Review Centre: Latin Jazz Bands

"Here's more clear evidence courtesy of Italian-born saxophonist Mirko Fait's quintet that tasteful jazz doesn't run its course at America's borders. These are accomplished musicians who know how to swing and can hold their heads high in any company, foreign or domestic. On the other hand, there is nothing here that sets Fait's group apart from many others of its size and makeup; it is simply a well-schooled working ensemble doing its thing, no more and no less. Fait, who plays soprano and tenor sax, is joined on the front line by flugel Roberto Piermartire, who, like Fait, is an accomplished musician whose solos are invariably polished if not otherwise exceptional. Pianist Antonio Zambrini is another strong soloist, while bassist Rodrigo Amaral amplifies the group's persona by adding his husky baritone on four selections. The quintet's other member, drummer Roby Giannella, is a solid timekeeper who tends to his duties without stepping on anyone's toes. Guitarist Giampiero Spina adds a pastel solo voice on "Sad Eyes Child," "B Mine" and "Funny Day." The program is composed primarily (eight of ten tracks) of compositions by Fait, and they are melodic and charming if less than memorable. Several are in a Latin mode including Amaral's vocals on "Quanno Chiove," "Rebecca Smile," "Nada Mais" and "Aquarela." While the quintet is pictured on the inside jacket performing at the Sant' Elpidio Jazz Festival, Confidences was recorded in a studio, most likely at Fait's home base, Milan. Other particulars are elusive, as the liner notes are in Italian. What is most germane, of course, is whether Fait's quintet is proficient and worth hearing, and the answer to that is yes. The songs, all originals, are for the most part bright and charming, and the quintet plays them well. Although there is nothing here that blazons superiority, neither is there anything that is less than well-managed. Track Listing: Lastlove; Sad Eyes’ Child; Quanno Chiove; Never Alone Melita; Rebecca Smile; All I Missed; B Mine; Nada Mais; Funny Day; Aquarela. Personnel: Mirko Fait: soprano, tenor saxophone; Roberto Piermartire: flugelhorn; Antonio Zambrini: piano; Giampiero Spina: guitar (2, 7, 9); Rodrigo Amaral: electric bass, voice; Roby Giannella: drums. Title: Confidences | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Jazz Di Marca"

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"Very Professional and easy to work with , went above and beyond to ensure the success of our multicultural private event ! Tnx VIK🙏🙏"

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"Made my birthday extra special! This Band really played well together and sounded great! They played all of the pieces I had requested earlier, arrived on time and guests commented how much they'd enjoyed the sets. Wouldn't hesitate to book this band again ..."

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"Your jazz duo helped make our wedding day perfect! We had about 30 London musicians there that were all blown away with the skill, tastefulness and overall professionalism of you two, thank you so much again!!"

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"Thank you so much mezzo music for performing so wonderfully during our welcome party and then our swing band wedding party. Carole has a beautiful voice, and it was wonderful to see the closeness of all the team. They are professional and amazing musicians who listen to requests and love to please. I highly recommend them. What more could you ask for?"

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"Cristiano ist ein hervorragender und mitreißender Musiker. Er hat unserer Hochzeit seine ganze Leidenschaft gewidmet. Wir können es wärmstens empfehlen!"

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"We hired VibraSON for my Havana Nights-themed 50th Birthday Party and the band is AMAZING! I had only heard their music online prior to the party and while the recordings are great, hearing VibraSON live is even better. Jake was also able to make arrangements to have vocalist Christelle Durandy join the band for the evening as the lead vocalist. Thank you to VirbraSON for helping to make my 50th Birthday celebration a memorable one!"

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"Entièrement satisfait de la prestation de Victor fond musical très agréable pendant le déjeuner"

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"Our guests couldn’t stop complimenting them! great trio!"

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"This artist is pure fire! 🔥 His voice is powerful, full of emotion, and instantly transports you to the heart of Latin America. Every performance is a full experience — rhythm, passion, and energy that gets under your skin. Whether he’s singing salsa, reggaetón, bachata, or a romantic ballad, he brings authenticity and soul to every note. You don’t just hear his music — you feel it. One of the best Latin performers out there right now. Don’t sleep on this talent! 🎤🎶💃 "

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"Awesome group Hired the group for my daughters wedding it was an awesome night, also hired them for my goddaughters wedding this year it was the greatest Latin band, on time and setup quickly and started playing right away prices are reasonable."

Reply by El Grupo Chevere
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"From the first song to the last, Betty Boom created the perfect mood for our wedding. Their incredible live performance had everyone dancing, and their professionalism made everything run smoothly. Our guests are still raving about it!"

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"I am delighted to recommend Vincent Cassotta of Enfield CT in pursuit of his grant application for the Louis Armstrong Tribute with a Jazz Quartet performing at the Eli Whitney Elementary School. My previous role as the PK-12 Music Coordinator for the Enfield Public School District has brought me in direct contact with the professional, innovative, creative, and artistic musician and retired teacher Mr. Vincent Cassotta. I have witnessed first-hand the impact and quality of his quality music instruction provided for his thirty-nine years of teaching tenure in our community. To have the opportunity to bring the genre of American Jazz Music as a tribute to the legend of Louis Armstrong with quality professional musicians under Mr. Cassotta’s organization is a blessing to the young minds and ears of our elementary students, especially at a time when music education in Enfield offers less opportunities. This past Spring I had the opportunity to guest speak at Mr. Cassotta’s retirement party celebrating his many years of service in music education. In that speech I spoke about multiple areas beyond the collegial and professional relationship Mr. Cassotta, and I achieved since 1999. These in my opinion provide strong evidence for the Enfield Cultural Council to support this mission of this application fiscally. One of the points shared was that Mr. Cassotta balanced his career of music education and professional trumpet performing with incredible success throughout his career. Aside from the technical, logistical and time management responsibilities from such an endeavor, he achieved this success with never letting go of the care demonstrated to his students, family members, school building staff, and his music professional colleagues. The fact that he desires to continue to expand the music opportunities to students in Enfield now in his retirement resting years is evidence of his dedication to this art form and willingness to always educate. Furthermore Mr. Cassotta’s wealth of experience professionally as a performing musician and student of the trumpet is stellar. In his education Mr. Cassotta studied trumpet with Rolf Smedvig of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Empire Brass Quintet, Jimm Maxwell a NYC Studio Musician, Roger Murtha of the Hartford Symphony and Hartt School of Music, and Dan Patrylak of the Eastman Brass Quintet and UCONN. To continue, Mr. Cassotta was a freelance performer with Frank Sinatra, Manhattan Transfer, Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Vinton, Bob Hope, The Four Tops, Phil Woods, The Temptations, Sammy Davis Jr., Andy Williams, Franki Valli and the Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Including numerous local and state pit orchestra’s and local well know jazz bands. He has also published works as a composer and arranger with KJOS music as well as multiple professional recordings. I strongly urge you to consider Mr. Cassotta’s application for this grant. Your support will help impact music education in Enfield and continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its students. Thank you for considering this recommendation. Sincerely, Mark F. Reppucci Jazz, Orchestra, Music Technology and Piano Teacher Enfield High School Write your tex"

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