Juan Oskar, also known as Jay Maynes, is an American pianist, trumpeter, keyboardist and vocalist. He played with some Latin groups in the past being influenced by the likes of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Tito Puente, John Williams, Herb Alpert and Mason Williams (especially his "Classical Gas" CD). So far, Juan has recorded two solo albums - "Jazz-Pizzazz & Latino" (2003) and "Christmas is for Grownups Too" (2005). However, "Superhero" was recorded alongside two trumpeters (John Eth, Rod Wolber) and one trombone player (Ian Hugh).

From the very start we are attacked by a magic sound of orchestral title track including an "Action Show Theme". Then there is some references to the Latin bolero on "No Matter". Some of you can know that an original bolero is a Spanish dance accompanied by guitars and castanets, however aforesaid track is distinguished by a beautiful vocal, fairylike mood and romantic trumpet parts. Another composition called "The Great Manolete" is the reference to a Mexican salsa and was recorded as a rendition of traditional "La Virgin De La Macarena". It is unfounded to describe every track separately. It is better to write that the music on "Superhero" is rich as regards arrangement, ideally performed, full of ingenuity and instrumentally flawless. The production is polished to the limits with no listenable hypes in our ears. What can we find on this release? A traditional jazz, smooth jazz, swing, funk, a bit techno, choral and orchestral music, and even some hard'n'heavy tones here and there.

Anyway, it's pointless to put a genre anorak on Juan, since aforementioned styles do say all. Jay stands for a versatility and hit compositions in a sense, that's why I can't clip one or two genres to his third solo work. Each of tunes is highly rewarding and makes us much more happy than a moment ago. As stated, it is a very diverse stuff with many solo trumpet parts and distinct keys. The album can seem to be a kind of wish list for some of you, Dear Readers. If you crave for an ambitious music with technical proficiency and accessible tunes at the same time, "Superhero" should satisfy you. I hope to present you other Juan's albums in the future as well.
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