NEFF IRIZARRY & NEPENTHE

Puerto Rican guitarist Neff Irizarry (b.1973), whose daring, fresh and exploring take on Contemporary Jazz with a strong Latin tinge has been hailed by such names as Steve Khan, Jimmy Haslip (The Yellowjackets) and Paquito D'Rivera is our fetured artist.  Neff’s distinctive fusion of Coltrane-influence hard bop and pianistic montunos can be heard on his debut CD Nepenthe. The opening track "Despedidas" was selected for inclusion into the inaugural issue of the European Real Book, a collection of the best European jazz compositions by Sher Music.  Hailing from the Boston jazz scene and Berklee College of Music (his alma mater), Neff has collaborated and performed with renowned artists in a wide range of styles, artists such as Eddie Henderson, Randy Brecker, Azymuth, Giovanni Hidalgo, Marc Quiñones, Bobby Allende, Jeff Lorber, Robin Jones, Snowboy, Evan Price (of Turtle Island Quartet), Antonio Sanchez (of Pat Metheny Group), Leslie Lopez (New Cool Collective and Bombacó), Singer/songwriter Douglas Pashley, Mr Gone, Afroelements, Deniss Pashkevich and Riga Groove Electric and Irish Singer/songwriter Stefan Hanvey to name a few. To hear some of this artists tracks, click Visit this artists website!

With his latest release entitled "Thoughts; Pensamientos" Carlos Jimenez and crew have succeeded in arriving at the perfect blend of straight up lite Jazz with a Latin flair.  Musicians featured on this CD include: Carlos Jimenez, flutists, composer, & producer, Vince Cherico, drums, Ruben Rodriguez, bass and Fidel Cuellar, piano. our favorite cut is entitled "My Son". The compilation consists of 11 original cuts  and exemplifies the effects of sofrito, that special blend of flavorings rendering harmonies sure to hit home with jazz aficionados. With the upcoming release of the CD this artist is catapulted to new heights; that beyond the cuchifrito circuit. The CD makes an excellent addition to any collection, and a must have. To purchase the CD, visit the Visit this artists website!

As you can see we polished up the old site as we felt it could use some sprucing up; hope you like it. With the new look comes a revitalized effort delivering fresh original content and in creating a place of value for you our readers. One that is free of Internet clutter. On another note, recently my junk mail (regular mail) began arriving written in Spanish and while I am proud of my heritage, I find it kind of presumptuous that just because my last name is of Spanish origin (Basque/Puerto Rican) some marketing person deemed it that correspondence attempting to induce a buy from me, would best be received if it were in Spanish. Hello... You guys in marketing get a grip it isn't working; not for me at least. If given the option, my preference is to continue to receive my junk mail in English; that way I can throw it in the can without having to explain what it is. Spanish is my mother tongue, I speak it, think it, dream it, however, since i am living in AMERICA (the USA) and as a Veteran?  It's English for me.  And don't get me started on those prerecorded telemarketing pitches. We'd like get your opinion, please take a moment drop me a note with your thoughts on this issue [Here].  We will post your comments on the website.