Michel Camilo

I listened to the CD and I am scratching my head, confused...
On the one hand, Michel Camilo sounds fresh, renewed, wiser, and as always, magnificent and intense. The new compositions are interesting.
On the other hand, while part of the "freshness" factor is due to having a new drummer and bass player in the band, I long for the sounds of Horacio Hernandez (drums)and the one and only Anthony Jackson (contrabass guitar).

To me, Camilo had found the perfect combination when he recorded "Triangulo", (with Hernandez and Jackson as sidemen). Triangulo is arguably one of Camilo's best trio albums. In particular, Anthony Jackson always seemed to be the common denominator among the great Camilo works, one of the catalysts which have always made Camilo's gems sparkle. And he is sorely missed in here. Perhaps Camilo wanted to have upright/acoustic bass on this recording, which Jackson does not play. However, to me this did nothing but water down the results.

Again, I am confused, because it could be argued that if an artist just keeps on recycling the same formula over and over it becomes boring. Yet, to me, a change in direction should be justified, and hopefully yield a better, -or at least innovative- result. Alas, I don't feel this is quite the case in here. The chemistry between the players is just not as explosive and exciting. Spirit of the moment is a good, enjoyable CD, but it does not have the same impact as some earlier Camilo efforts do.

What can I say.....another superb album from Michel Camilo. The group is tight and the arrangements are meticulous, from track 1 you are taken on a journey that twists and turns from the classic fun of a light blues/jazz into the deepest blue channels of the soul and back again to the present moment filled with light. Michel, you are a master of your craft and a guide for the listener whose ears lucky enough to discover you.Spirit of the Moment

Spirit of the Moment is another excellent michel Camilo recording reflecting both execution virtousity and composition skills.

My first taste of Michel Camilo came years ago when I heard One More Once playing in a local music store. I liked what I heard and bought it but then forgot about him until last year when I picked up both of his excellent Tomatito collaborations. Those had me so excited, I didn't hesitate to order Spirit of the Moment as soon as I saw it had been released.
If you haven't heard Camilo before, you are in for a treat here. This is pure Latin jazz virtuosity. If Camilo had strayed from his roots over the years, you'd never know it when you hear Spirit of the Moment.
Though I like most of the CD, I mostly prefer the uptempo pieces. My favorites are: the splendid opener Just Now; the delicious title cut; the thrilling Repercussions; the Miles Davis/Bill Evans composition Nardis, which carries a whiff of Spain on its notes; and the ever-changing Trilogy.
Spirit of the Moment represents a successful return to the jazz trio format for Camilo and his group. Note that I give it four stars only because it starts very strongly and finishes on a weak note. A closing tune of the caliber of Just Now or the title cut would have sent this soaring into five-star territory.
If you are a fan of either Latin jazz or piano jazz in any way, I strongly recommend this CD. You'll find yourself enjoying this over and over.

Como siempre, Michel me sorprende con su estilo , su sonido , sus composiciones y sus arreglos. Tengo que decir que Camilo es un virtuoso extraordinario y que por tal razon no deberia sorprenderme con sus magnificas ejecuciones, pero es que creo que cada vez se supera a si mismo. Es como un buen vino...mejora con el tiempo.
Este es un gran CD para oir y disfrutar con tranquilidad. Es la mejor manera de apreciar sus ejecuciones.
Esto es Jazz del mejor.

What an incredibly tight band. So refreshing to hear, since there's so many OK-mediocre bands out there. This band stays on beat, doesn't rush, and is in tune. The solos blow you away. And Michel on piano is unbelievable - what chops ! The only thing that comes close is the other 5-star band, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. If you like serious big band jazz of this age, this is a must-buy.

Amazingly written and arranged, and it features some of New Yorks finest musicians to be found. The horn section is tight as hell blowing away in the background. The songs range from relaxing to so powerful that your socks will be blown off. Reccomendations all around, this is a MUST have.

I have owned this CD since its release back in 1994. Tonight I put it in my CD deck for the first time in a while. I have just been reminded of what an amazing masterpiece of an album this is. I have loved it since I first heard it and loved it once again tonight!
The musicianship, the writing and arranging, the sonic quality, the complexity of the music, the UNBELIEVABLE level of professional playing here and everything else you could say about this fabulous record!
If you are a fan of big band jazz and you haven't had the opportunity to hear this record, do not wait any longer! Get one of these discs before you can't. It's already 13 years old but it sounds like it was done current day. It is timeless.
I am surprised we don't hear more about the drummer Cliff Almond. Spectacular drumming here! "Smitty" does a great job too!
Looks like ten bucks buys this here on Amazon. What are you waiting for????

This CD demonstrates Michel Camilo's skills as a composer and arranger, in addition to his mastery of the piano. His virtuosity is dazzling as always. A Latin flavor pervades the album, but you can hear the blues and funk influences as well. The tunes are mostly upbeat and highly syncopated. It's great fun to listen - one of my all-time favorites. "Just Kidding" and "Caribe" are worth the price of admission alone. Great driving music - but keep your eyes on the speedometer!

I agree that this is one of my favorite cds of all time and when I first got it, didn't stop listening to it for months! It could be one of the best Latin-Big Band cds of all time, but I hesitate to say that only because I don't own much else (a few here and there) to compare it to. I can't imagine anything being better that this disc, from the awesome soloing by everyone involved, to Faddis' lead playing and the percussion... this is a fun, summertime party kind of cd, but with beautiful ballads, that can put me in the best possible mood just from listening.

I've finally found an enoyable album of Spanish music after going through several awful flamenco, gypsy, and so-called Latin collections. This is a great album; loved the piano playing. However, I wish the guitar was more upfront. If I'd wanted a piano album, I would buy one. Also, why only 8 songs at 45minutes? If you find it on sale for $5, get it!

For some time, I have been aware of the work of Michel Camilo and was familiar with Tomatito through some flamenco recordings that I have. But I never knew they made a couple of CDs together until I spotted another of their CDs called Spain Again in a local book and music store. What drew me in was their musical tribute to Astor Piazzolla on that CD. So when I got home, I came to amazon and ordered both Spain and Spain Again at a much better price than the local store charged. And while the one that drew me to the collaboration of Camilo and Tomatito is excellent, Spain is simply outstanding.
Though I like the whole CD, several cuts stand out. The industry reviewer doesn't even mention the best one, Para Troilo y Salgan (dedicated, no doubt, to the great tango masters Anibal Troilo and Horacio Salgan), on which Tomatito electrifies the listener with his crisp and rapid-fire yet flawless play. Beyond that one the best tunes are the title cut, which fans of Chick Corea and/or Al DiMeola will instantly recognize; an intricate and enchanting Besame Mucho; and a dazzling La Vacilona which is imbued with the rhythms of Spanish America.
If ever a CD cried out for a wider audience, Spain is one that is deserving. The interplay between these two virtuosos is spectacular. It has been playing over and over in my office all day, filling me with bliss and making my work more enjoyable.
Obviously, if you're reading the reviews of this CD, you already have some interest in this type of music. This is one of the best of the genre that I've heard in ages. So buy Spain confidently knowing you can't possibly be disappointed in any aspect of the CD except its brevity.

Michel camilo and tomatito made a one of best music style.The pianno from mitchel camilo and the flamenco style guitar's tomatito make one couple unforgettable.
cristina asencio

I regularly go the Blue Note here in NYC and got the chance to see Michel Camilo live on this one night. I didn't expect to see what I saw! I've always known how awesome a pianist Michel Camilo is but when I saw Tomatito, I was in awe of Tomatito's technique. I was about 10 feet away from him and I couldn't figure out how he was getting all those beautiful sounds. I was so anxious to get the CD but everywhere I turned to didn't have it. When I got it, I was a little disappointed. Just a little... When I saw them live, THEY WERE 10 TIMES BETTER THAN ON THE CD, if you can imagine that! The CD doesn't do them justice but it comes pretty close.

Out of a wide library of interests I've got to say that this record is amazing. I've just listened to it the second time and am still engrossed in it after its end and ensuing quiet. I cannot say what infinite creative levels of instrument mastery, arrangement, and superb mixing of musical minds must exist behind this duo to adequately express appreciative praise to this record.
Anyone will sober in hearing.
Brent Fuller.

I came to know Camilo after watching his performance in the "Calle 54" DVD. His energy and outstanding musical performance prompted me to listen to more of his music. I decided to get this CD first and I wasn't disappointed . His piano skills are comparable to other masters of the latin jazz movement such as Chucho Valdez and Valdez Sr. There are a few slow songs which demonstrate his "cool" side as well. The energy of songs Island stomp and On Fire makes you jump from your seat and start dancing. I am definitely hooked to Camilo know and will order more music from him.

The customer reviews are always helpful but one review got my attention. The customer said Michel was a "Afro-Cuban Genius".......correction, he is a "Afro-Dominican Genius". Michel Camilo is from the Dominican Republic not Cuba.
As a dominican I felt the urge to politely correct the statement.
Thanks

This CD is absolutely fantastic. Every track is breathtakingly beautiful. Camilo's chord voicings in this style are by far the most lush, complex, and beautiful I have ever heard. The mastery of the piano that it takes to play at this level is unthinkable. I've only seen him live once, but I wish he could move into my house. Joel Rosenblatt also shines on this album as well. If you haven't heard Rosenblatt live, do yourself a favor and go to a Spyro Gyra concert. As for Camilo, he's in a league all his own. Highest recommendation.

Camilo shows a variety of rhythms that shows us how a piano is to be played and enjoyed. A good sweet jazz piano jam is how I personally call this, a good jazz performance that shows a different face of jazz with a latin feeling that comes from the same roots from outstanding performers like Chucho Valdes, or Gonzalo Rubalcaba. This is a must have for good latin jazz listeners.

From the first tune, the jovial "Island Stomp," you know you're in for a great album. A great variety of songs, from ballads to latin to smoking swing, this album continues to be my favorite after 7 years! This was my first Camilo album, I now own them all!!

There isn't any words that can express this band's talent. Michel Camilo is simply one of the most talented, yet underated pianist in the U,S. today. The single from with shows both the guitarist, and the pianist talent and love for Jazz. This album is recommended to any lover of overall music.

For those who don't understand what all the fuss was about the Michel Camilo Trio's work in the early to mid-'80s, this is a marvelous find. The album is one mean smoking session, as the Dominican pianist blows through nine original and standard tunes with cohorts Anthony Jackson and Dave Weckl on 6-string contrabass guitar and drums respectively. The reworking of Duke's "Caravan" is pure genius, while "From Within" burns. Highly recommended to lovers of both jazz and Latin music.

it should have been named LATIN LATIN!!!IT IS as good as SPAIN with eexxcceelleenntt recording.it has the fresh flavor of a ripe little Tomato sprinkled with Camilo salt...

Though one hears a lot about crossovers and fusion etc., the fact is that most flamenco-jazz meetings are third-rate flamenco and seventh-rate jazz. The genres are utterly different, the time-conceptions in each tradition especially are utterly different (and paramount), and everyone emerges sounding worse than they do in their home genres. Since few jazz critics know enough about flamenco to intelligently comment, and vice-versa, the enterprises usually get applauded when they should be simply avoided. These Camilo/Tomatito discs are the only truly successful such collaborations I know, and the new one is just as glorious as the last.

"Spain Again" reunites Spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito with American jazz pianist Michel Camilo. Camilo is a classically trained prodigy whose influences range from Art Tatum to Keith Jarrett, while Tomatito reigns as one of his country's brightest stars, citing Paco De Lucía as one of his key inspirations. The success of this collaboration does not lie in the differences between their musical heritages, but rather in the common ground these two masters forge within the parameters of this recording. Although virtuosity is certainly not something both musicians are lacking, one never senses that the two are competing with one another. Instead the listener hears a deep and profound camaraderie between the two which amicably encompasses the music on this disc. The delicate interplay and intuitive sensitivity the artists share recalls the seminal sixties collaborations between Jim Hall and Bill Evans. Throughout their adventurous melodic excursions and thrilling improvisations, Tomatito and Camilo never lose focus of the inherent beauty of each composition. The session includes an eclectic assortment of music featuring jazz standards, moving tributes, and original compositions. Standouts include a series of three heartfelt homages to Astor Piazzolla, all brilliantly executed and performed to perfection. On the ballad "Stella by Starlight," Tomatito offers some unique and intricate rhythm playing as Camilo skillfully navigates his way through the demanding chord changes of the piece. The recording ends with the joyous "Amor de Conuco," featuring a passionate vocal performance by Juan Luis Guerra and marking an appropriate conclusion to this very memorable musical experience. "Spain Again" is a truly magical recording of extraordinary music and should be required listening for all fans of jazz, classical, and flamenco music.
James Scott

Very beautiful music. I did not know that guitar and piano was all you needed to create wonderfully pleasing sounds.

Michel Camilo and Tomatito are great artists and preformers. They are great individually but together they are truly an example of the sum of their parts are truly greater playing together than individually.

I have seen both artists in concert individually as well as seeing them perform together on stage in 2006, and can say that this was the best concert I have ever attended.

This cd is truly a gem.

In Camilo's own estimation, this "Live at the Blue Note" is the next evolutionary step beyond the group he'd broken with the Grammy-nominated CD "Triangulo" in 2002 ; He is mixing two worlds, and rhythmically there are a lot of challenging moments !!! There is a very high level of communication and risk in all the improvisational moments. The three musicians, Charles Flores on bass and Horacio Hernandez on drums, move through this recording with a precision, virtuosity, energy and sensibility. Essential recording, to get it absolutely !!! Emilio ( France, Dordogne ).

This is a smokin' live album. I have several of Camilo's CDs and this live session shows him at his best. Besides at the low price it's a steal because the two CD set contains 2 hrs, 15 mnts of music. From start to finish Camilo is energetic and the rhythm section keeps up with his ebullience. He has a very unique style of play that sets him out as one of the top jazz pianists. Camilo brings fresh touch and makes for a delightful listening experience. I recommend to get this live collection and turn it up so you can hear the subtlety of this exceptional trio.

If you enjoy Camilo's studio recordings, you'll love this live CD. His best, most innovative, most adventurous, most technically dazzling work to date.

As a fan of the Michel Camilo trio this recording is a great document of what fans have always talked about after seeing their performances. You can expect: varied compositions (from haunting ballads to the bluesy to the most fiery latin), brilliant virtuosity & group interplay of the highest order. That is here in spades. Also the sound quality, imaging & dynamic range of the DSD recording is impressive.

Sadly what is lacking is the combination of players that I've had the honor of witnessing over a period almost a decade long at New York's Blue Note. I'm referring to Anthony Jackson's contribution to the Camilo trio sound.

Here is an artist who perfectly complements Michel Camilo's sensibilities, not to mention that he posesses a sensitivity to tone that is unparalleled. No disrespect is meant towards the talents of Charles Flores. However the dynamic range of the group is now compromised. On uptempo compositions the upright just doesn't have the clarity to match Camilo's tone the way Anthony Jackson's contrasbass guitar did, especially on unison line passages.

The choices Mr. Jackson made have always touched my soul. He might save his lowest pitch & loudest dynamic for the last note of a ballad that crescendos over the group. I clearly remember a rare solo he took on a ballad using a volume pedal as an expression pedal. Those moments & Anthony Jackson's presence in the group are sorely missed.

Last I can't help but wonder if pressure from the label has influenced the decision to have a "legitimate" upright bass so as to appeal to conservative listeners & gain more radio airplay as well. It is sad that players who've shared so much & developed a musical language together over decades are no longer working together.

For those curious to hear & see what I'm talking about watch the Camilo trio's performance in the film "Calle 54." Then you will know what's missing. (The option is not available but I'd give this CD a rating of 3 1/2 stars.) Just my two cents.

Having followed the career of this amazing pianist for nearly 20 years, it was always something of a mystery to me that he had not released a live album. Michel Camilo's studio recordings have always been first-rate, and I've bought them all, but whenever I saw him perform it seemed like the music was kicked up yet another notch for the live audience. If you're familiar with his music, you know that's really saying something. I wasn't alone in feeling this way, either. Many people already familiar with his recordings would be awed by seeing and hearing him perform live. So the absence of a live recording from his discography wasn't just a mystery; to a fan like me it was also a crime. Happily, all of that has changed with this 2-CD release on Telarc. As you might expect from this audiophile label, the recording is superb; they have captured the trio perfectly. The playing by all three musicians is sublime, and their level of communication throughout is nothing short of astonishing. I'm especially grateful for the inclusion of a number of unhurried solo piano introductions and ballads, which have continued to grow in power and beauty as Michel Camilo's playing has matured over the years. But fans of his high-energy virtuosity won't be disappointed either; there's plenty of that here too, in spades. Indeed it's amazing just how much variety there is here. And I don't just mean in the material; I mean in Michel's playing too. This is an amazing collection of music that rewards many repeated listenings. The 2004 Grammy award for Best Latin Jazz Album was richly deserved! Buy this CD now!

Good album, I wish I could rank it higher but I'm afraid I've been spoiled - I just had the pleasure of seeing Michel Camilo and the rest of his trio perform live at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley in Seattle. He was absolutely wonderful. Five stars. However, I've noticed a strange phenomenon about jazz recordings: after seeing the artist perform live, their recordings often seem boring by comparison. Live, the performers have more energy, jam, and improvisation. The recordings though, seem overly refined and over-produced. This one is no exception.

In this album he tries a more relaxed mood.
One of his most Bill-Evans-oid works.

An obscure reference to Michel in a high-end audio equipment magazine started my research into this high-octane Caribbean jazz pianist. Listening to a few cuts here on Amazon for several of his albums and a few more on Apple iTunes store made me a dedicated fan. I immediately bought 3 of his albums including this one. After listening to all the cuts, my initial instincts were correct. Here is an authentic genius on the keyboards. His rhythms, phrasing, licks, and flying fingers put me, quite simply, on the floor. There isn't a loser in the 9 tracks but the final one, Caribe, is magnificent, a crowning achievement in anyone's jazz career.

If you enjoy jazz, this CD belongs in your collection. Your appreciation of what is artistry will require an adjustment at or near the top.

Wow. I first heard of this cd during a jazz band trip. My percussion teacher (also a jazzer) played it in the van and I was blown away! I had to have the cd. Carbibe is of course my favorite, and also being a pianist, I have learned some of the song by ear. This guy is crazy man crazy. I cannot believe how amazing Michel's playing is, and his chops are unbelievable! To everyone who loves jazz, this cd is definately for you!

I first bought this compact disk in 1988. I have recently put it on to listen to while I was studying a chess book. Instead of changing this disk when it was finished, I let it play... over and over again. It reminded me of the good times back when I first bought it back in 1988... and you know what? Back then I let it play over and over again, enraptured by the talent of this pianist!!! That "Yarey" is the jam!!!!!! I've encountered so much since then that makes this acoustic journey a Diamond of Gold; through having the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Spyro Gyra, I've actually met Joel Rosenblatt who does an excellent drumming job on this CD. Through studying perfect pitch and relative pitch in the cassette courses of David L. Burge I find it a true pleasure to be able to analyze as well as thoroughly enjoy these masterpieces of this piano genius. And through developing a love of Tania Maria (for which I hold Michel Camilo responsible) and also a fluency in Portuguese, there's a much deeper place in my heart for "Pra Voce". I know this review comes 13 years later and has an extremely rare chance of being seen, but, just take time to realize that out of all my 200 plus CDs and cassettes, this is the first one to make me take time out to compose an Amazon.com review. Doesn't that tell you something?

One of the greatests latinamerican jazz pianist playing classic tunes with his unique master touch. Highly recomended for latin jazz lovers.

I first saw Michel Camilo performing in 2000 in Jerusalem. I was not really sure what to expect since I did not know anything about this musician before the concert, besides that he is playing a "latino jazz", and I am not a big fan of latino music (I am a big fan of piano jazz though). Well, what I found out is that Camilo never plays strait latino, but incorporates the trend into solid gold jazz crafting. No question - latino flavor is there, but it makes his music even more exciting. I went looking for his CD the next day after the concert, and I picked the "Thru My Eyes". That CD officially made me Michel Camilo's fan. Since then I bought every single CD the pianist released and was never disappointed. Thru My Eyes does not include any original material on it (as suggested in the title) - but the selection is great, and Michel's convincing manner of playing really makes you feel like he actually wrote all the tunes. The sound quality is excellent, and bass-drums support is phenomenal. This CD is like a shot of espresso - dense and robust. Highly recommended.

this guy is a true latin jazzman!!! i just got this cd today and i love it. the mix is very good, the players are great and the songs are a good mix as well. buy this one, you will like it.

This CD disappointed me because I expected much more out of Michel Camilo, especially after reading the inlay to the CD case. The overall sound of the trios that he plays in are remarkably sparse, and unlike some of his other work, lack those sparks of brilliance that lead me to buy other albums by him. I think you're better buying albums where he joins other artists, playing in a group. He shines out better there. Don't believe the inlay card.

Michel Camilo has got the afro-cuban thing down baby. This CD is one that you can play all the way though. The personnel is in the pocket all night long. If you dig latin grooves, you need to get this CD.

... at the time (1985), Michel Camilo was a little-known pianist who made his living scoring day-time soap operas. He was better known to the latin community, than to the jazz folks. This debut album, initially recorded for (and by) a Japanese label, proved groundbreaking in that it showed unequivocally that "latin jazz" didn't stop growing and maturing as a genre. Often times, you're not quite sure whether you're listening to Jazz or Latin music, not that you should care, if you really love music.

The first track, Just Kiddin' is simply thundering. I've never seen anyone not jump up upon hearing it for the first time. Its infectious groove, ebullient horn lines (and solos) are worth the price of the album in and of itself. The first half of the piano solo is, for lack of a better word, rockin', while the second half takes us on a whirlwind visit of Camilo's native Santo Domingo.

Other outstanding tracks on this CD are Hello And Goodbye (beautiful solo piano intro to a groovy latin track) with its irresistible piano solo; the convoluted but nonetheless thrilling ride of Why Not? and the atmospheric (at first) and stratospheric (once the band kicks in) Not Yet.

Special mention should be made on the world-class quality of the musicianship (ie, musicians) on this recording. Dave Weckl on drums and Anthony Jackson on bass provide unnaturally symbiotic accompaniment. The horn section is head and shoulders (pun intended) above any other except perhaps Ira Kere (at their best).

Simply put, you can't go wrong with this CD, if you like music, latin, jazz, or both. After this album, Michel Camilo felt the need to be taken seriously as a Jazz pianist, branched out into acoustic jazz and never again recorded material like this.

I think this CD was my first exposure to Mr. Camilo a number of years ago and he totally blew me away. What he can do with an acoustic piano is amazing. I don't know if I've ever heard anyone play piano quite like Michel. He can play with a soft and beautiful touch when required but he can really pound the keys and does some amazing runs. His technical ability is superb. I'm sure some of the jazz purists might frown on his style of piano playing because he can play quite hard at times but I really don't care. He's got some top shelf players on this disc including the great bassist Anthony Jackson and world class drummer Dave Weckl so you know there is no turkey being served here. When Michel takes off running Weckl is right there with him. You cannot go wrong with this CD.

[...]

Michel Camilo is one awesome piano player! This CD still blows me away. The man is an amazing talent, period!

Michel Camilo presents a fantastic combination of jazz horns and keyboard over a latin style groove. The album presents a varied selection of compositions ranging in mood from quiet and reflective through to exciting and energetic. I thouroughly recommend it.