In 2008, pianist/composer Carlos Cuevas released his second CD entitled Uninhibited Realm. This CD features John Patitucci on acoustic & electric basses, Jimmy Branly on drums & percussion, and a concerto for jazz trio and a 16-piece chamber orchestra. Following the success of his previous work, Depiction, Uninhibited Realm has also been praised by Downbeat (Three Stars, August 2008); Keyboard (August, 2008); Modern Drummer (September 2008; & Msico Pro (May 2008). Here's what they're saying:
“Three Stars"
“The latest from pianist Carlos Cuevas epitomizes what is admirable and what leaves something to be desired in modern mainstream trio performance. It is easy to ingest. Cuevas possesses gifts as a player and composer, which he marshals to concoct and execute complex music that nonetheless demands almost nothing of the listener. The first track, “Saltaperico", begins with four quick bars in 6/8, followed by a figure in 5/8 played on solo piano that becomes the foundation for a deft recitation of the theme by bassist John Patitucci. The 6/8 episode later recurs just long enough to make itself heard for a moment and then clears out of the way for some blowing in 5/8. After that, it becomes pointless to keep track of what's going on, because none of it distracts from the accessibility of Cuevas' subsequent soloing and the fluid interactions of Patitucci and
drummer Jimmy Branly. But it doesn't enhance that accessibility. So it goes through these trio performances as well as the three-movement chamber orchestral piece. Everyone plays with sophistication and spirit. Listening to Uninhibited Realm is like examining a vase that's been created by someone from a school of artisans known from their flawless craftsmanship. It has no blemishes, no nicks, no rough edges or asymmetries-nothing to betray the identity of the individual who made it, other than his or her affiliation to this particular school." -Robert Doerschuk, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. On his new disc, Uninhibited Realm, things get deep and dirty from the first track- “Saltaperico" is angular and energetic, showcasing the pianist's insistent lines and bombastic two-handed, montuno-influenced fireworks. After thoroughly proving himself as a trio leader with the first six cuts of the album, Carlos jumps tracks with “Concerto for Jazz Trio and Chamber Orchestra in Eb Minor", a three- movement work that's just as lively and original as the material that precedes it; bringing to mind both Gershwin and Bernstein. Carlos perfectly meshes the orchestral textures with his unique trio sound, and I highly recommend you listen to the results. We said it before and we'll say it again-Carlos is one to watch." -Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE
“A fine jazz pianist and composer, Cuevas expands on his classical influences here. Bolstered by guest star bassist John Patitucci, a vibrant jazz trio set is followed by a three- movement concerto including sixteen-piece chamber orchestra. Drummer Jimmy Branly sports great taste and swing, and he's key at making the whole large group breathe and gel. Sumptuous."
-Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE
“Three Stars"
“The latest from pianist Carlos Cuevas epitomizes what is admirable and what leaves something to be desired in modern mainstream trio performance. It is easy to ingest. Cuevas possesses gifts as a player and composer, which he marshals to concoct and execute complex music that nonetheless demands almost nothing of the listener. The first track, “Saltaperico", begins with four quick bars in 6/8, followed by a figure in 5/8 played on solo piano that becomes the foundation for a deft recitation of the theme by bassist John Patitucci. The 6/8 episode later recurs just long enough to make itself heard for a moment and then clears out of the way for some blowing in 5/8. After that, it becomes pointless to keep track of what's going on, because none of it distracts from the accessibility of Cuevas' subsequent soloing and the fluid interactions of Patitucci and
drummer Jimmy Branly. But it doesn't enhance that accessibility. So it goes through these trio performances as well as the three-movement chamber orchestral piece. Everyone plays with sophistication and spirit. Listening to Uninhibited Realm is like examining a vase that's been created by someone from a school of artisans known from their flawless craftsmanship. It has no blemishes, no nicks, no rough edges or asymmetries-nothing to betray the identity of the individual who made it, other than his or her affiliation to this particular school." -Robert Doerschuk, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. On his new disc, Uninhibited Realm, things get deep and dirty from the first track- “Saltaperico" is angular and energetic, showcasing the pianist's insistent lines and bombastic two-handed, montuno-influenced fireworks. After thoroughly proving himself as a trio leader with the first six cuts of the album, Carlos jumps tracks with “Concerto for Jazz Trio and Chamber Orchestra in Eb Minor", a three- movement work that's just as lively and original as the material that precedes it; bringing to mind both Gershwin and Bernstein. Carlos perfectly meshes the orchestral textures with his unique trio sound, and I highly recommend you listen to the results. We said it before and we'll say it again-Carlos is one to watch." -Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE
“A fine jazz pianist and composer, Cuevas expands on his classical influences here. Bolstered by guest star bassist John Patitucci, a vibrant jazz trio set is followed by a three- movement concerto including sixteen-piece chamber orchestra. Drummer Jimmy Branly sports great taste and swing, and he's key at making the whole large group breathe and gel. Sumptuous."
-Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE
For more information contact All About Jazz.
