JERRY GONZALEZ QUARTET

JERRY GONZALEZ QUARTET

Latin Jazz

Jerry Gonzalez was born in the Bronx, New York in 1949. Along with bassist and brother Andy, and drummer Steve Berrios, Mr. Gonzalez began to formulate his own definition of Latin jazz. His musical conception was bolstered by his experience performing with Dizzy Gillespie in 1970. His performance with Gillespie further convinced him that neither the rhythmic nor jazz elements within his music had to be compromised.

In 1971, Jerry Gonzalez and his brother Andy joined pianist Eddie Palmieri in what many consider the classic band of El Son. Not long after, they combined forces with master timbalero Manny Oquendo in Conjunto Libre. This exhilarating Latin band continues to thrill audiences today.

Gonzalez made his recording debut as a leader in 1980 with Ya Yo Me Cure. He has worked with some of the finest musicians in the spheres of jazz and Latin music, including Tony Williams, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Dorham, Anthony Braxton, Tito Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Paquito D'Rivera, and Machito.

In the early 1980s, Jerry and Andy Gonzalez and Steve Berrios formed Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band. The band's first two albums were recorded live at European jazz festivals. 1989's quintet recording of Rumba Para Monk put the band on the map, garnering Jazz Record of the Year honors from the French Academie du Jazz. The album also helped the Fort Apache Band reach the number one position in the World Beat Group category of Downbeat's 55th annual readers' poll.

Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band have followed the strength of Rumba Para Monk with a steady stream of releases, including Moliendo Cafe, Earthdance, Crossroads, Pensativo, and Fire Dance. He appeared in a 1995 Jazz at Lincoln Center concert conducted by Chico O'Farrill called "Afro-Cuban Jazz: Chico O'Farrill and his Orchestra."

JERRY GONZALEZ Y LOS PIRATAS DEL FLAMENCO (Javier de Cambra)

Fernando Trueba, director of the film "Calle 54", called Jerry Gonzalez "the last Pirate of the Caribbean". Jerry, founder of the Fort Apache Band is the author of such a decisive record as "Rumba para Monk" (1.989).

It was in Miami where he met Chano Dominguez, and shortly after both of them were among the musicians in the filming of "Calle 54" in New York City. Jerry was already learning the keys to flamenco (...) little by little.

Jerry landed in Madrid in fall 2000. He then met those who today are "the Pirates of Flamenco". Dieguito says, "Jerry is even more of a Gipsy than we are", and that is how the joining took place, in art and in life.

For this is an encounter's recording; and a pirates' recording. It is an openhearted bet, heart ready to put together all emotions. And, among other things, it obtains without bass, without drums or piano, a radically new sound.

I believe this is a record to be listened to at any time, but I would recommend a full listening before going out with thirst for adventure. Music for pirates.