fat trombone of Sal Gonzales rounds out this excellent tune. "Izabelle" features the alto saxophone of David Caceres and the tune really grooves with a Dave Koz type feel. This is a tight, together selection where Manuel adds his touches but wisely lays back and lets the alto take center stage. "Asian Rainbow" is a hot contemporary jazz number where Manuel's classical guitar plays in harmony with Caceres' alto sax. This selection is perfect for sailing down Pacific Coast Highway in your new sports car on the way to your beach house for a week long vacation. There's no way to listen to this tune and not feel happy.

Liberation is a very polished musical work, made even more impressive since I learned much of it was recorded in one take. If you'd like to experience contemporary jazz guitar and sax that is cool, that swings, that's bluesy and introspective all on the same CD, then this is it. Let's look forward to future works by Seňor Juan Manual. A rising star, to be sure. Information on the artist and ordering the CD, visit the web at www.ArtistUnlimited.com.