Chris Mello
The Global Village
© 2006 Obrigadu Music (015882042321)
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Follow guitarist Chris Mello on a round-trip journey exploring a fresh musical perspective in Cuban, Brazilian, and World-flavored jazz.
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L. A. - based guitarist Chris Mello’s brand new release “THE GLOBAL VILLAGE” delivers a spectacular musical journey that embraces the guitar as the centerpiece within a tapestry of global musical influences from Cuba to Brazil to Africa.
These ten original compositions explore fresh new points of the “musical compass” while still delivering an unparalleled level of spontaneity, interaction, and virtuosity that one would expect from a modern jazz recording.
Fusing the infectious rhythms of Latin/South America with the elements of jazz, Mello creates compositions with memorable melodies, lush harmonies, coupled with some truly irresistible grooves. His playing here has redefined and reshaped the role of the guitar beyond the traditional limits of “Latin Jazz”.
Each of the ten tracks offers an opportunity for a fresh and new musical discourse in groove and style. “Rumba Para Zaza” explores Cuban rumba through a thoroughly more modern approach. “Preguntas” offers a new take on the vibrantly danceable Colombian cumbia. The adventurous melody on the mambo “Clavecity” twists and turns like a modern day roller coaster ride, while the playful “Raffa Y Manny” evokes Flamenco-like passions without being overt. Even the South African - flavored “Unnoticed Moments” manages to successfully marry Coltrane’s harmony with the evocatively joyful grooves of Y’oussou N’dour.
Backed by an ensemble of stellar L.A. session veterans, each track features the highest level of playing with a group that turns the “groove meter” up to “10”.
Featuring:
Otmaro Ruiz – Keyboards
Rene Camacho – Bass
Aaron Serfaty – Drums
Bryan Brock – Percussion
As a player, Mello’s astoundingly singular artistic sensibilities have rendered him a high profile contributor to numerous recordings. On both Nylon and Electric guitars, his carefully woven melodic ideas, innovative harmonies, and mastery of a multitude of “local guitar dialects” define him as a “unique musical voice” in a sea of modern jazz guitar clones. His writing exhibits his passion for vibrant music cultures flowing over an open tributary of modern jazz. All–in – all, a thoroughly enjoyable recording for fans of any genre!
“With this wonderful musical offering Chris, is inviting and reminding all of us that:
We all belong to the....GLOBAL VILLAGE...... and
It, in turn, to all of us ...... Enjoy!!!! “
- Justo Almario (Saxophonist/Composer)
"While these are only a few selections from the album, I would recommend checking out every track. The more you listen to it, the more rhythmic and harmonic intricacies you'll find. The overall musicianship is superb and the style is something completely new. Definitely a musician to keep an eye on!"
- JazzReview.com
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Born in Boston, MA Chris began playing guitar at 12. Growing up in a Portuguese family, he fell in love with the music of artists such as Tom Jobim, Pat Metheny, John Coltrane, and Brazilian composer Ivan Lins. He went on to formally study the guitar at the University of Massachusetts. At an early age he began working in the pit orchestras of the Boston scene, in addition to working with orchestral groups such as the MET Wind Orchestra and the Boston Pops. Musically he was drawn to studying and performing with local jazz gurus such as Mick Goodrick, George Garzone, and Rick Peckham.
In 1997 he moved to Dallas to complete a Master's degree at the illustrious University of North Texas as a Teaching Fellow in the Jazz Department. While studying he also toured with the 25 year-old Dallas Jazz Orchestra and served as a staff columnist for Just Jazz Guitar Magazine.
In 2007 Chris completed his Doctoral Degree in Music in Studio/Jazz Guitar at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. An active performer in the L.A. scene, he has performed/recorded with: Ernie Watts, Norah Jones, Justo Almario, the Dixie Chicks, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Schaeffer, Bill Cunliffe, Kenny Wheeler, Giovanni Hidalgo, Dan Higgins, Bobby Shew, Shelly Berg, and a host of others. Additionally, Chris has recorded for Vh-1, Taco Bell, Verizon Wireless, Latin Grammy Awards, and Disney.
reviews
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- author: George
His cd is one of the most awesome iv heard in awhile. He,s right up there with Earl Klugh,George Benson,Peter White & Mark Antionne. I say get out & buy this cd as fast as you can.
- author: George
His cd is one of the most awesome iv heard in awhile. He,s right up there with Earl Klugh,George Benson,Peter White & Mark Antionne. I say get out & buy this cd as fast as you can.
Nice tunes and great guitar work
author: Erik CReal nice music Chris. I really love your compositions and enjoy your guitar playing. Keep up the good work!
Really inspiring music...
author: Nick JamisonI was at the CD Release party and was overwhelmed by how wonderful this music was. Beautiful compositions, and equisite playing by all. a really unique approach to lots of different styles of World music here... well worth the listen!!
Heard it once, and fell in love!!
author: Karen RiveiraI heard a cut or two on 90.7 KPFK in L.A. they play a lot of great World Music. It was cool 'cuz it had a lot of nice guitar work, but also a Latin vibe. A lot of different influences here: Cumbia, Rhumba, Salsa, some African Jazz. Sounds like a bright future here for a talented young player.
Like a high-rise construction-crew, this CD works on many levels...
author: Ron Robbins...beautiful atmospheric ambience to serious listening! Virtuoso performances, complex compositions and grooves, exceptionally well-produced and recorded-Chris Mello is an up-and-coming world-guitarist who puts the smooth-jazz "wannabes" to shame with a musical depth and artistry well beyond his thirty years. If talent and originality were properly rewarded, Chris would be a Grammy contender. . .
Really Nice Music!!1
author: Charles G.Beautiful Latin Guitar work here. Some spicy grooves. I also like the more "mellow" side on the Brazilian tunes(no pun intended.) Highly recommended!
Great CD!!
author: DaveWow, really nice guitar work! Sounds like a mix of World music, Metheny, and Fareed Haque!