Album Notes

Discover the new cosmopolitan sounds of Spain by the hand of the Juan L. Sánchez Ensemble and their brand new album: Hijos de la Tierra Founded in 1997, the Juan L. Sánchez Ensemble features the verse and passionate voice of Juan L. Sánchez, a charismatic modern-day troubadour who has transcended his Spanish roots to create a unique musical universe: listen to Arabic and Sephardic melodies powered by the bold virtuosity of Pau Contos on flutes and saxophones. Explore the sensual rhythm of bossa novas and rumbas carried by Noe Hinojosa on Latin percussion and Steve Uccello on stand-up bass and guitarrón, and admire the undaunted genius of Dayan Kai on piano, mandolin, zampoña, guitar, accordion and clarinet, among many other instruments. This long-awaited release, initiated in 1991, features 11 tracks (plus a bonus epilogue) that have been part of the ensemble's repertoire over the past 3 years. In addition to Juan L. Sánchez's nine original compositions, you'll be able to find the ensemble's version of the traditional Spanish tune, "la Tarara" and a poem by Luis Cernuda, -"No decía palabras"- put to music by Juan. Hijjos de la Tierra showcases, in addition to Juan's poetic songwriting and passionate voice, the delicious jazz improvisations of Paul Contos on flute, soprano, alto and tenor sax, the crisp riffs of Dayan Kai on 12-string guitar, charango, mandolin, piano and even accordion, Steve Uccello's stylings on electric fretless and stand-up bass, the exquisite pandero, ganzá and djembe performance of David McCormick, and the unique harmonies of Noe Hinojosa (whose painting graces the cover of the CD). Hijos de la Tierra also features the stellar guest performances of Middle-Eastern percussion master Armando Mafufo., jazz piano virtuoso Murray Low, Mike Shannon on drum kit and finally, a trio of outstanding musicians from Mali: singer Tapa Demba, ballaphon master Balla Kouyate and last, but not least, the incomparable Mamadou Diabate, whose dazzling kora (21-string harp) solos both open and close the album.