New Music Monday — Bill Frisell; Oscar Hernandez & Alma Libre; Behn Gillece

Hear new music from Bill Frisell, Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre, Behn Gillece on New Music Monday – April 29 on Lunchtime! with Arturo Gómez.

Bill Frisell: “Orchestras”
Throughout his brilliant career, Denver-raised guitarist Bill Frisell has performed mostly in trios and small groups. This latest release by Frisell changes directions as not only is his trio playing with a big band, but they are also playing with two big bands! This double disc set allows that luxury, first up is the Brussels Philharmonic under the direction of Alexander Hanson followed by the Umbria Jazz Orchestra with its conductor, Manuele Morbidini. Bill’s trio is Thomas Morgan on bass and his long-time drummer, Denver’s own Rudy Royston. Both recordings were performed live post-pandemic in 2022 and 2021 in Brussels, Belgium, and Umbria, Italy, respectively. Most of the songs are either Bill Frisell compositions or arrangements by him. An amazing new sound for the master guitarist who took lessons from Denver’s living legend, Dale Brunning.

Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre: “No Words Needed”
The highly touted and award-winning pianist, composer, and arranger Oscar Hernández releases his fourth recording with his Latin jazz quintet, but this time is his first with New Yorkers accompanying him, it’s only fitting since Oscar is a native son of the Bronx, NY. Hernández is a four-time Grammy® winner, all connected to his Spanish Harlem Orchestra which is considered the best salsa band of the last 20 years. The SHO has twice played for KUVO Jazz’s signature event, Live at The Vineyards, each time bringing all the attendees to the dance floor with their irresistible rhythms. For his newest Alma Libre, Hernández, who now lives in Los Angeles decided to return to New York to get that edge New York musicians are known for. They are John Benítez-bass, Robby Ameen-drums, Samuel Torres-congas, and Bobby Franceschini-sax. All ten selections are composed and arranged by the brilliant Oscar Hernández.

Behn Gillece” “Stick Together”
Since emerging on the jazz scene around 2009, Behn has risen through the ranks to become one of the top vibraphonists playing today. He has also become a much in-demand educator and is currently a faculty member at Rowan University in southern New Jersey, Gillece’s home state. Besides leading his own band, Behn is highly sought after as a touring and studio vibes player for some of the biggest names of jazz. All his previous recordings as a leader for Posi-Tone Records have received positive reviews and this new one will undoubtedly be no exception. Gillece is joined by his band mates of many years, Art Hirahara-piano and Rhodes, Boris Kozlov-bass, and the ever-present Rudy Royston playing drums and a bit of percussion. The title “Stick Together” is based on Behn’s favorite quote by Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”

Now in its 21st year of debuting the latest arrivals to the KUVO Jazz library, many of them are played ahead of their official release date. In addition to the music comments, I’ll provide a few tidbits about the artist, if it’s a new or an up-and-coming artist. It all begins at Noon every Monday.

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