Album Notes

The Latin Connection was founded and created by Chase Morrin, composer/arranger/band leader, at age 15 in the fall of 2008. Chase recruited the most talented teenagers from North, South, and East San Diego County. The band plays original Latin jazz compositions and arrangements written by Chase-fusing Latin folklore and jazz to create new sounds. The band and members have traveled and performed at the Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival and the Reno Jazz Festival. Latin Connection won this year’s national DOWN BEAT magazine award for Best Latin Group with three of Chase’s arrangements and compositions, including a home recording of Chase’s original Whitos Ninos -2, the title of this first CD - released on July 7 at the world famous Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. The band is making headlines in their community and southern California as a "genius" act, well beyond their age. The band strives for excellence, continues to further their diverse music education and promotes live music in San Diego and beyond.

Chase Morrin — Director/Pianist/Composer/Arranger is 15 and will be a junior at Canyon Crest Academy High School. Chase started composing and playing piano after discovering a toy keyboard at age 8. By age 12, he became the youngest recipient of the National ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) award presented to him at the Lincoln Center in New York and recognized again in 2009. His composition awards also include the Composers’ Today State awards in 2007 and 2008 from the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) and he was awarded a five year membership into the Young Composer’s Guild in 2009. Chase received the prestigious Herb Alpert Scholarship for emerging young artists by the faculty of the California Summer School for the Arts in 2008. Chase was a 2009 Spotlight semi-finalist and the 2009 pianist for the Reno Jazz Festival All Star Combo. Chase studied at the UCSD Jazz Camp on scholarship in 2008 and 2009. Chase studied at Berklee College of Music on full scholarship in the five week summer program in 2009 and offered a full scholarship to study again in 2010. Chase has directed, conducted and played keyboards for several local theater groups in town as well. More info at www.chasemorrin.com

Fernando Gomez — Percussionist/Timbale is 18 and born and raised in San Diego California. He is mostly a self taught drummer and percussionist. He graduated from Eastlake High school in 2009, and plays in a variety of local jazz/ Latin jazz groups as well as in reggae, funk, and rock groups. Fernando has performed with many local professional jazz musicians, and has studied with drumming greats Dave Weckl, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Steve Smith, and more. Fernando will attend Southwestern college this fall 2009, plans to transfer and study music. More info at www.myspace.com/fernandogomezdrums

Daniel Feldman — Percussionist/Congas is 16 and will be a junior at Canyon Crest Academy High School where he met Chase. He plays in his school’s jazz band and combo. Daniel has been playing and records with several local groups from San Diego like Jazmin group and Zeji Ozeri’s. Daniel is re-located from Mexico City and brings forward a unique style, enjoying world and Latin music. Daniel and Chase used to joke around during their freshman year in practice for their school’s wind ensemble on the percussion instruments saying, “we are Latin Connection.” Little did they know this would be the name of their band one year later. Daniel is a youth counselor during the summer of 2009. Daniel plans to major in music after high school. More info at www.myspace.com/danielfeldman

Michael Valentini — Bassist is 18 and is one of those young music talents that consistently surprise musicians and music lovers alike. As a classically trained pianist turned bass player, he is capable of handling any musical chart given to him. His influences include Victor Wooten, Sting, John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Mark King and Paul McCartney. He’s been fortunate to receive lessons from the amazing Rob Thorsen and currently plays with the The Latin Connection Quintet, as well as other various trios. Having played with the renowned San Diego based The Jazz Ensemble, and with Saint Augustine’s 32nd Street Jazz Band, Michael has also competed in the Valhalla, Riverside, and Coronado Jazz Festivals. Michael will be attending San Diego State University in the fall of 2009 and will minor in jazz studies. More info at www.myspace.com/michaelvalentini

Chris Burgess — Tenor Saxophonist is 17 and will be a senior and is the principal tenor saxophonist at Rancho Bernardo High School’s marching band. Chris attended the Berklee College of Music’s summer camp in 2008 and received a full-ride scholarship to study at Berklee again the summer of 2009 (Chase will be studying with Chris on full scholarship as well). Chris received “Outstanding Musician” at the Coronado Jazz Festival and studied at the UCSD jazz camp on a full ride scholarship in 2009. Chris plans to attend the Berklee College of Music after high school. Chris and Chase performed at the Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival two years in a row and they both belong to the Palomar College 7 O’Clock Jazz Ensemble. More info at www.chrisburgesssax.com