Album Notes

Berklee may have given him key tools to tickle the ivories with more confidence, but Luis Marín’s graceful playing comes from his creativity and free-spirited approach to his instrument.

Sure he learned music theory and playing techniques while studying at the prestigious higher-learning institution. But Marín has honed his skills in the streets, playing with Latin jazz/salsa heavyweights everywhere, from hotel clubs to patron saint festivals.

While influenced by note jazz greats, Marín has never forgotten his roots, and it is this flavorful combination, which has made him one of the island’s top Latin jazz pianists and sought-after session musicians. Also, Marín has gained recognition for his diverse influences in fusion
jazz – from Palmieri to Chick Corea to Keith Jarret – and his knowledge of the popular Latin songbook. Overall, he’s truly admired by his peers – and fans – for his adventurous artistic expression, as well as his passion for perfection.

The beauty of Marín’s refreshing versions of, say, Augusto Algueró “La Montaña”, is that they sound like no other.

Long but passionate, daring yet subtle, the arrangements leave enough space fro everyone to join in the dialogue as Marín leads the way blindfolded into his surreal soundscape. His take of “El Cumbanchero” is a highlight of the performance, for Marín delivers some exquisite piano solos and sultry interludes.

Marín’s jazzy, funky take on Joan Manuel Serrat’s “Señora” is also a tasty serving that proves that Marín and his group work as a team and have no ego problems. Marín’s free-spirited side also takes flight on this song as he adds his personal touches throughout, playing each note with the intensity and degree of importance as if it were the last one he would ever play.

A must-have fro any Latin jazz fan, “Live at the Nuyorican Café Vol. II: Luis Marín”, is an astounding follow-up to “Gracias Polo: Live at the Nuyorican Café Vol. I” the first of a CD series that also sparked a big buzz among “underground” Latin jazz/salsa aficionados when it was released over two years ago. -Ian Malinow Maceo / The San Juan Star


(c) 2009 Tahoe Records