Michel Camilo – Triangulo (2002)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 54:33 minutes | Scans included | 3,31 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans included | 1,02 GB
Features 2.0 Stereo & 5.1 multichannel Surround sound | Telarc # SACD-63549

The latest album from Santa Dominican pianist Michel Camilo is somewhat of a departure from his previous release, Spain, which was an exploration of the many facets of Latin jazz performed in partnership with flamenco guitarist Tomatito. While there are still Latin rhythms underlying the performances on this release (such rhythmic qualities are likely part of Camilo’s genetic system), other styles are explored in combination with Caribbean and Latin harmonies. Another change is that for the first time since his 1994 release, One More Once, Camilo has made his own compositions part of the play list, making up six of the ten-tune program. While his playing is fiery and passionate, it is toned down somewhat on some cuts, showing a gentle, melodic side that perhaps may have been under-played on earlier releases. Joined by Anthony Jackson on bass and Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez on drums and other percussive instruments, the music presented on this release is inspiring, but accessible. Fortunately, Camilo leaves complex music to others. His presentations are straightforward so that the listener is kept informed of where he is coming from at any point during any of the compositions. There are friendly cuts that a couple could get up and dance to, such as “Mr. C. I.” Another of his works, “Afterthought,” is a lovely ballad which Camilo tenderly and pensively executes, with just a touch of the brushes by Hernandez to augment this offering. For a generally relaxed “Con Alma,” Camilo shows off dazzling technique and improvisational imagination as he explores the ins and outs of Dizzy Gillespie’s jazz classic, demonstrating that his credentials extend beyond the Latin arena. Triangulo is an ambitious undertaking which has spawned a highly riveting and enjoyable experience for the listener. Recommended.

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Michel Camilo – Rhapsody In Blue (2005)
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 55:50 minutes | Scans included | 3,31 GB
or FLAC 2.0 Stereo (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Scans included | 1,06 GB
Features Stereo and Multichannel Surround Sound | Telarc # SACD-63611

Dominican Jazz pianist Michel Camilo recorded “Rhapsody in Blue” with the 95-piece Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. You might expect his freewheeling, Latin-percussive style to bring a new heat and sparkle to the work. While Camilo, no stranger to classical music, provides an enjoyable ride through George Gershwin’s popular favorite, injecting some subtle swing touches, his treatment is otherwise pretty standard.

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Michel Camilo – Live at the Blue Note (2x SACD, 2003)
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DST64 2.0 & 5.1 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 132:01 minutes | Scans included | 8,38 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans included | 2,40 GB
Features 2.0 Stereo & 5.1 multichannel Surround sound | Telarc # 2SACD-63574

Recorded over four nights of a weeklong engagement at New York’s legendary Blue Note club, this double album is the first live recording by pianist Michel Camilo and includes a number of new compositions that had not been recorded (or even performed in public) before Camilo and his trio took over the Blue Note stage in March of 2003. This was his first recording with the rhythm section of bassist Charles Flores and drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, but the trio sounds as if it has been playing together for a decade: Flores and Hernandez both follow Camilo faithfully and supportively, pushing him gently when he needs it and staying out of his way when he doesn’t. Camilo is at his most impressive on the ballads and mid-tempo numbers, on which his lines are delicate, almost lacy, but complex and powerful at the same time — note in particular the lovely “Twilight Glow” and the slightly more impressionistic “Dichotomy.” Few pianists could coax an elegant solo out of “Tequila,” but Camilo does so with apparent ease. On the more up-tempo numbers his soloing tends to be a bit blocky, but his take on the classic “Blue Bossa” features some amazing cross-rhythms in the piano solo, and his own “On the Other Hand” is a brilliant piece of modern jazz piano artistry that incorporated a sly tribute to Thelonious Monk. Some will feel that the album begins wearing a bit by the end of the second disc; others will wish there were a third. Recommended.

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