ARTICLE IN COSTA RICAN NEWSPAPER "LA REPUBLICA"

http://www.larepublica.net/app/cms/cms_periodico_showpdf.php?id_menu=50&pk_articulo=39263&codigo_locale=es-CR">

NEW "INVISIBLE" REVIEW: GERMAN PUBLICATION "JAZZDIMENSIONS"

A new review of my latest CD "INVISIBLE", this one on the German "JazzDimensions" publication. Is it a good one? A rotten one? I have no idea :-)
Esta semana salió una nueva reseña de mi CD "Invisible". Esta, en la publicación alemana "JazzDimensions". ¿Les habrá gustado la música o no? No tengo ni idea de lo que dicen :-) Ich spreche Deutsch nicht. Ayuda, alguien que hable alemán!!!
http://www.jazzdimensions.de/reviews/jazz/2011/luis_munoz_invisible.html/

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

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/

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/

"INVISIBLE REVIEW # 6 :SANTA BARBARA INDEDENDENT

"ONE OF THE MOST STYLISH, ROMANTIC AND FULLY REALIZED SUITES OF MUSIC OF ANY RELEASED THIS YEAR"
To read the full review, go to:
http://www.independent.com/news/2010/apr/26/luis-munoz-releases-eminvisibleem/

"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)

MY MUSIC ON NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

My music gets mentioned in an article on National Geographic Magazine. To read more: http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/worldmusic/view/page.basic/country/content.country/costa_rica/

JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE REVIEWS "OF SOUL AND SHADOW"

"Of Soul and Shadow" continues gathering great reviews from the international press. This time,Forrest Dylan Bryant of JazzTimes Magazine (March 2008 issue) writes: "Costa Rican keyboardist-percussionist Muñoz has painted a kaleidoscopic portrait of his homeland, combining several strains of Jazz performance into a folkloric framework. A large, rotating cast of musicians evoke lush rainforest, busy urban centers, relaxed country life or scenes of nostalgic romance with ease... Tunes like the dance machine "La Verdad", or the too-short "Luz del Sur" areterrific...Read more

RECENT "OF SOUL AND SHADOW" REVIEWS.

"Of Soul and Shadow" is a beautiful and passionate recording" (Latin Jazz Network )

"Top Five Latin, Blues and Beyond CDs of 2007" ( Jazzhouse.org )

" Shockingly well fused and cohesive! Luis Muñoz has done it again!" (Santa Barbara Independent)

"This recommended album rocks hard while highlighting the cultural background that makes Latin Jazz the emotional tool that has captured our heart and soul. This one brings out the goose bumps!"
( Jim Santella/ LA Jazz Scene )

"With this collection, Luis Munoz takes the concept of eclecticism to a whole new and exciting level."
( Jonathan Widran, Allmusic.com )

"Delightful release, highly recommended!"
( Jazzreview.com )

"Latin Jazz at its best! Four Stars (****)"
( EJazznews )

"A unique hybrid that fuses some of the best elements of a range of Latin American musical styles, to the best elements of jazz instrumental soloing".
( Jazz Improv Magazine )

"Of Soul and Shadow" makes it into top 5 Latin Jazz CDs of 2007

Jazz critic and author W. Royal Stokes(Village Voice, Jazzhouse.org) has chosen "Of Soul and Shadow" among his "Top Five Latin, Blues and Beyond CDs of 2007". To see the full list, visit:
http://www.jazzhouse.org/

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT REVIEWS "OF SOUL AND SHADOW"

Luis Muñoz has done it again! Shockingly well fused and cohesive!
Read full review: http://independent.com/news/2007/dec/06/luis-muoz/

JAZZ IMPROV NY MAGAZINE REVIEWS "OF SOUL AND SHADOW" THIS MONTH

Curtis Davenport, of Jazz Improv NY Magazine reviews "Of Soul and Shadow" in this month's issue: "Munoz has created a unique hybrid that fuses some of the best elements of a range of Latin American musical styles, to the best elements of jazz instrumental soloing." Read more

ANOTHER GREAT REVIEW! LA JAZZ SCENE 11/07

LUIS MUNOZ/OF SOUL AND SHADOW (Pelín Music)

Based in Santa Barbara, composer and multi-instrumentalist Luis Muñoz combines the best of heart-rending Latin Jazz with the soul of Central America. He grew up in Costa Rica, attended the University of Costa Rica and the nation's National Music Conservatory; then moved to the U.S. in 1974. At UC Santa Barbara, he earned his degree in Music Composition and has written prolifically since then. His latest album explores the idioms of Costa Rican folklore, classical music and Jazz through 10 originals that swing hard or simmer gracefully: sometimes both.

Saxophonists David Binney and Tom Buckner give Muñoz the exciting sound that he wants, as his ensembles get into a groove. When trombonist Ira Nepus steps into the spotlight on "La Semilla", the heat is on. He is complemented by high note trumpeter Adolfo Acosta, as a wide array of percussion keeps the motion flowing strong. This one brings out the goose bumps! Then, Muñoz contrasts his program with Ron Kalina's soulful harmonica on "Al Silencio", which mourns confortingly to nurse the evening's woes away. The composer's drum set ties the unit together seamlessly, as blues turns into a hopeful dawn with all its positive magic.

Elsewhere, the composer brings us impressions of the tradition that has built Central America for hundreds of years. Vocals by Andy Zúñiga and more harmonica, saxophone and trumpet spotlights give the session personality. On flute, Muñoz carries a deep, heartfelt charm; on piano, he delivers with sensitivity. This recommended album rocks hard while highlighting the cultural background that makes Latin Jazz the emotional tool that has captured our heart and soul.

Jim Santella/ LA Jazz Scene

NEW REVIEW/"OF SOUL AND SHADOW": HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Read more on what "Jazzreview.com" said today about "Of Soul and Shadow":
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd/review-19286.html

FOUR STARS/ EJAZZNEWS REVIEW

Today, John Gilbert of Ejazznews gave "Of Soul and Shadow" Four Stars ( ****): " Latin jazz at it's best".