"LUZ" CD (2013)

"Invisible" CD (2010)

"Of Soul and Shadow" CD (2007)

"Vida" CD (2004)

"Compassion" CD (1998)

"The Fruit of Eden" CD (1996)

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

SATURDAY JANUARY 15, 2011, LIVE AT "MY FLORIST"


Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performances: SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2011, from 7 to 10:00 PM at "My Florist" 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info: (805)653-0003. Concerts are FREE!!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

LUIS MUNOZ "INVISIBLE" CD 2010


mages from the recording of Costa Rican Composer/percussionist Luis Munoz's lastest CD "INVISIBLE", on Pelin Music, featuring singers Lois Mahalia and Teka Penteriche, plus David Binney on alto sax, Jonathan Dane and Jeff Elliott on Trumpet, Ramses Araya and Brad Dutz on percussion, George Friedenthal on keys, Narciso Sotomayor and Chris Judge on guitars, Laura Hackstein on violin, Tom Etchart on bass, Ron Kalina on chromatic harmonica, Jim Calire on Hammond organ and Luis Munoz on drums, percussion, alto flute and keyboards. For more info:
Luis J Muñoz Inc. / Pelin Music
PO Box 30943
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Ph: (805) 451-6196
/Fax: (805) 569-1257
E-mail: luismunozmusic@cox.net
www.luismunoz.net
http://luisjournal.blogspot.com/
www.cityhallrecords.com

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

PERFORMANCE/ "TED" CONFERENCE IN FEBRUARY IN COSTA RICA



On Thursday, February 10, 2011, I will be participating in a TED conference in San José, Costa Rica. The performance will be a collaboration between three Costa Rican musicians ( Checko D'avila on soprano sax, Iván Rodríguez from the group "Malpaís" on violin and a bass player to be determined), and three members of my Jazz sextet (George Friedenthal on piano, Narciso Sotomayor on guitar and myself on Alto Flute). We will be performing "Tango y Sangre de la Media Noche", an eleven minute composition from my most recent "Invisible" CD. For more information, visit: http://tedxpuravida.org

Saturday, October 2, 2010

NEXT GIG: 10/14/10 5 TO 7:00 PM/FREE AT LA CUMBRE PLAZA IN SANTA BARBARA


I will be performing next on Thursday, October 14, from 5 to 7:00 PM, at La Cumbre Plaza Mall in Santa Barbara, CA. I will be joined by Brad Dutz on marimba and percussion, Tom Etchart on bass, Jonathan Dane on trumpet, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. The concert is FREE!!!! Hope to see you all!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My short story "Bernarda y la Lujuria" is published by "Palabra Abierta"/ August 2010



My short story "Bernarda y la Lujuria" was published in the cultural magazine "Palabra Abierta" last month. "Palabra Abierta is part of the cultural web site"Hispanic LA", directed by Gabriel Lerner and edited by Manuel Gayol Mecías. To read more:
http://hispanicla.com/palabra/bernarda-y-la-lujuria-7726

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

WORLD STREAMS RADIO INTERVIEW 4/2008

I just happened to run into this two year old radio interview I did in April of 2008 for World Streams, right after the release of my "Of Soul and Shadow " CD. World Streams is a wonderful internet radio program which has featured all kinds of people, from musicians like Omar Sosa, Mose Allison and Terence Blanchard to Linguist Noam Chomsky. Enjoy!!!
http://www.worldstreams.org/past10.html

Monday, September 6, 2010

INTERVIEW IN "LA REPUBLICA" TODAY!


Second interview of the day with the Costa Rican press, this time published in "La República" newspaper.To read more click on post title, or:
http://www.larepublica.net/app/cms/www/index.php?pk_articulo=39263/

Monday, August 23, 2010

ON MY WAY TO COSTA RICA


On my way to Costa Rica for two weeks: family, old friends, lots of music, ocean. rainforest, a few radio and newspaper interviews to promote "Invisible","pinto con pescado"...Over and out!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

NEW "INVISIBLE" REVIEW: JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2010 ISSUE



It might seem odd that Luis Muñoz, a Costa RIcan pianist, percussionist and composer would title an album with such vibrant presence "Invisible"; this is music that practically begs to be noticed, not hidden away. But perhaps he chose it because, although he is undeniably the leader, Muñoz is as interested in delegating as he is in starring. Bassist Tom Etchart often takes the melodic reins in addition to providing an anchor, particularly when employing his fretless instrument.

The opening track, "ADam's Dream", unfolds slowly, then spreads out, Etchart paving the way until trumpeter Jonathan Dane and second pianist George Friedenthal arrive to have their say. On "Malabarista", Etchart's bass again performs a vital leadership role, volleying with marimba, a pair of trumpeters, tenor saxophone and more. "Luz del Sur" is a feast of seemingly incongruous elements ranging from pedal steel guitar to trumpet, to marimba, and the closing "Tango y Sangre de la Media Noche" is mark with tension and release as Laura Heckstein's violin, Dane's trumpet George Quirin's acoustic guitar., Etchart's acoustic bass and Muñoz-on piano, alto flute and pad-take turns for nearly 10 minutes exploring the main theme.

For "Hymn", a soulful gospel tune featuring the amped-up vocal of Lois Mahalia, Muñoz lays back on piano while allowing Hammond organist Jimmy Calire to lead the way, and on "Sobrevivencia", it's David Binney's alto saxophone that provides the bulk of the fireworks. "Esperanza" in fact, finds Muñoz altogether absent, handing over the track completely to classical guitarist Chris Judge and Etchart. Despite this seeming invisibility, however, Muñoz is rarely idle, filling gaps, fleshing out parts, creating percussive atmospheres and stepping up front with well-measured piano solos on several tracks.

With "Invisible", Muñoz has created a work of radiance and nuance, alternately fiery and placid, diverse yet wonderfully cohesive!

Jeff Tamarkin/JazzTimes Magazine

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

SAN FRANCISCO!!!!


Off to San Francisco for a week of music, baseball, theater, some of the best food in the world, and just some quality time with my wonderful family in one of my favorite cities in the USA. Over and out...

Monday, June 14, 2010

SIMPLE, DELICIOUS FOOD, PART 2!


Butternut squash with curry, over brown rice and grilled tofu with honey, soy sauce and fresh ginger....Hmmmmmmmmmm!!

Monday, June 7, 2010

LUIS MUNOZ JAZZ SEXTET/NEXT PERFORMANCE THIS FRIDAY JUNE 11


This Friday, June 11 at My Florist" Cafe and Concert Hall in Ventura, CA . (805)653-000 76 South Oak St.Ventura, CA. 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We'll be performing music from our recently released "INVISIBLE" CD on City Hall Records. Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info: (805)653-0003. No Lakers game or World Cup games at that time, so come and hang with us. Concert is FREE!!!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

LATEST "INVISIBLE" CD REVIEW, BY DON HECKMAN

Don Heckman wrote about Jazz in the Los Angeles Times for decades. Here is what he has to say about "Invisible" on his blog, "The International Review of Music":

Listening to this recording, experiencing its warm embrace, I can only marvel that Luis Muñoz does not have wider visibility. The Costa Rican-born composer’s music begins with the subliminal qualities of his native roots, then blossoms into a creative expression that transcends boundaries reaching from jazz to classical to pop and beyond. To read more: http://irom.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/jazz-cd-reviews-luis-munoz-and-jon-gold/

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

SIMPLE, DELICIOUS FOOD!


Nothing like a plate of fresh, grilled vegetables. A little olive oil, salt and pepper is all you need!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

LUIS MUNOZ JAZZ SEXTET NEXT PERFORMANCE! THIS SATURDAY. 5/22/10


My Florist" Cafe and Concert Hall in Ventura, CA . (805)653-000 76 South Oak St.Ventura, CA. 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
We'll be performing music from our recently released "INVISIBLE" CD on City Hall Records. Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info: (805)653-0003. Concert is FREE!!!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

NEW "INVISIBLE" REVIEW: LATINJAZZNET.COM

Luis Muñoz thinks with an open palette of sound. His vision of music is as sweeping as the eye can see and absorbs a wide spectrum of color and tone texture, from the sophisticated rough and tumble of the trance-like sound of Afro-centric worship music to the delightful swing of idiomatic phrases that spring from the joyous spirit of jazz. He also draws from the habanera to the calypso and tangos and rondos and other European forms of ecclesiastical music to the heartfelt emotion of gospel. There may be other composers and musicians who “hear” music like Muñoz, but his background in special geometry enables him to see the sound of music sitting on virtual lines and between spaces. This is why his music—especially here, on Invisible sounds as if the sounds are as close to breathing as musical notes will ever get.

TO READ MORE:http://www.latinjazznet.com/2010/05/02/reviews/cds/luis-munoz-invisible/

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

4/29/10: OFFICIAL CD RELEASE CONCERT AT HOME/SOHO, SANTA BARBARA, CA,


OFFICIAL CD RELEASE CONCERT AT HOME/SOHO, SANTA BARBARA, CA, Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info:1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA.(805) 962-7776

CD RELEASE PARTY
Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 7:00pm
SOHO, SANTA BARBARA , CA

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

RADIO INTERVIEW ON KCSB 91.9 FM SANTA BARBARA


I will be doing a radio interview on Wednesday, April 28, at 11:00 AM on the program "Jazz Straight Ahead" with host
Stanley Naftaly, on KCSB 91.9 Santa Barbara. This interview will be to promote the CD release concert which will take place the following day, Thursday, April 29 at Soho in Santa Barbara (1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA.(805) 962-7776,), at 7:00 PM. We'll be chatting and playing a few cuts from my new "INVISIBLE" CD. Please join us!

To listen live, go to : http://www.kcsb.org/

Sunday, April 18, 2010

PURA VIDA BAND WITH JIM MESSINA, FLORA PURIM AND OTHERS





My old Costa Rican friend and master precussionist Pepe Chacón just posted a bunch of great photos from the 80s and 90s, among them, many from Santa Barbara's premier Latin Jazz band Pura Vida. We ended up performing and/or recording with artists such as Jimmy Messina, Airto Moreira, Joe Cocker, Flora Purim, Pauline Wilson (singer of Seawind), Joe Farrell and many more. Check it out. Thanks Pepe, we miss you here in SB.

WEEKEND IN PASADENA, CA



Just walking around in Pasadena, relaxing before getting back in the groove with upcoming"INVISIBLE" shows. Made a few new friends, among them, my favorite French Bulldog Fifi...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

"INVISIBLE REVIEW # 5/ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM


"With Invisible, Muñoz has created a framework that dimensions his music in all of its beauty and essence..."
To read more :
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=36158/

Monday, April 5, 2010

UPCOMING GIGS!



4/29/10 Soho in Santa Barbara, CA: 7-10:30 PM / 1221 State Street, (805) 962-7776
5/8/10 My Florist in Ventura, CA 7-10:00 PM/ 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. (805)653-0003
5/22/10 My Florist in Ventura CA, 7-10:00 PM/ 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. (805)653-0003
6/11/10 My Florist in Ventura, CA 7-10:00 PM/ 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. (805)653-0003
7/2/10 My Florist in Ventura, CA 7-10:00 PM/ 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. (805)653-0003

Saturday, March 27, 2010

INVISIBLE REVIEW # 4:this project should be on the top shelf of every serious collector’s library...


CD Reviews: Invisible/Luis Munoz: Pelin Music (2010)
Posted by: editoron Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 03:33 PM
The Flip Side
by Karl Stober

One afternoon I sat listening to a cut called “Hymn” for the first time. I was taken in by a very rare musical moment for me. I was at a loss for explanation and comprehension of the beauty this piece afforded me. I listen to so many pieces of music this rarely occurs, this time it did! By the passion, heart, and gentle feel of musician Luis Munoz, he has what I would call a “heavy with promise execution of sound,” stimulated from the heart and escorted by the soul…Bravo Sir!....

To read the rest of the review, click on the title of this post!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

NEXT PERFORMANCE: TONIGHT, LIVE AT "MY FLORIST" IN VENTURA CA


Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performance: Tonight, Friday, March 19, from 7 to 10:00 PM at "My Florist" 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info: (805)653-0003. Concert is FREE!!!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

TODAY IS THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE OF MY "INVISIBLE" CD, ON CITY HALL RECORDS


TODAY IS THE OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE OF MY "INVISIBLE" CD, ON CITY HALL RECORDS/PELIN MUSIC!!!!
IT CAN NOW BE PURCHASED WORLDWIDE (AMAZON.CON,CDBABY, ITUNES, BARNES & NOBLE, BORDERS, CITYHALLRECORDS.COM, LUISMUNOZ.NET,CDWOW, EBAY, CDUNIVERSE, ETC.)

A+ to the music and the performances! Highly recommended! (Lee Prosser. Jazzreview.com)

Set your CD player to stunning! (Paula Edelstein, jazz.suite101.com)

No doubt Munoz's latest release will continue to cement his reputation as one of the finest and most creative Latin Jazz artists alive, as Invisible is a luminous work full of beautiful subtlety and life spirit (Brad Walseth, jazzchicago.net)

Sunday, March 14, 2010

"INVISIBLE" REVIEW #3 IS IN:One of my favorite albums so far this year.


Luis Munoz - "Invisible"
(Pelin Music)
Acclaimed Costa Rican composer/producer/percussionist/pianist Luis Munoz's work has been rightfully hailed worldwide, with his previous two releases Vida (2004) and Of Soul and Shadow (2007) receiving excellent reviews and numerous awards. No doubt Munoz's latest release will continue to cement his reputation as one of the finest and most creative Latin Jazz artists alive, as Invisible is a luminous work full of beautiful subtlety and life spirit. The shimmering "Adam's Dream" starts this wonderful musical journey off with a peaceful, yet insistent pull - somewhat reminiscent of the relaxed vibe engendered by Danilo Perez and Claus Ogerman on Across a Crystal Sea. This delicious atmosphere continues on "Luz Del Sur" - which manages to merge island marimbas and percussion with pedal steel guitar and Ennio Morricone soundtrack trumpet (by Jonathan Dane) in a manner so natural you wonder why everyone doesn't do it. Munoz's production stars, and his arrangements are colorful and precise as a fine watercolor. "Sobrevivencia" is upbeat and somewhat more traditional Latin Jazz sounding (albeit with Munoz's complexities) and features the brilliant David Binney (a huge South and Central American music fan) on a slippery waterfall alto solo. The rest of the album maneuvers nicely between twilight shades (with great nylon-string guitar work by Chris Judge) to original takes on modern Latin jazz (Ron Kalina's chromatic harmonica is a treat on "Marantial"), with even a delightful tango (with violin by Laura Hackstein and Munoz on piano and alto flute) to end the album. But perhaps the centerpiece of Invisible - which is dedicated to the sick, poor and homeless - the invisible among us - is the inspiring, gospel-influenced "Hymn" with Lois Mahalia on vocals - which offers up a soaring positive note of hope that is much appreciated in these dark times. One of my favorite albums so far this year.
Brad Walseth (Jazzchicago.net)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

OUR NEXT PERFORMANCE:3/19/10 AT "MY FLORIST" IN VENTURA, CA


Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performance: , Friday, March 19, from 7 to 10:00 PM at "My Florist" 76 South Oak St. in Ventura, CA. Featuring Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Brad Dutz on percussion and marimba, Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar. For more info: (805)653-0003. Concert is FREE!!!

HUEVOS RANCHEROS


Saturday, March 6, 2010

5 IMAGES FROM LAST NIGHT'S GIG/FULL HOUSE AGAIN,THANKS!!






1) Once upon a time...2)Tom, turn around, the audience is behind you. 3) Sleeping on the job. 4)Going acoustic! 5)"My Florist, a beautiful venue! We'll be back there on 3/19/10, at 7:00 PM