Carlos Jimenez Jazz Flute: Press

Carlos Jimenez is the next generation of great Puerto Rican flute players, following in the steps of Dave Valentin and Nestor Torres.

Thoughts is Carlos third album. The second one, El Flautista (The Flutist), had more of a Latin Jazz flavor. In contrast most of the music on Thoughts has a modern, smooth Jazz feeling to it.

The musicians on this album are different too. With Ruben Rodriguez, an experienced Salsa and Latin Jazz Bassist, Vince Cherico, who played with the likes of Tito Puente, Ray Barreto and Patato Valdes, on Drums and Colombian pianist Fidel Cuellar. A quartet format more suitable for the music on this CD.

This is a CD full of optimism; just take a look at the titles, Don't Worry, Storm of Love and Life is Great. But you can also hear that optimism in the upbeat, funky sounds of the music. The repetitive melody lines in some tracks like Bluedo, makes them more accessible for non Jazz listeners.

The title track Thoughts feels like a Tango and has some of the most sensitive and brilliant playing on the album. The Latin feeling comes out on pieces like No te apures (Don't Worry) and For You and Me, where Carlos seems more confident showing his improvisational skills with more flowing effortless solos.

Even though you can hear some influence of Dave Valentin in Carlos music, he is quickly developing his own voice. Carlos has a nice, clear tone and excellent phrasing. Listen to the solos on Carlitos my son, Don't Worry and Swift. Fidel Cuellar also contributes some delightful solos on I see you smile and For you and me.

One of my favorites is Storm of Love, on this track every one has the opportunity to showcase their talents, with Ruben taking the first solo on Bass, followed by beautiful Carlos and Fidel solos, and complemented with an excellent work on drums by Vince Cherico.

We will be waiting for next step in the evolution of this excellent Jazz musician.

Flautist Carlos Jimenez continues to grow and expand his musical world on Thoughts, a CD that features the hot bassets Ruben Rodriguez, plus drummer Vince Cherico and a new pianist on the jazz scene named Fidel Cuellar. Nelson Ridriguez-California February-2009

Thoughts / Pensamientos
CD (CJ/Martinete Music 08075), Released 2008;
Editor's Pick:

Classy jazz with some Latin touches. The young Puerto Rican musician Carlos Jimemez is an accomplished flute (and piano) player who has studied with some of the best, including Dave Valentin, Mario Rivera, and Bobby Porcelli, and believe me, it shows. His instrument has an even, warm tone that can be light and soothing at times, and dark and stormy at others. He is joined on this date by a top notch trio of bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Vince Cherico, and Fidel Cuellar on piano. In addition to the occasional Latin touches in Cuellar’s piano (check out “For You & Me”) or in the interplay between Jimenez and Cherico (“No Te Apures (Don’t Worry)”, there are also some bouncy jazz-funk numbers, a waltz, ballads, and the pensive, broodingly dark title tune, “Thoughts (Pensamientos)”. I am not sure what Jimenez’s thoughts are exactly, but I feel them, and for me this is the highlight of the album! Plus, it’s always a treat to hear Vince Cherico’s drumming as well, and on this whole album he swings butt off, and yet is sensitive to Jimenez’s needs through out. Highly recommended if you like jazz flute. (Pablo Yglesias, 2008-11-24)

The tradition of the flautist in the world of Latin jazz is probably that of one of the most solid and full bodied of contemporary music. The brass sound has always been the most propulsive moment of the sound of the Caribe, consolidated by a tenacious technical preparation that, as is the case with Carlos Jimenez, has allowed many to become solo artists who are not only capable of writing, but are also able to arrange in accordance with their own styles, offering some intense chromatics for which are thickly contaminated with pathos.

Typical of the phrasing from this instrumentalist from New York is the evocation of sonorous landscapes for certain verses that belong to an unrepeatable repertoire, to a classical and cultural patrimony that is topically rendered by a groove that is neat and rich with vital impulses, physically concentrated with interventions that place it over and beyond fashions, in as much as it puts a stamp on a flow that is wholly personal and believable, for the sense of renovation of formulas are not too often heard.

The solemn gait is clouded by many vibrant colours which don’t seem destined to stay in the shade for too long, from the moment that this great poetic imagination is tightened and buckled up it soon becomes very distinct that this is an ample breath to take: it’s an accurate choice and opportunistically maintained by a rhythm that hails from a great school, operating in the sonorous research area that is indicated in the same variegated compositions.

The soft melodic traces that are produced here by the flute of Jimenez outline an interpretive capacity which is strongly wrapped up, immersed in a seducing atmosphere of blue type traditions grained smooth and funky (“Yours For Sure”, “Bluedo”, “No te apures”), following along with the best traditions from Latin jazz.

The album offered by the flutist is an image of sensitive music, refined and yet never excessive in the technicalities employed, a lover of linear arrangements which is well balanced, woven polyhydric rhythms and an improvising talent that is typically jazzy, in which the sensitive element is not sparse and becomes very passionate, warm, energetic and, at the same time, lovingly sensual, (“Thoughts”, the title…) which in a courteous way makes evident to, and helps conduct Jimenez to never forget his collaborations with Dave Valentin and Hilton Ruiz.

Rounded out harshness in its dialogue, this winding solemn gait of the emotive impulse brings back the suggestive shades of an artistic language that is alive with interior forces which sweats with passion, calm and restless like the sky of the Caribe.



recensione di Fabrizio Ciccarelli per VINILEMANIA.NET

La tradizione flautistica del Latin jazz è probabilmente una delle più solide e corpose della musica contemporanea. Il set degli ottoni è da sempre il momento propulsivo del sound del Caribe, consolidato da una tenace preparazione tecnica che, come nel caso di Carlos Jimenez, ha consentito a molti di divenire solisti capaci tanto di scrivere quanto di arrangiare secondo vari stili, offrendo intensi cromatismi e contaminazioni dense di pathos.

Tipica del fraseggio dello strumentista newyorkese è l’evocazione di paesaggi sonori per certi versi appartenenti ad un repertorio irripetibile, ad un patrimonio culturale classico reso attuale da un groove nitido e ricco di impulsi vitali, fisicamente concentrato in interventi che si pongono al di là delle mode, secondo un flusso ed un timbro del tutto personali, credibili per il sotteso senso di rinnovamento di formule fin troppo ascoltate.

Il suo incedere sfumato da molte coloriture vibranti non sembra destinato a restare nell’ombra, dal momento che si lega saldamente ad un’immaginazione poetica ben distinta e di ampio respiro: è una scelta accurata e opportunamente sostenuta da una ritmica di ottima scuola, operante nell’area della ricerca sonora indicata dalle sue stesse variegate composizioni.

I morbidi intrecci melodici prodotti dal flauto di Jimenez sottendono una capacità interpretativa fortemente avvolgente, immersa in atmosfere seducenti di tradizione blue venate di smooth e funky (“Yours For Sure”, “Bluedo”, “No te apures”), come nella miglior tradizione del Latin jazz.

L’album offre del flautista un’immagine di musicista sensibile, raffinato, mai eccessivo nella tecnica, amante di arrangiamenti lineari e ben equilibrati, tessuti fra ritmicità poliedriche ed un estro improvvisativo tipicamente jazzistico, in cui l’elemento sensibile non di rado diviene passionale, caldo, energico e, allo stesso tempo, piacevolmente sensuale, lasciando talvolta intuire angolature notturne e sentimentali ( “Thoughts”, Pensieri, il titolo…) che in modo tanto garbato quanto evidente conducono Jimenez a mai dimenticare le proprie collaborazioni con Dave Valentin e Hilton Ruiz.

Smussata ogni asprezza del dialogo, l’incedere sinuoso dell’ impeto emotivo riconduce alle suggestive sfumature di un linguaggio artistico vivo di forza interiore e passioni suadenti, pacato e inquieto come il cielo del Caribe.

Fabrizio Ciccarelli - Italy

Carlos Jimenez has a new CD, his third release, entitled Thoughts (Pensamientos), a Latin jazz smooth cruise that sails through eleven Jimenez compositions with moments of excitement, passion, beauty and a fine sense of musicality. Mr. Jimenez is a gifted flutist; he is joined on this outing by Ruben Rodriguez (bass), Vince Cherico (drums) and Fidel Cuellar (piano). The rhythm section combines to provide excellent accompaniment and tasteful fills when called upon. The original compositions follow similar patterns. The songs flow, combining elements of smooth jazz with hip Latin rhythms performed in a funky groove.

The opening track “Carlitos My Son” is in a smooth jazz style, a pleasing melody with easy to take laid back rhythms in a moderate tempo. The feature is Carlos Jimenez playing a listenable flute solo. Playing in a mid range tone he delivers a fine sound and the song develops into an exciting opener.

The song “No Te Apures (Don’t Worry)” is also performed smooth but has a much funkier rhythm section. The bass player, Ruben Rodriguez puts heart and soul into this number. Vince Cherico adds some serious funk to the mix. And keeping everything on the same page is pianist Fidel Cuellar, solid chords that drive the rhythm home and allow for spirited playing by the other members of the band.

One of the highlight tunes of the CD is “Swift”. Charging out of the single beat intro headlong into a fast tempo. The flute of Mr. Jimenez takes flight, laying a trail of inspired playing. With long single notes that sustain and blend rapidly into trills and flutters, with smooth changes to melodically hit notes of pleasing sounds, with bird like singing that cascades into screams of passion that fade gracefully to an impassioned plea. A pure statement of excitement that cracks the smooth jazz mold.

On the song “Life Is Great” Mr. Jimenez plays as a man on a mission, another exciting tune. He opens the door for the pianist Fidel Cuellar and with playing that sounds as joyous as the title of the song, Cuellar burns through an emotional feature.

Thoughts is a very positive outing for Carlos Jimenez, the playing is joyful, upbeat and easy listening. The songs are all about passion, spirit, love and how things should be. What’s not to like?

The New York City-based flutist/composer/arranger Carlos Jimenez is back with his third and latest production as a leader. Thoughts (Pensamientos) finds Jimenez at his best, with a powerful quartet that also includes Ruben Rodriguez (bass), Vince Cherico (drums), and Fidel Cuellar (piano/keyboards). Eleven feisty original scores bring out the best from these young jazzmen, combining tremendous arrangements with flavorful improvisations. Jimenez's flute sound is full, clean and sweet, leading all the melodies with the ease of a tropical breeze, yet able to blow a storm when called for. Cuellar does a an excellent job on the ivory keys as well as on the Fender Rhodes (adding another dimension to the quartet), while the bass and drums groove freely, displaying every note and change in the compositions. Standouts include the opening track Carlitos My Son, Bluedo, the tittled track Thoughts, and the selection Look At The Sky.

Rudy Mangual-Latin Beat Magazine/California

To enjoy music you need to have the right music for the right setting. Last night at Willie's Steak House, Carlos Jiménez and his band were playing. I arrived with the expectation of hearing some good music. What I got instead was some great music, some great salsa music and a beautiful bolero or two. I don't know the name of most of the band members, but they looked and played like they have been doing so for a long time. They played the music very well, while making it look so easy (I was so jealous for I cannot play a note of any kind). Latinos when they hear music of that caliber have a tough time just sitting and listening to it, they have to get up and dance, and that is what many did. The bouncer at Willie's has the toughest job sometimes, trying to get them back in their dinner seats, last night it was a lost cause. Anyway, while there I had the opportunity to buy Carlos Jiménez latest CD entitled Thoughts (Pensamientos). I really had no idea what to expect from the CD but I had enough firsthand experience listening to the live music of Carlos Jiménez to know it was going to be worth my money. This brings me to my original point with regard to having the right music for the right setting. After a night of listening to some swinging salsa and indulging in good food and drink I went to bed and lo and behold about eight hours later I arose. Now I must admit I am not as young as I use to be, still good looking, just not that young. My head was hurting a little but I remember that the night before I told Carlos Jiménez that I would review his CD and place the review on the Miguel Martillo web site to which he graciously consented. Well, having listen to Carlos Jiménez and his band play swinging salsa the night before I expected I was going to listen to similar music in the CD. It turns out Carlos Jiménez surprised me with a demonstration of what a capable and gifted musician he is. The CD Thought (Pensamientos) is a CD filled with beautiful mellow jazz music, not the kind of music you hear in elevators, but music that engulfs your room and makes it a better place to be in. Perfect music for the late morning or an early afternoon. It would make perfect background music for the workplace if it is allowed. Well Carlos Jiménez if you are reading this I guess I have thank you twice, once for your live entertainment and once for your great CD. The musicians in CD are Carlos Jiménez, flute, Ruben Rodríguez, bass, Vince Cherico, drums, and Fidel Cuellar on piano. For review I chose the tune No Te Apures (Don't Worry) - Enjoy!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED- Jose Rivera- Bronx NY

New York flutist, Carlos Jimenez just release his lates CD Thoughts & Jimenez' Performance on the flute is Phenomenal!!

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. John Irizary- Enbreve Aug-23-2008

The New CD by Carlos Jimenez Is a Hit
July 2, 2008 · No Comments
A smooth jazz album called Thoughts.



Ouch.



But wait. Don’t click off the page. This one has some muscle. It may fall into the smooth jazz category, but its melodies and rhythms are pure boricua. With its pristine, oldschool production, jazz flutist Carlos Jimenez’ third album is far superior to any of the elevator stuff you’ll hear on CD 101 or similar stations (although it could find a home there). The Puerto Rican-educated Jimenez, a frequent collaborator with the A-list latin jazz crowd, isn’t afraid to cut loose with a squall or two from time to time. The intelligence of his compositions and arrangements ranks with the best stuff Grover Washington Jr. or the Crusaders did back in the 70s before they got all synthy and slick. Stylistically, Dave Valentin – with whom Jimenez has played, and obviously admires - is the obvious influence, as well as perhaps Hubert Laws in his more energetic moments. The backing unit, which includes bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Vince Cherico and keyboardist Fidel Cuellar is clearly having a lot of fun here, although they don’t get carried away.



The cd opens with the breezy Carlitos My Son, followed by Bluedo, essentially a two-chord vamp with funk bass, giving Jimenez a chance to pick up the pace. No Te Apures (Don’t Worry) features a tasteful bass solo intro over stately acoustic piano chords and imaginative drums. I See Your Smile sets pensive flute and acoustic piano to an insistent guanguanco beat.



The album’s fifth cut, Swift maintains the pace on a similar note. Storm Of Love opens with a sample of waves hitting the beach and then moves into a slow groove driven by triplets while Rodriguez takes another minimalist bass solo. For You & Me is especially choice, flute and bass sailing over a darkly repetitive tropicalia riff on the piano as Jiminez builds methodically to a tasty crescendo. The cd’s title track is its best, a terrifically lyrical flute melody anchored by plaintive, minimalist piano chords. On the second verse, the bass takes over for the piano as Cuellar gets the chance to step out. The bracing Look At The Sky and Life Is Great revert to the cd’s earlier, ebullient, funky feel. Turn this one up loud in a roomful of jazz purists and you will have a lot of people asking, “Who is this guy?”

CD Reviews: Carlos Jimenez, “Thoughts” Posted by: editoron Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 08:23 AM

By: Edward Blanco

Jazz flautist Carlos Jimenez from Yonkers New York produces his latest musical project with his new “Thoughts” CD comprised of eleven new and original compositions firmly grounded in the smooth jazz tradition and containing strong elements of Latin Jazz, a genre with which Jimenez is closely associated. Sounding a bit like flautist Dave Valentin, Jimenez displays his ample chops on the flute leading a quartet which includes bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Vince Cherico and Fidel Cuellar on the piano.



The album opens up with a couple of smooth jazz tunes in “Carlitos My Son” and “Bluedo” featuring Cuellar on the keyboards as Jimenez makes the flute sing to high pitched notes. On “Storm of Love” the music begins with the sounds of falling rain leading to a Rodriguez bass solo picked up by the flautist on a tender run of his own in one of the down tempo numbers here.

Jimenez’s Latin jazz pedigree comes shining through on such cuts as “No Te Apures (Don’t Worry),” “For You & Me,” and the title piece, “Thoughts” while “Look At The Sky” is a hard-driving groove showcasing the drumming prowess of Cherico in a decidedly percussive slant. Other nice highlights include “Swift,” the burner “Life is Great” and the light jazz finale of “Yours For Sure.”

A natural blend of light smooth jazz and Latin jazz rhythms is sure to propel Carlos Jimenez’s “Thoughts” to the top of the smooth jazz charts in time. Jimenez proves once again that he is a force to be reckoned with in today’s jazz world and this recording pronounces this fact.

June 24 2008

Carlos Jimenez critique by Taxi on Yours For Sure. The song style is Smooth, Contemporary Jazz. It is a well written structure & good sectional contrast. Theme, flute motif is buoyant and well defined before you embark on the solo. Sound quality is well-recorded, clear, well define recording , natural sound.. the tone of the flute, some phrasing reminds me of Hubert Laws... R&B infused playing stands out. Good job on this arrangement, Carlos..well thought out chart, chord changes over the groove, the live playing, interplay between the instruments, is refreshing and it sounds as if you're all comfortable in this style. Live experiences, years of gigs are a plus. Judging from the popularity of these kinds of station, this is perhaps more accessible, commercial, than trad jazz. Sadly, Kenny G sells more than John Coltrane... good job on this piece..

Ratings:
9 of 10 on Arrangement

Taxi- June 12 2008

Friday I served as emcee for the Westchester Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala. The Chamber was celebrating 20 years and presented awards to honorees considered trailblazers. The event was held at the Doubletree in Tarrytown. What I enjoyed the most, other than meeting people, was the music. The jazz artist entertaining us was Carlos Jimenez from Yonkers. He plays the flute and had a small band set up with a bass player, keyboardist and conga player. He played a lot of Latin classics that many danced to at the end of the evening. To hear his music and check him out live go to this website: www.carlosjimenez.net

Carlos Jimenez is a Latin Jazz Flutist from New York. He is also composer, arranger, producer and Salsa band leader. As we don’t see flute jazz so often anymore, it’s good to know that there is Carlos Jimenez, consistently bringing the beautiful flute jazz to the front again with his music, choosing the same path as Dave Valentin.

If you happen to live near New York, don’t miss Carlos Jimenez and Mambo Orchestra’s live concert at Liz Cafe. This is a tribute to Tito “El Rey del Timbal” Puente, the legendary Latin Jazz and mambo musician who has influenced many latin musicians over the decades.

Carlos Jimenez Orchestra
Headliner to play with Latin Fever Dancers

High Energy Horn Blowin, Roof-raising Toe-stomping Latin Jazz flutist.
www.fdconline.org
http://yeahyeahrecords.com/ff/schedule_main.php

Carlos
I enjoy your show tremendously last night @ Willie's Steak House

JOIN US for a fantastic night of LIVE Salsa Music and Dancing with The Carlos Jimenez Mambo Quintet!

Carlos and his crew recently played for us at the Westchester Arts Council Mambo Night and TORE IT UP!


This Wednesday, they promise to play the swingin' classics that we On2 Salser@s love to hear!

Please support Band Night and the musicians who create the music...
Carlos is a good friend who's been supporting the salsa scene for many years! Back in the Zuppa days (early Meetup years), he would bring musicians like the legendary Hilton Ruiz (RIP), Jimmy Delgado, Bobby Porcelli (just to name a few) to play for us. Carlos only gigs with the best!

Carlos himself is an accomplished Latin Jazz musician who has studied with the best in the biz. He also has produced 3 original CDs that have been critically acclaimed by the Latin Jazz and Smooth Jazz industries.


"The Puerto Rican-educated Jimenez, a frequent collaborator with the A-list latin jazz crowd, isn’t afraid to cut loose with a squall or two from time to time. The intelligence of his compositions and arrangements ranks with the best stuff Grover Washington Jr. or the Crusaders did back in the 70s before they got all synthy and slick. Stylistically, Dave Valentin – with whom Jimenez has played, and obviously admires - is the obvious influence, as well as perhaps Hubert Laws in his more energetic moments. The backing unit, which includes bassist Ruben Rodriguez, drummer Vince Cherico and keyboardist Fidel Cuellar is clearly having a lot of fun here."

Carlos Jimenez, It was a pleasure having you at our place. I think one day Im going to be saying to people: " I actually know that talented, famous musician, Carlos J." You really have talent.
Sincerely,
Susan Gitlitz, Peekskill

Feeling a little hot and bothered? Get the edge off with some sultry Latin music by Yonkers native and accomplished jazz flutist Carlos Jimenez, who will perform along with his orchestra at the Westchester Arts Council. Bring your heels and twirly dresses—the evening will be made complete by live salsa and mambo dance instruction. (Details)

Feel like trying some dance moves yourself? The Carlos Jimenez band (Jimenez is a Yonkers native) will have you up and on your feet. The evening begins with some ballroom lessons and leads into a live music performance, with continued instruction and demonstrations once the band begins to play. By the end of the evening, you should be able to dance the cha cha and mambo.

Musicians Heats up White Plains with Salsa
Posted by Editor
Friday, 23 May 2008
White Plains, NY - Internationally renowned jazz flautist Carlos Jimenez will heat up White Plains with the sounds of Latin America for a Hot Night of Salsa on Saturday, May 24th beginning at 7:00 pm, at the Arts Exchange, 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, in White Plains.

Joined by bassist Gregg August and celebrated pianist Gilberto “Pulpo” Colón Jr., Jimenez will perform Latin dance standards from such greats as Tito Puento and Cachao as well as his own original compositions.

Called a “stellar” and “compelling” musician and marked as a “prominent figure” in the world of Latin music, Jimenez has received international praise for his artistry since his debut Latin Jazz album, Arriving, in 2005. Jimenez, a Yonkers, New York native, began his musical education in Puerto Rico, learning the rhythms and soul of the Latin sound from the source itself. As a performer and composer with a diverse musical background and deep passion for Latin music, Jimenez brings a distinctive style to the Latin standards of the late 60’s & 70’s and to his own unique compositions.

The dance floor at the Arts Exchange will be primed for a Hot Night of Salsa when Jimenez will perform the salsa, mambo, and cha cha for Latin dance enthusiasts. Instructors will be on hand to help amateurs learn the steps while those who have already mastered the mambo can dance the night away. Bassist Gregg August and pianist Gilberto “Pulpo” Colón Jr., will join Jimenez for the evening. Pulpo has achieved legendary status as a Latin pianist, a master who captures the “very essence” of the Latin sound. Considered “one of the most exciting and innovative musicians on the scene today,” August is a jazz celebrity in his own right and was featured on Jimenez’s 2006 album El Flautista.

Dear Carlos Jimenez

On behalf of GAGA Arts Center and all of the artists and artisans here, we want to thank you and all of the Latin Trio musicians for performing at the GAGA Arts Festival this year. We were so thrilled to hear your music. Unfortunately the crowds were thinner than usual this year due to the extreme heat but all who were here (approximately 2000 over the weekend) were very much impressed.
Thank you again and we wish you all the best in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Robin E. Rosenberg, President

If you like Latin Jazz you will love the music on this CD. For those who don't know much about Latin Jazz, Salsa or Caribbean music, there is something Latin Jazz and Salsa musicians call "afinque". Sorry, don't know the translation to english or portuguese for that one. But what basically means, is "the cohesiveness of the musicians, especially in the rhythm section (bass, piano and percussion). It is similar to swing for Jazz musicians. One can feel when a Jazz Band swings and when a Latin Jazz have "afinque". And these guys had it.

Gandulero, the first track, is a perfect example of what Latin Jazz is all about. Nice rhythm, full of energy and Carlos phrasing and tone on flute are amazing as always. Duende is a slower tune with interesting melodies and rhythms. There is some influence of "Bomba" on this one. Bomba is a style of music from Puerto Rico. It comes out of the musical traditions brought by enslaved Africans in the 17th century. You may hear "Bomba rhythms" in the music of Puerto Rican artists like Ismael Rivera, Rafael Cortijo and El Gran Combo.

Back to the Latin Jazz feeling on "Did you feel it?" Beautiful piano played by David Braham. If the question in the title is "did I feel the rhythm?" , the answer is "I sure did".

The piano rhythm at the intro of " El Flautista" is also typical of Latin Jazz and Salsa music, in the style of Puerto Rico great piano players like Eddie Palmieri. The addition of trumpet and sax gives this track, more fullness and richness, listen also to Getty Square.

Excellent version of Count Basie Blue & Sentimental. A nice "Bolero" feeling on this arrangement and a good choice to use a Fender organ instead of a piano. Carlos proves on this one he can slow down and still play with feeling.

A different kind of rhythm on "Mongo's Style". I'm guessing the title refers to the great Cuban musician, Mongo Santamaria. And the music on "Mongo's Style" reflects the cuban side of Latin Jazz. I guess it's impossible to be a Puerto Rican flute player and not to be influenced by Dave Valentín. Carlos solos on "El Carnaval para Ray" are a good example of Dave Valentin influence on Latin Jazz musicians.

The album ends with a cool version of "For you Hilton" a composition and homage to Hilton Ruiz, one of the best piano players from Puerto Rico who died in 2006, the same year this CD came out.

Tracks: Gandulero, Duende, Did you feel it?, El Flautista, Blue & Sentimental, Getty Square, Mongo's Style, El Carnaval para Ray, For you Hilton

Jazz flutist Carlos Jimenez was born in New York and studied in Puerto Rico, getting immersed in the country's music idiom for life. After high school, he moved back to New York and studied at the Westchester Conservatory of Music, where he found numerous teachers and fellow students who felt the same way that he did about jazz. Aiming for a wide spectrum of the genre, his teachers and mentors have included pianist Hilton Ruiz, saxophonist Bobby Porcelli, flutist Dave Valentin, pianist Mike Longo, saxophonist Mario Rivera, and pianist Sonny Bravo.
The program explores mainstream jazz as well as Latin jazz. Slow boleros and up-tempo mambos show several sides of the artist and his all-star band. With the albums feature centering on Jimenez' flute, we're treated to a fiesta of good times that wax lyrically gentle and rhythmically complete. While the songs are mostly his own compositions, the aura of the affair speaks more in terms of the music of Dizzy Gillespie. The program shows a deep love for pure Latin jazz.
Jimenez' brother Willie plays timbales and Chembo Corniel plays congas for a solid percussion foundation. Bassist Gregg August gives the session both a welcome rhythmic lilt and a highly effective harmonic flavor. David Braham, a substitude for Hilton Ruiz, turns in an exciting performance that brings cohesion to the ensemble as well as adding another powerful solo voice. Meanwhile, Jimenez' flute remains the center of attention--for a darn good reason: he's terrific. Wht a lovely tone that floats over the preceedings and a fluid technique that weaves seamlessly through the session, his flute provides the glue that makes this session a solid winner. There are no points, since each selection scores in the top percentile. Jimenez closes the program with "New Arrival," a musical memorial to pianist Hilton Ruiz, who passes away last year at the age of 54 from injuries sustained while working on a Hurricane Katrina benifit project in New Orleans. His dedication to the jazz community served as a role model for the rest of us,and won't be forgotten. Jimenez and his stellar band carry the torch well.

By Jim Santella

Carlos Jiménez
“El flautista”
(C.J. Martinete Music)
Género: jazz latino.
Productor: Carlos Jiménez.

Luego de dos años de haber presentado su álbum-debut como figura líder, “Arriving”, el flautista y compositor neoyorquino de origen puertorriqueño Carlos Jiménez reaparece en el panorama discográfico con la producción “El flautista”, cuya calidad no admite discusión ya que, además de presentar un buen escogido de piezas, en la misma interviene un grupo de reconocidos virtuosos. Estos son: David Braham (pianista) John Walsh (trompetista); Bobby Porcelli (saxofonista alto); Gregg August (bajista); Guillermo Jiménez (timbalero) y Wilson «Chembo» Corniel (conguero). Todos tienen oportunidad de lucimiento.

De su propia autoría, Carlos Jiménez interpreta “Did You Feel It?”, “Duende”, “El carnaval para Ray”, “El flautista”, “Gandulero”, “Getty Square” y “Mongo’s Style” (esta última, creada en colaboración con Sonny Bravo). También incluye estándar “Blue & Sentimental” (de Count Basie) y, a manera de tributo póstumo, la composición “New Arrival”, de Hilton Ruiz, en esta ocasióm retitulada “For You, Hilton”.

Definitivamente, este disco satisface el gusto de todo amante del jazz latino. ¡Muy recomendable!

Carlos Jimenez' debut album Arriving earned international praise and marche the emergence of a prominet new figure on the Latin jazz scene. His follow up album El Flautista shows that his artistry on the flute provides another winner. The nine selections on El Flautista have a flow of rhythem and beat that provides mood and pleasure with primarily the complement of flute and congas along with the easing in and sometimes the chromatic florish of an instrument that temporarily takes over and then drifts into the backround or erupts into dominance at the end. This concept of introduction, backround, dominance, recession and flow serves well in the initial selection Gandulero and is particularly effective in a percussion gala of piano, congas, timbales in For You Hilton,( New Arrival). Of the album's nine intrumental renderings, my favorite selection is the slow drifting melody of Blue & Sentimental, a dreamlike mellow piece, perfect for a quiet evening before a late night fireplace. Overall, El Flautista is a compelling album that any Latin jazz fan would welcome for a place in his collection.
Check out hi live performance..

Carlos Jimenez es un joven talento que se ha ganado el respeto y la admiración de la comunidad musical a punta de esfuerzo, dedicación y mucho amor a su flauta y a sus raices latinas. Para este, su segundo trabajo despues de "Arraiving", Carlos presenta a su maestro Bobby Porcelli, y ademas cuenta con el apoyo de músicos tan renombrados como Chembo Corniel o John Walsh.

Esta producción la podríamos considerar muy abierta y con mucho oxígeno, pues en ciertos pasajes podemos apreciar el mejor de jazz y en otros pasajes apreciamos la fusión de este con los ingredientes latinos; los músicos aqui tienen un excelente "playground" para que suelten sus emociones y eso es cautivante desde el punto de vista del oyente. Nos gusta mucho la propuesta musical de este joven talento y seguimos insistiendo en la importancia de dar a conocer este tipo de trabajos pues de ellos es que cuelga la esperanza de perpetuar nuestra verdadera esencia latina.

RM
Altisimamente Recomendado

Carlos Jimenez @ Enbreve Latin Jazz

"El Flautista" that is the title of Carlos Jimenez's latest CD, and once again, this talented flutist, band leader, composer arranger and producer delivers a quality CD. From the first number to the the last, every track is a testament to the quality of this collaborative work. New Arrival, a song written by the late Hilton Ruiz and arranged by the ensemble as a homage to Hilton. What can we say? Carlos you did it once again, great work!!!. Accompanying Carlos on this CD are David Braham - Piano, Guillermo Jimenez - Timbales, Greg August - Bass, Chembo Corniel - Congas, Percussion. Featured Performers on this CD include: Bobby Porcelli - John Walsh, trumpet

El Flautista, the sophomore release by Carlos Jimenez, features the New York City-based bandleader/flutist with his quintet stellar guest sidemen--Bobby Porcelli (sax) and John Walsh (trumpet). The new production feels light, loose and airy, with plenty of room for everyone to strech, and they do just that. Percussionist Chembo Corniel and Guillermo Jimenez ( Carlos' brother) keep the Latin flavor constant and sizzling, while bass man Gregg August controls the tempo, and Jimenez's flute and David Braham's piano dominates the mix with cool, jazzy guajeos and imaginative solos. The 75% original repertoire of multi-hued compositions exhibits a healthy degree of cross-cultural diversity, cool moods and plenty of good jazz. Jimenez's flute sound and delivery is soothing and delicate, yet powerful and cutting edge when needed, with a palpable sound. Standouts include the selections El Carnaval Para Ray, El Flautista, Mongo's Style, and For You Hilton ( New Arrival). Rudy Mnagual December 2006/January 2007

Carlos Jimenez
El Flautista
CD (CJ/Martinete Music 24575), Released 2006;
Editor's Pick:
Mmm, old school burning from Jimenez and his band. Jimenez doesn’t shy away from playing the flute loud and hard and the band, including a great sounding Gregg August on bass, Guillermo Jimenez on timbales, Chembo Corniel on congas and David Braham on piano, shift time feels regularly under the soloists. They’re joined on four tracks by Bobby Porcelli on alto saxophone and flute, along with John Walsh on trumpet. Jimenez’s compositions feature some hard changes, too; the music’s modern and traditional at the same time, and really well recorded. It all sounds like we’ve been invited into a private descarga.
Highly Recommended. (Peter Watrous, 2006-10-29)

Song Title; El Carnaval Para Ray..

The title seems appropriated for the character of the piece.
The track sounds excellent. Your playing is absolutely spot on. It's a pleasure to hear such artistry and virtuosity. The group provides first-rated backing; all the players have a wonderfully idiomatic feel. The piano comping in particular is superb and that instrument's solo is also terrific. Based on this track, I think your project could appeal to jazz aficionados across the spectrum. Certainly I could hear this track on KKJZ (88.5 Long Beach), one of the premier trad jazz stations in the country. It could also potentially be viable for soundtrack pitching, as the production is broadcast quality.

November 2, 2006

Arriving, the title of Carlos Jimenez's new production, is an apt one--the flutist began experimenting with music at age four, playing two-note melodies from Miles Davis' So What on his father's old trumpet. Now 23 years later, Jimenez has arrived with his own full-length Latin jazz CD, feauturing artist Hilton Ruiz, Dave Valentin, Lewis kahn, Bobby Porcelli and Adam Weber. And, as you may have guessed, Miles' So What-- arranged by Jimenez- is included along with seven original tracks, all written and arranged by Yonkers native of Puerto Rican descent.
Jimenez remains eternally grateful to his father William for having exposed him to both Latin jazz and mainstream jazz. At age ten, Jimenez initiated his formal studies with teacher Pablo Leon at Francisco Zayas Santana High School in Puerto Rico, with the initial intention of concentrating on the trumpet , so that he could play in the school band.
At the end of that first scholastic year, the young student heard something that made him switch from trumpet to flute-Bobby Porcelli's flute performance on Mongo Santamaria's Song for You.
Jimenez also studied percussion-congas, bongos, and timbal- but ended up leaving music for a while to play basketball for his school's varsity team and city's juvenil team. Upon his graduation, when Jimenez return to Yonkers ( the city of his birthplace), he received a very special Christmas gift from his father- a silver-plated Yamaha flute.
"That was the greatest gift of all, " recalls Jimenez. " Since that day I haven't stopped playing it."
At the age of twenty-one, another memorable, life-shaping event occurred.
" I met a very important person, Roger, the owner of Moon Curser, an old record shop at City Island in the Bronx. Roger guided me to Tito Puente, The King of Latin jazz, because I was always listening to and buying Puente's records."
Puente autographed Jimenez's Dancemania album and advised the young flutist to check him out at a Purchase College concert that was scheduled to take place on December 19, 1998.
Jimenez followed Puente's advice and ended up taking lessons from a couple of Puente band veterans, saxophonist/flutist Mitch Frohman and Mario Rivera. Things came full-circle when Rivera introduced Jimenez to the man who had originally inspired him to take up the flute- Bobby Porcelli.
" Porcelli," says Jimenez,
" has been a great friend, teacher, member of my band, and player on my first recording."
Jimenez credits the late legend Jose Fajardo as being instrumental in his development as a musician, and is gratefull for his friendship. He also has words of praise for his current piano teacher, Mike Longo, who helped him realize another one of his ambitions and passions, composing.
Other musicians who can be heard on Arriving
( CJMartinete Music Co.)
are timbalero Guillermo Jimenez, bassist, Geoff Brennan, and conguero Aryam Vazquez. Yes indeed, Jimenez has Arrived!

Agosto de jazz en marzo

El jazz hace su agosto en el mes de marzo brindándonos en su cosecha tres interesantes proyectos musicales. Dos féminas y un talentoso flautista prueban su capacidad, versatilidad y madurez en este difícil género. Y como prueba fehaciente de ello presentan las producciones “Luna llena” de Brenda Reyes, Ärriving de Carlos Jiménez y “Baiana”de Ana Baiana.

Carlos Jiménez
“Arriving”
(Martinete Music, CD-8772)
Género: jazz latino.
Productores musicales: Carlos Jiménez y Willy Matos Jr.

Estamos ante un joven y ambicioso flautista, arreglista y compositor boricua que proyecta su carrera desde la plaza neoyorquina y de quien debemos esperar triunfos significativos en el ámbito del jazz latino porque tiene el talento y el empuje precisos para lograrlo. Muestra de su potencial es esta propuesta que somete a nuestra consideración, en la que se rodea con otros instrumentistas de alto nivel: Hilton Ruiz (pianista); Geoff Brennan (bajista); Adam Weber (baterista); Guillermo Jiménez (timbalero); Aryam Vázquez (conguero) y, como estrellas invitadas, Dave Valentín (flautista que se le une en el estándar “So What”, de Miles Davis); Bobby Porcelli (saxofonista alto que interviene en sus composiciones “Arriving” y “My Allison”) y Lew Khan, quien aporta el sonido del violin a otra pieza suya, “Flute & Violin”.

El resto del material incluido en este compacto también lleva la firma de Jiménez y fue concebido para su lucimiento. Los títulos son: “Tomando café”, “Natalie’s Cha-Cha-Chá”, “¿Qué pasó?” y “Tunnel of Flowers”. Vale la pena escucharlo, pues mantiene un perfecto balance entre el ritmo candente y el relajante.

Magnífica carta de presentación. ¡Recomendado!

Carlos Jimenez official site
　サウンド・フレージング・楽曲全てにおいてDave Valtintinの影響を多大に受けているフルーティストです。 これはもう一目瞭然、音源を一聴すれば手に取るように分かります。 故Tito Puenteとも親交があったようで、その手のいわゆる王道ラテンジャズ周辺が主な守備範囲なのでしょう。 テクニックやフレージングにもたつきがあるため、本家程の爽快感は無いものの、その目指す所は非常に良く分かります。 逆に言えばこの音源は、｢Dave Valentinの音楽は譜づらのコピーは容易でも、あの世界を作り上げるのがいかに難しいか｣ということを示しているのかもしれません。 ゲストのDave Valentinがソロを取り始めた瞬間、バンド全体の音が輝き始めるのは脅威です。
　しかしofficial siteのBioでは、Westchester Conservatory of Musicでフルートを学び、その同期にはDave ValentinやMario Riveraもいたとなっていますが、果たして本当なのでしょうか。 年齢的に考えてもちょっとおかしな話だと思うのですが･･･。

Spanish

Es el flutist que recibe la influencia de Dave Valtintin grandemente en el sonido que expresa música todo. Si la fuente clara, sana una que escucha él hace esto ya, para tomar en la mano, usted entiende. Como también razona Tito Puente sido una amistad, él debe probablemente ser la gama de la defensa donde está principal la vecindad del jazz latino generalmente sabido del kingcraft de esa mano. Porque hay el venir que pasa incluso en técnica y expresar, en cuanto a la impresión de restauración del lugar de nacimiento aunque no es, que en cuanto al lugar en donde usted le apunta entienda alrededor muy bien. ¿Hablando inversamente, en cuanto a esta fuente sana, en cuanto a música de? ¿Dave Valentin que es fácil, quizás la copia de? ¿? ¿y otros cómo es difícil acumular ese mundo, ha demostrado? instante donde donde Dave Valentin de la huésped comienza tomar a solas y sano de la venda entera comienza a brillar son amenaza.
¿Pero eso con bio del sitio oficial, con el invernadero de Westchester de la música aprendió la flauta, Dave Valentin y Mario Rivera eran en el mismo período que se ha convertido, pero está probablemente según lo esperado ser verdad? ¿Edad de pensamiento, apenas poco el deber pensar, que el roble él es historia, , pero? ¿? ?.

Carlos Jimenez on Fire

Arriving is definitely a "MUST HAVE" for the Jazz Lover. Carlos' flute playing is outstanding and can be compared to Hubert Laws or the great Mauricio Smith.

Dave Valentin does a fine job as guest flute on track 8 to Miles Davis' So What. Both Carlos and Dave played together, it can't get any better than that....history in the making. I couldn't tell them apart!!!!!!!

Carlos is also joined by other jazz great on this CD. Hilton Ruiz is on piano through out, Bobby Porcelli on sax, Luis Khan on Violin, very nice! ...

The flute brings a specific charm to jazz that allows the performer freedom to express in many different forms. If the flutist communicates effectively, it can work wonders on the soul. Featuring Carlos Jimenez in a spicy Latin Jazz adventure. Pianist Hilton Ruiz supports the suave flutist with an ensemble that captures the dance rhythms and lyrical acumen necessary for tradition to be served properly. Together they apply syncopated steps and fiery accolades to the program. All except "So What" are original by Jimenez. From New York, the flutist is not yet 30; hence, his "arrival." Ironically, "So What" was a part of his first musical experience at age four. Picking up his father's trumpet, he learned how tomake a few notes and hasn't stopped to look back. Jimenez played trumpet until high school, when a recording that featured flutist Bobby Porcelli caught his attention and brought about a change. Porcelli makes a guess appearance on this debut recording.
Arriving drives fast with a wanderlust rhythmic capacity. Bass and percussion set up a suitable backdrop forthe flutist, who carries his melodies with a light, airy tone and deep feeling. His articulations turns muddy much of the time, however, relying more on his band for meanings that on the delicate nuances that can be found in the music. Jimenez wears a muscular timbre and drives hard. Porcelli guests on " Arriving" and "My Allison."
Dave Valetin joins Jimenez for "So What" with a flute duo performance that's driven by the ensemble. His veteran character surges, as Valentin turns his session high point into fiery display of telltale Latin Jazz excitment. The feeling catches on, and Jimenez's uneven program closes on a positive note.

Jim Santella

Fantastic CD!!

Un gran bel CD di soft latin jazz. Grandi arrangiamenti e fantastico Carlos al Flauto. Il mio pezzo preferito senza ombra di dubbio è la traccia n. 2 "Flute & Violin" FANTASTICA!!! Un esordio alla grande!!! CD molto apprezzato anche tra i miei ascoltatori in Italia. Ciao Pietro

A very modern, jamming descarga ( Flute & Violin)

Reviewer: TAXI.- (click for website)
Well-written structure, good music in verses, good music in choruses. This is obviously first rate stuff and I wish you all success and predict that you will achieve it. Mucha Suerte! TAXI.-

Carlos Jimenez -- Arriving . . . CD

A GREAT set of Latin jazz from a player we know almost nothing about -- and a record that's way better than you might guess from the cover! Carlos plays flute in a sweetly gliding way that really reminds us of some of the best Latin flute work of the 70s -- particularly in the way the instrument floats around over the top of the tracks, freed from the tighter, more rhythmic use of the instrument in older Latin recordings -- and grooving to a pulsating sound that reminds us a lot of the best 70s work of Bobby Vince Paunetto. Hilton Ruiz is on piano throughout -- giving the tunes a deeply soulful quality that's really beautiful -- and the album also features work by Bobby Porcelli on alto sax, plus a bit of guest flute from David Valentin! Jimenez has a beautiful vision for his work -- one that flows out effortlessly, and which makes the album sparkle like some of our favorite indie Latin jazz sides from decades back -- with none of the cliches that seem to weigh down sets of the type in recent years. Titles include "Tomando Cafe", "Natalie's Cha Cha Cha", "Arriving", "Tunnel Of Flowers", "My Allison", and "Que Paso". (From the Latin CD page.)

Carlos Jimenez
Arriving
CD (Martinete Music 8772), Released 2005;

Editor's Pick:
Here's a find: A fine debut Latin jazz release by flautist Carlos Jimenez whose warm, melodic flute playing moderates the intensity of Hilton Ruiz' masterful piano work and the top notch percussion of conguero Aryam Vazquez and drummer Adam Weber. Listen to the discourse between Jimenez and guest Lewis Kahn on "Flute and "Violin." Pretty darn good. On this same track Hilton Ruiz lets loose on his piano, alternating a solo with conguero Vazquez.
And timbalero Guillermo Jimenez shows some muscle on the near ten minute "Arriving." Geoff Brennan does some fine bass work here. Listen to what he does against Ruiz's piano on "Tunnel of Flowers." He's good: rich bottom flavor without over-shining.
With additional guests David Valentin, Bobby Porcelli.
Recommended. (BP, 2005-03-11)

Brooklyn, NY

A dream come true. That's what the new album Arriving is for it's leader Carlos Jimenez. After Taking trumpet lessons for awhile in Puerto Rico, jimenez heard a recording by Mongo Santamaria featuring flutist Bobby porcelli. Jimenez was inspired. Upon returning to his birthplace, Yonkers, New York, a series of events, beginning with the purchase of a Tito Puente album, led Jimenez to Puente himself. That opened the door for Jimenez to make his way to Mario Rivera, Mitch Frohman, Dave Valentin and Bobby Porcelli himself---Jimenez' hero. Fast forward, and Porcelli appears as a guest soloist on Jimenez' Arriving.
Arriving features seven compositions by Jimenez and one piece, "So What", by Miles Davis. Backing up Jimenez is a fiery Latin rhythm section led by veteran Hilton Ruiz on piano. The title tune is an up-tempo number and Jimenez glides over the array of supporting rhythm and percussion, congas, timbales.
"Tunnel Of Flowers", features a simple relaxed bossa groove, lends ample space for Jimenez to play his ample technique. Pianist Ruiz follows with a characteristically musical solo, powered by his spectacular technical skills. Bobby Porcelli joins forces with Jimenez on "My Allison," a pretty ballad. Porcelli and Ruiz each get solo spots, tastefully complementing the relaxed quality of the composition, and providing contrast to the simplicity of Jimenez' melody. "Que Paso?" focuses on a 6/8 groove, deriving it's harmonic base from "Afro Blue." Jimenez demonstrates a solid sense of time, melodic inventiveness, and general mastery of the flute. The album concludes with a toe-tapping Latin redention of Miles Davis' "So What." The expected kicks and rhythms are there---just with a Latin Twist. Jimenez is joined by flute master Dave Valentin on this track.
"Flute and Violin" moves quickly. Harmonically it features a Spanish (technically Spanish Phrygian) sound. Jimenez navigates easily over the vamp that provides the back drop for solos. Arriving is a pleasant listen throughout. It is impressively recorded, mixed and sequenced, offering welcome variety of grooves and tempos. Much of the album features music that gives Jimenez the opportunity to play over vamps and modal music. Given his warm and inviting sound on flute, and his musical understading, I am anxious to also hear him play on harmonically complex compositions. In the meantime, Arriving is a noteworthy beginning.

-Jazz Improv Magazine
Elkins Park, PA

New Cuban/Salsa additions:

A new Latin Jazz album by Carlos Jimenez, called "Arriving" is a pleasant surprise for the Latin Jazz lover. It features special performances by legends Hilton Ruiz and Dave Valentin among others.

-Latin Cool Now.com

Italy- March-23-2005
Carlos Jimenez - Arriving - Album di esordio per un giovane flautista che si destreggia e dialoga molto efficacemente con il gruppo che lo accompagna formato da strumentisti ed ospiti di eccellente livello.

-Salsa Brescia.Italy.

Carlos Jimenez @ Enbreve Latin Jazz

"Arriving" that is the title of Carlos Jimenez's CD, and after listening to some of his cuts, we have to agree! The CD is appropriately named as this young artist brings together talents and the essence of a true artist to arrive at a tight CD that is a worthwhile addition to any Latin Jazz aficionado's collection. WEPA!! Accompanying Carlos on this CD are Hilton Ruiz - Piano, Guillermo Jimenez - Timbales, Geoff Brennan - Bass, Aryam Vazquez - Congas, & Adam Weber - Drums. Featured Performers on this CD include: Dave Valentin, Bobby Porcelli, and Lewis Khan. Some of these names will be familiar to our audience from past featured articles, we were even reminded that we had Carlos caught in a candid shot at out favorite haunt (Willie's Steak House). Just goes to show that you never know whom is sitting in the audience.

There is no doubt that for a large part of the movie-watching population, jazz flute will instantly call to mind Will Ferrell’s heroically unhinged performance on said instrument in a scene from Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. That Ferrell is now synonymous with jazz flute in some quarters says something, although I’m not exactly sure what. Regardless, Carlos Jimenez approaches the flute on Arriving in a traditional manner, without a sense of irony.


The great danger of playing flute in a jazz setting is that the light breathiness of the instrument can evaporate into the ether, leaving listeners with nothing to hold on to. Luckily, Jimenez solves this problem by ensuring that the music behind him has a heavy percussive base. For the most part, the rhythm section locks into a solid timbal and conga-spiced groove while Jimenez solos freely on top. The contrast between the high and low makes both ends that much more compelling and vivid.


Four of these eight tracks feature guest musicians who help keep the sound fresh and evolving. Violinist Lewis Khan’s appearance on “Flute & Violin” is particularly stimulating. Khan and Jimenez play over a Middle Eastern-tinged melody that is both exotic and alluring. On Miles Davis’ “So What”—incidentally, the only track not composed by Jimenez—Dave Valentin also sits in on flute, with a deeply hypnotic result.


Arriving is a fine display of mellow Latin jazz on which the high points outnumber some of the more generic tunes. And, just in case fans of Anchorman may be wondering, the album does not feature a quote from “Aqualung.”

-All About Jazz - October 7, 2005
761 Sproul Road, #211
Springfield, PA 19064

Carlos Jiménez, “Arriving” (Martinete Music)

Para el crítico Barry Ulanov, el jazz no es sólo improvisación, trabajo colectivo, creatividad; es, a un nivel a la vez más sencillo y más profundo, un sentimiento, casi una intención. Carlos Jiménez -joven flautista neoyorrican- tuvo toda la intención de hacer un buen disco de jazz, y lo logró. Ciertamente, aquí predominan los ritmos latinos, pero sin estridencias; la textura general del disco es, en términos generales, agradablemente suave. Y el feeling de la flauta del líder -sobre todo en cortes como Tomando café, Flute & Violin y ¿Qué pasó? es decididamente de jazz. La presencia de Hilton Ruiz en el piano añade sabor, maestría e interesantes ideas y la inclusión de tres invitados importantes -Dave Valentín en flauta, Lewis Kahn en violín y Bobby Porcelli en saxo alto-, aunque esporádica, representa un toque de variedad. Sin pretensiones de originalidad, éste es un trabajo recomendable, escrito, arreglado y producido por Jiménez.

EL NUEVO DIA-NEWSPAPER,
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- DOMINGO 23 DE OCTUBRE, 2005

With Latin Jazz now being righteously recognized worldwide as one of the legitimate expressions of music heard around the world, Puerto Rican flutist/composer/arranger/bandleader Carlos Jimenez debuts with Arriving. Mentored by veteran players Dave Valentin and Bobby Porcelli, Jimenez travels in the sea of mostly quiet storms, sailing through a repertoire of original scores, with the exception of the Miles Davis composition So What, Brilliantly arranged by Jimenez that features him and Dave Valentin on Flutes. Saxophonist Bobby Porcelli is featured on the totled track and on My Allison ( dedicated to Jimenez's wife). But the true hero here is pianist Hilton Ruiz, whose amazing talents come through in every selections, paving the way for Jimenez's melody to come alive. Other winners here include the selections Flute & Violin featuring another guest musician, Lewis Kahn on violin, and Que Paso? ( a 6/8 tempo heavily driven by Ruiz with interesting solos by Jimenez and bassist Geoff Brennan).

(Rudy Mangual) Publisher, Editor-in-Chief of Latin Beat Magazine.

Gardena, California

Con tan solo 27 años de edad, Carlos Jímenez se perfila como un gran exponente del jazz latino en Nueva York. El nativo de Yonkers, de padres puertorriqueños, se presentará en el White Plains Performing Arts Center el sábado 29 de octubre, con el fin de dar a conocer su primera producción titulada “Arriving”.


Con este álbum, el boricua ha logrado importante aceptación entre la crítica especializada y el público conocedor. Para Jímenez, nada de esto sería posible sin la influencia de su padre, con quien tuvo su primer acercamiento a la edad de cuatro años con estos géneros musicales.

Sobre este ritmo, el admirador del maestro Tito Puente asegura que “es género misterioso y sin fin”.

A la edad de 12 años, Jímenez se interesó por las percusiones, en decir las congas, los timbales y los bongos. “Esto sucedió porque mi primo y hermano tocaban esos instrumentos en particupalar”, relata el puertorriqueño en su sitio de la Internet.

No obstante, su amor por la música decidió tomar un descanso y concentrarse en el baloncesto. Así estuvo hasta que terminó sus estudios en la escuela superior. Cuando tenía 21 años conoció a una persona muy especial, a Roger, el dueño de >Form<"Moon Curser", una tienda de discos viejos en City Island en El Bronx. “Roger me guió al Rey del Jazz Latino el señor Tito Puente, ya que siempre estaba escuchando y comprando discos de él. Me llena de alegría recordar que fue el maestro Puente el primer músico famoso que conocí”, cuenta Jímenez en su página electrónica.
En cuanto a ese encuentro, el boricua dice que después de comprar un disco del hijo predilecto de East Harlem, el dueño de la tienda de discos le infomó que fuera al restaurante donde se encontraba éste para que se lo firmará. “Así fue como conocí a Tito Puente”.

Otro evento que marcó la vida del joven artista, fue cuando su padre le regaló una flauta de Navidad. “Ese fue un presente espectacular”, dice. Desde entonces, sigue tocando este instrumento y así lo hará este 29 de octubre.

Como artistas invitados estarán Bobby Porcelli, Sonny Bravo y Rubén Rodríguez, Richie Flores, Michael Mossman,
Jimmy Delgado, Reynaldo Jorge, Adam Webber, Sam Berdfeld.

New Star "Arriving", September 9, 2005
Reviewer: Hugh M. Smith Jr.


Carlos Jimenez brings a new voice to the Latin Jazz genre and its a voice to be reckoned with. His flute stylings remind me of Hubert Laws & Dave Valentine (who, incidently, contributes). This CD, entitled Arriving is a must have.

El joven virtuoso flautista, compositor y arreglista newyorquino CARLOS JIMENEZ está "llegando" al difícil mundo del jazz latino discográfico por la puerta grande, esto gracias al respaldo de contar en su primer producción con músicos de la talla de Bobby Porcelli, Hilton Ruíz y Dave Valentín por nombrar solo tres de una lista importante de músicos que registraron su talento en "ARRIVING".
Carlos Jimenez ese diminuto niño nacido en Yonkers NY, que a los cuatro años daba un par de notas del tema "So What" de Miles Davis en la vieja trompeta de su papá, crecido en la tierra de sus padres Puerto Rico donde le metió mano a la trompeta y se pasó a la flauta enamorado por haber escuchado el tema "song for you" tocado en flauta por uno de sus futuros profesores Bobby Percelli,a los 27 años cumplió el sueño que no muchos buenos músicos latinos radicados en las entrañas del monstruo logran cristalizar, grabar el cd, hacer su producción solista e invitar a sus émulos y profesores a participar en ella.
Las críticas de ARRIVING son positivas, sobre todo si vienen de los expertos del latin jazz que a veces son implacables con sus críticas y que al fin de cuentas "no tienen la última palabra" ya que en gustos y oidos la música instrumental sobre todo "deja mucho que desear" y que escuchar. Coinciden la mayoria de críticos y reseñadores de este cd en que Carlos Jimenez supo moldear la flauta para proyectarla incansable por todos los surcos aprovechándose de una buena base rítmica y la conducción de un piano que siempre mantiene despierto al melómano como lo es "el mágico e irreverente" Hilton Ruíz. Como lo hemos reseñado en otros cd de latin jazz "autofinanciados" por los mismos artistas o pequeñas disqueras o mecenas, ya es hora de crear entre todos los djs, coleccionistas, periodistas independientes, pequeños comerciantes, páginas web, radiodifusores alternativos , anónimos compradores y melómanos un circuito de comunicación y premiación para estos trabajos "independientes" que año tras año van saliendo y quedan para uso exclusivo de los pocos coleccionistas que tienen la fortuna de adquirirlos, ya es hora de que entre esa inmensa minoria del latin jazz alternativo en el mundo hagamos nuestro propia premiación anual de una especie de "antigrammy underground" donde productos como "ARRIVING" del Yonkeriano CARLOS JIMENEZ de seguro se ganaria mas de un premio y reconocimiento, bien merecido.


Gary Domínguez

“Arriving”: llega Carlos Jiménez y su flauta

Uno de los instrumentos más universales es la flauta. Todas las culturas musicales a través de la historia han desarrollado su tipo o versión particular de lo que hoy conocemos como “flauta”.

Sin embargo su presencia varía dependiendo del tiempo, el espacio y el género musical. El disco que reseñamos hoy pertenece a la modalidad del jazz latino y es en ese contexto que nos referimos en esta ocasión a la flauta.

En el jazz, éste es un instrumento con poca presencia. Son relativamente pocos los flautistas que se han destacado en este género. Entre otros, hay que mencionar a varios músicos caribeños.

El primer solo de flauta que se grabó en el contexto del jazz lo realizó el cubano Alberto Socarrás en los Estados Unidos con la orquesta de Clarence Williams en el 1927. Muchos años después, flautistas de Cuba y Puerto Rico se destacaron en el jazz afrocaribeño con los trabajos de Maraca Valle y José Luís Cortés de Cuba y de los puertorriqueños Néstor Torres y Dave Valentín.

EL ARTISTA

El turno como el flautista revelación del año 2005 es para Carlos Jiménez quien debutó con su primer disco “Arriving”. Jiménez es de padres puertorriqueños y se crió entre Puerto Rico y Nueva York escuchando jazz, mambos y salsa. Comenzó tocando la trompeta hasta que a la edad de diez años escuchó a Bobby Porcelli tocar la flauta en un disco de Mongo Santamaría. Esa audición cambió su enfoque musical.

Tras conocer a varios músicos que fueron influyentes en su formación jazzística y tomar cursos de percusión y piano, Jiménez logró la madurez necesaria para aventurarse en el mundo discográfico con una producción independiente bien cuidada. Más aún, en lo que podría ser el sueño de cualquier músico joven, contó en esta grabación con algunos de sus maestros y con músicos que lo influyeron, como es el caso de Porcelli.

EL DISCO

El disco cuenta con ocho piezas de las cuales siete son del flautista. El timbre y estilo puede clasificarse como jazz latino de bajas calorías, exquisito, suave pero con una base percutida bien presente.

Se destaca el trabajo en todos los temas del pianista puertorriqueño Hilton Ruiz quien es uno de los pianistas latinos más destacados en el mundo del jazz moderno. Cuenta además con invitados tales como el violinista judío americano Lewis Khan, el saxofonista Bobby Porcelli y el flautista Dave Valentín.

Como compositor, Jiménez muestra un sentido melódico bien agradable y sencillo. Su timbre se percibe maduro y es afinado. Como un músico que aun persigue sus mejores momentos en el futuro, no se percibe muy técnico pero es lírico.

CALIFICACIÓN

“Arriving”, editado por Martinete Music, es para los amantes de la flauta, del jazz latino sin descargas y de la música con buen gusto. Lamentamos que siendo un primer disco, el mismo no tiene notas biográficas o información sobre los músicos.

Nuestra calificación en una escala de 0 a 5 radios: 4 radios.

New York City is home to a thriving Latin jazz scene, including several fine flutists, Andrea Brachfeld, Mark Weinstein, Jessica Valientes and recent Grammy winner Dave Valentin. Carlos Jimenez is a new addition to this fold and this is his debut CD appropriately entitled Arriving.
Jimenez arrives after a number of years paying his dues, some in his birthplace and current home of Yonkers, some in Puerto Rico where he spent several years. Since taking up the flute he has studied with some fine Latin players, Mitch Frohman from Tito Puente's band, Mario Rivera, Bobby Porcelli, who appears on this recording, and, more recently, Dave Valentin who also puts in a guest appearance. Jimenez also attributes much of his inspiration to pianist Mike Longo. These influences can be heard in Jimenez' flute work; he has a good full sound, a secure rhythmic sense and a good flow of invention in his improvisations. He has wisely chosen to center his rhythm section around a seasoned veteran–pianist Hilton Ruiz, with whom Jimenez has also studied. With Ruiz at the controls the rhythm section snaps and crackles. Jimenez takes central stage as soloist but leaves room for Ruiz, plus cameo appearances by Khan, Porcelli and Valentin, the latter on the final track, the only one not an original composition by Jimenez. It says something for Jimenez' prowess as a flutist that it is hard to tell him and Valentin apart!

This is certainly a fine debut for a new artist. Along with his flute work, he also contributed seven original compositions. On the whole these are strong, with the usual Latin vamps and grooves, bossas and cha chas, with one slower ballad, My Allison. One caveat. If I had been the producer, I would have suggested leavening these with one or two standards. Jimenez' originals are not quite distinctive enough to carry the whole album. Dave Valentin, Jessica Valiente--these are good composers, but their recordings benefit from a program that mixes their originals with traditional Latin forms and/or jazz standards. I think such a formula would serve Jimenez well on his next recording, which I look forward to hearing.



Tracks: Tomando Café, Flute & Violin, Natalie's Cha Cha Cha, Arriving, Tunnel of Flowers, My Allison, Que Paso?, So What

Reviewed by: Peter Westbrook

Carlos Jimenez, Arriving. A tasty Latin jazz debut from this promising New York flutist. ...

Flute is a scary instrument; jazz flute doubly so. Too often flute players fall back on either candy sweetness or the tired breath tricks that Ian Anderson has been doing with Jethro Tull for more than thirty years now. The instrument suffers as well by its overuse in Muzak and tepid soft rock, to the point where people reflexively assign flute music to the "eww" file. For my part, all the great jazz flute players who push my buttons (and that's not many, owing to my own ignorance) are experimenters who use the flute as a tool to explore the outer limits rather than just play some good old straight music.

All this goes triple for Latin jazz flute, where the light tone of the instrument can get buried underneath an avalanche of percussion. It's a neat trick, then, that Yonkers, NY native Carlos Jimenez has pulled off. As a young Latin jazz flutist, he has made an album that leaves the flute front and center, counterbalanced by a rhythm section that for all their propulsion and weight still leave plenty of room for the flute on top. Moreover, Jimenez is a straight-ahead player interested in exploring groove and melody rather than orbiting Neptune on a descending-modal whole tone run. And even though the words "tasteful flute" generally make me want to run screaming for my Slayer albums, he has made a very promising debut album, titled Arriving.

Jimenez' tone is light and airy, about as far from the round caramel sweetness of classical flute as it's possible to get, and he has developed a voice as a soloist that makes the most of this lightness. He sometimes leaves phrases open ended, building up questioning statements for bars at a time before tying them together again. Although he is young (and plays young), his ideas have enough meat on them to promise a lot of room for him to develop as a player.

His band backs him up in style with great comping and tight rhythms that balance the Latin and jazz sides of their sound nicely. Bassist Geoff Brennan in particular skips across the beat with a feel that digs in like Stanley Clarke but bounces like a salsa band. The percussion line of Hilton Ruiz (piano), Guillermo Jimenez (timbales), Aryam Vazquez (congas) and Adam Weber (drum kit) keep Brennan tied to earth with knotty and dense rhythms that smolder and spark. In particular, Ruiz' solos and tartly dissonant comping fill in harmonic and rhythmic details beautifully, and the occasional backbeat fill from Weber sometimes send things in a welcome bebop direction.

Arriving is a collection of originals by Jimenez (plus Miles Davis' "So What"), most of which are open-ended head charts that devote most of their space to soloing (I'm not even sure if a couple of Jimenez' compositions even have heads or not). While this suggests that Jimenez' writing has a lot of growing up to do, it doesn't actually detract from the album as a whole. With a rhythm section as tight and alert as his, Jimenez can carry tunes on solos that, though sometimes limited, are expressive enough to retain interest.

Standout tracks include the opening "Tomando Cafe," "Natalie's Cha Cha Cha" and "Arriving," which percolate with sparkling rhythms and probing solos from Jimenez, Ruiz, and guest player Bobby Porcelli (alto sax) on "Arriving." Elsewhere, as on "Tunnel of Flowers" and "My Allison," Jimenez and crew give over to prettiness that goes on too long to really hold interest.

The greatest compliment I can give is that I have Arriving on an IPod playlist with a number of heavy hitters in Latin and Latin hybrid music - The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Mandrill, Jimmy Bosch, Poncho Sanchez, Mongo Santamaria, and so on - and the best selections from Arriving always send me rushing back to the "now playing" screen to remind myself who's making this good noise.

Although not perfect, Arriving is a strong debut from a young player.

Arriving is the title of the debut album of Carlos Jimenez and that title is certainly appropriate.
Mr. Jimenez not only wrote and arranged seven of the eight tracks, but blends his talent with the flute to the skills of other masters of various instruments to produce a highly pleasing array of Latin Jazz. The pleasure in listening to the album works at more than one level. Jazz is community, enjoyed by the group in a small intimate club, Jazz is individual, a pleasant companion for a solitary person who merely wishes to listen a relieving presence to enhance a mundane everyday project. Arriving holds up splendidly in both categories. Another strength of the album is the manner in which the various instruments are integrated into the whole. Even if one is foremost in a passage, it never excludes the contribution of another. And since music, beyond being for the ear, also produces images for the mind. The rhythms and blends of the first track, Tomando Cafe (Drinking Coffee) involves a picture of sitting in a semi-dark corner sipping a favorite cappuccino or perhaps a quiet movie scene of someone in the predawn hours walking along a path of street lights and neon to a favorite all night diner for a cup of java. So for the fan of Latin Jazz and the fan who appreciates good music in any category, Arriving should be in your collection. It's an album you'll be listening to often over the years.

Gary Spencer, Scotland

CARLOSJIMENEZ : “Arriving”. Ενα ακόμα απαστράπτον ντεμπούτο, τούτο το CD του νεαρότατου πορτορικανού φλαουτίστα μας φέρνει ενώπιον ενός εξ αρχής ολοκληρωμένου ταλέντου : Αποκλειστικός συνθέτης και κεντρικός σολίστας του μεστού υλικού που περιλαμβάνει αυτό το πλήρες χυμών άλμπουμ, ο νεαρός Jimenez δείχνει ιδιαίτερη ωριμότητα και στα δύο καθήκοντα, χτίζοντας μεθοδικά μια ονειρική latin jazz ατμόσφαιρα όπου ως κυριώτερα εργαλεία του αυτοσχεδιασμού αναδεικνύονται ακουστικώς «ήπια» όργανα, όπως (φυσικά) το φλάουτο και ακολούθως το πιάνο, παιγμένο με υποδειγματική πληρότητα απ΄τον πρωτομάστορα Hilton Ruiz. Αξια δείγματα τα “Tomando Café”, “Flute & Violin”, “Que Paso?” και η διασκευή του (πάντα αποτελεσματικού) “So What” του Miles Davis.


English Text...

"Arriving". one still apastra'pton debut, this CD nearo'tatoy portorjkanoy' flaoytj'sta to us brings front one from beginning of completed talent: Exclusive composer and central soloist of mestoy' material that includes this complete juices album, the young Jimenez show also particular maturity in the two duties, building methodically a onejrjki' latin jazz atmosphere where as kyrjw'tera tools of improvisation are elected akoystjkw's "soft" bodies, as (naturally) the flute and followingly the piano, played with exemplary plenitude tangible prwtoma'stora Hilton Ruiz. Value samples "Tomando Cafj", "Flute and Violin", "Que Paso" and the adaptation of (always effective)"So What of" Miles Davis


Latin Music Gr, Basilio Stamatiou, GREECE