Ivan Renta, saxophone
Bruce Barth, piano
Andy McKee, bass
Henry Cole, drums
The
Of his first two albums on the Candid label, Pasos Gigantes and iEscucha! (2000) the former made Jazziz's top ten Latin list of 1998. His next album, 2007's Terminal Clarity was a celebration, reflection and aesthetic extension of his years working with Lester Bowie. While retaining the brash harmonic structures of his mentor's work from Brass Fantasy to his earlier and justly famous work with the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Bonilla adds a contagious exuberance" (Jazzwise magazine) that is at the heart of his artistic vision. Without in any way diminishing
A heady mix of swing, rock, free jazz, funk, movie soundtracks, avant-garde noise and ballads, I Talking Now (2009), for all its musical diversity, speaks with one voice. It is a distinctly American vision, a gentle craziness that suggests that every one and every sound can co-exist if we just keep on taking in more and more. Luis Bonilla is moving in directions that are expanding our notions of jazz and leading us into startling new realms with remarkable creativity and versatility" (Newsday).