Cougar Records Present "Sexy Latin Lounge Returns " Produced by Cougar Estrada Recorded at Cougar Records Final recording at Away Team Studios. Mixed by Nik Green and Cougar Estrada at The Away Team Studio in Goleta CA. Art Work by Kevin Vazquez, Liner Notes Linda Ulvaeus.
Moments of remembrance, in whatever form they may
come; connect us to the truth that we are never
separate from love. "Sexy Latin Lounge Returns",
the latest cresting wave from Cougar Records, is full
of such moments, sound universes that wash over us
like the ocean tide. Soon we are swaying on inner
currents of surrender and reveling in tender stirrings
of ardent devotion. This music is further proof that the classics come to life when Cougar Estrada breathes on them, somehow preserving the integrity and character of the
repertoire performed despite his innovative treatment
of the music. The songs are complex rhythmic
movements carrying both historical revelation and
artistic weight. Cougar's multistyle, multisource arrangement techniques and brilliant musicality (and successful forays into experimental realms) along with the solid backing of his family and guests, infuse the music
with intrigue and wonder. The fact that a lot of this
recording was done in one or two takes boggles the
mind. The technical virtuosity of these musicians
spans the reach between the subtlest statement to the
most tremendous rush of energy. Ruben Estrada's
awesome vibraphone, piano and trumpet prowess can move
mountains, and Henry Estrada's dynamic phrasing on the
saxophone is a marvel to behold. Ruben Martinez plays
a central and consistently profound role on standup
bass as he continues to further amaze us with his
serenely contemplative flute playing. Also noteworthy
on certain selections is the masterful support of Tony
Saito (percussion), Adolfo Acosta (trumpet), John
Schnackenberg (saxophone), Charlie Wisuri on guitar
and Vivien Mason's sweet sweet vocals on Cuando, Cuando, Cuando, not to mention the Los Vegas vocals and little embellishments of Kevin Vazquez on Como Fue, pure beauty. From the rolling heaviness of Inovidable to the deeply reverent Adoro, and then the strikingly original approach to Juarez, or the more lighthearted innocence of Ella, these pearls contain concentrated energies, like leverage points, lifting us to a
limitless sphere of feeling with no boundaries or
circumference. This is a collection that contains the
sorcery of love, making you feel good!
Credits:
Music style
Ballads, Bolero, Bossa Nova, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo.
Musical influences
The great masters of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Similar Artists
Traditional Latin Standards
Artist history
Ruben "Cougar" Estrada Jr. was not only born in the back seat of a 1967 Mercury Cougar; he was born into the musical family of The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet. "I can remember going to see my father's band (The Estrada Brothers) play at a wedding. I would sit on the side of the stage and play clave or cowbell along with my uncles." Cougar was documented on The Estrada Brothers first CD recording in 1989 at only 19. He then recorded on Steal Big, Steal Little (Movie Soundtrack) featuring musicians Stephan Grapelli, Steve Gadd, Cachao, Albita, Paquito De Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and actor Andy Garcia. Recent live work includes touring the country with the Latin Playboys, Los Super Seven and travels to Guatemala and Japan with Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie Jackson. In addition to his work on The Mennonite and Ballads (Jazz trumpeter project, Nate Birkey), Cougar has recently recorded on new works by The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Sextet (due in Spring 2002), The Latin Jazz All-Stars featuring the best Latin Jazz Musicians in Southern CA, country artist Rick Trevino, The Mavericks' Raul Malo, a forthcoming Los Lobos CD, his own genre defying group ConGa PunKs, and the debut of his most recent production venture: Cougar Records.
Instruments
Acoustic Piano, Vibes, Saxophones, Flute, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Organ, Vocals, Falsetto Voice, Upright Bass and Spoken Word.
Location
Santa Barbara, CA - USA
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