Album Notes

Exploding with rhythm and sound,YAVAZ's debut CD "Sea of Cortez" is a must for Latin-Jazz lovers! The album opens with the sounds of an approaching storm over the sea, preparing the listener for what is to be a flood of salsa, flamenco, Brazilian and jazz-fusion. YAVAZ founders Mark Riddle & Nelson Ortiz enlisted the talents of well-known music industry pals such as Jaime Valle, Tommy Aros (Luis Miguel & Fattburger) and Grammy nominated jazz trumpeter Bruce Cameron. In addition to the original compositions, the CD borrows a couple from the masters, including an incredible rendition of "So What" by the late, great Miles Davis. "Sea of Cortez" is high energy Latin-fusion that invites abandon and calls for a party right in your living room. This CD has sold out at every performance and store it's been sold at. This CD has a unique sound that appeals to everyone from six to sixty, from hard-core jazz enthusiast to the casual listener.

Here's just some of the reviews:

"YAVAZ can turn an old standard into an in-your-face merengue, a rock tune into a dance-in-your-seat salsa & Miles Davis' melancholy 'So What' into a white-hot mambo."
San Diego Union-Tribune

"YAVAZ captures the sensuality of a summer evening in Spain and the classy atmosphere of a nightclub in Manhattan." The Guardian

"My advice: "Sea of Cortez" is a worthy addition to any Latin Jazz lover's music collection...if you think the CD is good, just wait 'til you see these boys live!!!"
Mirada Magazine

"I've never seen anything like it. When I play a song from their album, I get flooded with calls...my listeners can't get enough of them." 88.7 FM, Tijuana


Featuring: Mark Riddle, Nelson Ortiz ,Bill Shreeve, Bruce Cameron, Tommy Aros, Jaime Valle, Barry Bedore, Hank Easton, Peter Skrabak, Cesar Lozano, Steve O'Connor, Jim Ybarra, Toby Ahrens

CD Produced by: Mark Riddle & James Groutage Productions
Executive Producers: Nelson Ortiz & Mark Riddle

"Para Los Rumberos" published by Windswept/Pacific Music. Used by permission
"So What" published by Warner/Chappell Music. Used by permission