Thursday, April 26, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST song of the day


Artist:Michel Camilo

Song:Why Not?

Album:One More Once





Michel Camilo is one of today's best Latin jazz pianists. He was born Apr. 4, 1954 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Several of his uncles are musicians. Camilo was classically trained but listened to jazz growing up. He moved to New York City in 1979. He played in the band of Cuban sax player Paquito d'Riviera for three years. His song Why Not? became a hit for The Manhattan Transfer. This earned him a contract at Columbia. Camilo has recorded solo piano, in trios and in big bands and is equally adept at them all. The 1994 CD One More Once is a big band recording. Featured musicians include Ralph Bowen, Paquito d'Rivera & Chris Hunter on sax, Michael Mossman & Jon Faddis on trumpet, Anthony Jackson on bass and Marvin "Smitty" Smith on drums. It's a very lively recording. Camilo moved to Telarc Records in 2002 and his latest CD Spirit Of The Moment is out this week. He's been touring recently with flamenco guitarist Tomatito. Michel Camilo was also a big part of Fernando Trueba's wonderful Latin jazz documentary Calle 54. The DVD is a must for any jazz fan. And here's Michel Camilo from Calle 54 performing From Within with Anthony Jackson on bass and Horacio Hernandez on drums. This is a killer performance.

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