Album Notes

Conceived by jazz guitarist Dave Stryker, TRIO MUNDO showcases the talents of Puerto Rican master percussionist Manolo Badrena, with bassist Andy McKee, and multi-reed man Steve Slagle as guest artist. Manolo's unique artistic personality is evident in the fiercely percussive title track Carnaval. Other high points are Manolo's two evocative Brazilian Bossa Nova flavored compositions “Dale Calor” and “Raveena," introducing for the first time on record his one-of-a-kind percussion, drumming, singing, and guitar playing. Dave Stryker's “Tres y Quatro” moves with a soft, but relentless salsa swing, and with each member soloing over a gentle guitar groove. On the exotically flavored “Raga," Trio Mundo goes on a high-speed musical excursion to India, with rapid-fire solos by Steve Slagle on flute, Dave on guitar, and Manolo on tablas.

Manolo Badrena is best known for his work with Weather Report, recording their platinum-selling album “Heavy Weather”. Manolo's unique sounds have been captured on over 100 recordings, and he has also worked with Spyro Gyra, Ahmad Jamal, Steve Kahn's Eyewitness, and the Joe Zawinul Syndicate.

Guitarist Dave Stryker has 15 CD's as a leader as well as sideman experience with Stanley Turrentine, Jack McDuff, Kevin Mahogany, Eliane Elias, an Javon Jackson. Dave co-leads a group with saxophonist Steve Slagle.

Bassist Andy McKee records as a leader, and is a much in-demand sideman with Elvin Jones, Michel Petrucciani, The Mingus Big Band, Hank Jones, Don Cherry and many others.


• “Manolo Badrena is simply a great musician with a rare creative gift.”
Joe Zawinul

• “vitality … infuses the colorful performances of Trio Mundo …superlative… Stryker fans will again be amazed at how this criminally neglected guitarist just seems to keep reinventing himself. “
Chris Hovan www.allaboutjazz.com