Album Notes

This is my first major release, recorded shortly after my return from Brazil, where I lived for two years. The Brazilian and Latin influence permeates the entire disc, but my Jazz & R&B roots are still very present on this CD. Released in 1996, my favorites from the CD are: Tango Funkissimo, Dindi, and Sarau para Radames.

Musicians on these tracks:
Damien Masterson
Chromatic Harmonicas
Marcos Silva
(except 4 & 6)
Frank Martin
Piano on 4 & 6
Jeff Buenz
Guitar
Ricardo Peixoto
Guitar on 5
Josh Workman
Guitar on 4, 6 & 11
Derek Jones
Bass
Andrew Buffington
Drums
Celso Alberty
Drums on 4, 5 & 11
Marquinhos Brazil
Percussion
Dennis Broughton
Percussion


“The harmonica conjures up a handful of automatic associations: Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, or Sonny Terry. Folk and rock fans recall the raw expressionism of Bob Dylan. But most jazz listeners will link one name - Toots Thielemans - to the instrument. Until now. With this remarkable debut recording, Damien Masterson adds his name to the roster of harmonica virtuosos who impart a singular sound and identity to what jazz polls unfortuantely categorize as a ‘miscellaneous instrument.’ “
Derk Richardson, San Francisco Bay Guardian