“Throughout my already long career, I’ve had the opportunity to perform on stage or at the recording studio with great trombonists, from Generoso “Tojo” Jimenez, Pucho Escalante and Juan Pablo Torres, to Slide Hampton, Conrad Herwig, Melba Liston and many more. So I must say that my new friend Demetrio Kastaris is no exception among all these illustrious maestros of the sliding horn, but he is also a lover of Cuban music who knows how to play with swing and Latin flavor, and who also can express himself, fluently!, in the language of Celia Cruz, Mario Bauzá and Beny Moré. And I want to add that I am very happy to be part of this project, a well-balanced mix of Cuban music, Jazz, Funk and Greek elements. Thanks for the call!  Ευχαριστούμε dear Demetrio!!!”

Paquito D’Rivera – 16 time Grammy Award winner, founding member of Irakere along with Chucho Valdéz and later Arturo Sandoval.

“When it comes to Afro Cuban Tumbao Demetrios is a master of the language and phrasing in that style. He has a great command of all the registers of the trombone as well. It is such a pleasure to hear him. He plays such a beautiful Bolero in the ballad style with such a wonderful timbre, and mastery with lyricism. That is a rare thing in today’s music world”.

Steve Turre – legendary virtuoso Jazz trombonist and conch shell player, formerly with Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner (John Coltrane’s pianist), 40 year member of the Saturday Night Live Band.

Steve’s email (transcription):

“Demetrios, It was my pleasure to participate – the band on the recording sounded great! You sounded great and inspired me to practice more. You are an inspiration – dedication & discovery = delight. Many Blessings, Steve”

Steve

“Estoy en la presencia de un disco súper fantástico donde hay músicos estelares. Los arreglos, las composiciones y los solos son super hermosos y bien elaborados. Me han dejado emocionado. ¡El álbum me encantó! Los solos de trombón de Kastaris son magníficos con sabor Cubano y mucha expresión. Él ha aprendido mucho de nuestra música y por eso sus solos me dejan fascinado. Demetrios tiene un dominio excelente del trombón y del género afrocubano y por eso necesitamos estudiar para aprender a tocar como él. Lo admiro mucho como persona y como músico grande que es. Espero que siga siendo un ejemplo para todos. Estoy completamente convencido de que esta producción va a tener un éxito tremendo mundial con el gran “Griego Rumbero”. Carlos Luis Álvarez Guerra – trombonista de Irakere y Cubanismo, La Habana Cuba.

Carlos Luis Álvarez Guerra – trombonista de Irakere y Cubanismo, La Habana Cuba.

English translation: “I’m in the presence of a truly fantastic album featuring stellar musicians. The arrangements, compositions, and solos are gorgeous and well-crafted. They’ve left me deeply moved. I absolutely loved the album! Kastaris’ trombone solos are magnificent, full of Cuban flavor and expression. He’s clearly learned so much from our music, which is why his solos leave me so captivated. Demetrios has an excellent command of the trombone and the Afro-Cuban genre, and that’s why we need to study to learn to play like him. I admire him greatly as a person and as the great musician he is. I hope that he continues to be an example for everyone. I’m completely convinced that this production will be a tremendous worldwide success with the great “Griego Rumbero”. Carlos Luis Álvarez Guerra – trombonist with Irakere and Cubanismo, Havana Cuba

Carlos Luis Álvarez Guerra – trombonist with Irakere and Cubanismo, Havana Cuba

“En sentido general creo que este disco tiene las condiciones necesarias para aspirar a un Grammy. La calidad de la producción es buenísima y el nivel de los músicos es excelente. Los arreglos tienen un nivel muy alto. Las composiciones son muy buenas. La cuerda de trombones tiene un alto nivel y el Griego Rumbero es muy sobresaliente en lo que hace. De Paquito D’Rivera está demás darle un calificativo, bueno fue genial en su improvisación. Una nota, tengo que resaltar también el swing que tienen los percusionistas, el pianista al igual que los cantantes. Trombonista Leal. Magnífico arreglo y perfecta improvisación del bongosero (Angel Rodríguez) en el cambio de tiempo. Buen impaste con los tambores. Mulence y Yo. Magnífica cuerda de trombones y una armonía muy actual. Muy buena la improvisación del trombón en Contigo Aprendí. Kastaris demuestra un trombón muy profesional”. Hector Marquez Pardo -Director Musical y arreglista del Cabaret Tropicana, La Habana Cuba

Hector Marquez Pardo -Director Musical y arreglista del Cabaret Tropicana, La Habana Cuba

English translation: “Overall, I think this album has what it takes to be nominated for a Grammy. The production quality is extremely good, and the musicians are excellent. The arrangements are top-notch. The compositions are very good. The trombone section is outstanding, and the Griego Rumbero is exceptional at what he does. There’s no need to describe Paquito D’Rivera; he was simply brilliant in his improvisation. On a side note, I also have to highlight the swing of the percussionists, the pianist, and the singers. Trombonist Leal: Magnificent arrangement and perfect improvisation by the bongo player (Angel Rodriguez) during the tempo change. Great interplay with the drums. Mulence y Yo: Superb trombone section and a very contemporary harmony. The trombone improvisation is excellent. Contigo Aprendí: Kastaris demonstrates a very professional trombone performance”. Hector Marquez Pardo – Musical Director and arranger of the Tropicana Cabaret, Havana, Cuba.

Hector Marquez Pardo – Musical Director and arranger of the Tropicana Cabaret, Havana, Cuba.

“Η ικανότητά του να εντάσσει την ελληνική ευαισθησία μέσα στον εκρηκτικό ρυθμό της Latin Jazz (όπως φαίνεται και στο σχήμα του, The Latin Jazz Coalition) αποτελεί μια σπάνια μορφή καλλιτεχνικής ειλικρίνειας. Όπως αναφέρεται συχνά σε κριτικές στο All About Jazz, η μουσική του δεν είναι απλώς τεχνικά άρτια, αλλά φέρει το βάρος των βιωμάτων του και του σεβασμού προς την παράδοση. Αυτή η διαπίστωση αποδίδει με ακρίβεια την ουσία του έργου του Δημήτρη Καστάρη. Πράγματι, δεν πρόκειται για μια απλή “μίξη” ειδών, αλλά για μια πνευματική γέφυρα ανάμεσα σε κόσμους που, αν και γεωγραφικά μακριά, συναντιούνται στο συναίσθημα και τον αυτοσχεδιασμό. (Ο Έλληνας Ρουμπέρος), αυτή η ταυτότητα γίνεται απόλυτα σαφής με κομμάτια όπως το “Kalamatiano Medley”. Εκεί, ο παραδοσιακός ελληνικός ρυθμός των 7/8 συναντά τη δεξιοτεχνία θρύλων της jazz, όπως ο Paquito D’Rivera, αποδεικνύοντας ότι η πνευματικότητα —είτε προέρχεται από τη βυζαντινή παράδοση (όπως στο “Cherubic Hymn”) είτε από τις αφροκουβανικές ρίζες”. Αντώνης Κουτούρου, Santorini Jazz Radio

Αντώνης Κουτούρου, Santorini Jazz Radio

English translation: “His ability to integrate Greek sensibility into the explosive rhythm of Latin Jazz (as seen in his band, The Latin Jazz Coalition) is a rare form of artistic honesty. As often mentioned in reviews in All About Jazz, his music is not simply technically sound but carries the weight of his experiences and respect for tradition. This statement accurately captures the essence of Dimitris Kastaris’ work. Indeed, it is not a simple “mix” of genres, but a spiritual bridge between worlds that, although geographically distant, meet in emotion and improvisation. (The Greek Rumbero), this identity becomes perfectly clear with pieces like “Kalamatianó Medley”. There, the traditional Greek rhythm of 7/8 meets the virtuosity of jazz legends such as Paquito D’Rivera, proving that spirituality — whether it comes from the Byzantine tradition (as in “Cherubic Hymn”) or from Afro-Cuban roots.” Antonis Koutourou, Santorini Jazz Radio

Antonis Koutourou, Santorini Jazz Radio

“This is a great record with the greatest musicians of the era. The mix of music/band is incredible and the variety is sure enough to please everyone. Don’t skip this one, definitely for audio files and anyone that likes to dance, sing or play along with the music. This one is for you! Highly recommended”. JC Johnny Conga, former DJ/host at WDNA 88.9 FM, Miami Florida.

JC Johnny Conga, former DJ/host at WDNA 88.9 FM, Miami Florida.

“¡Expectacular discográfica del Griego Rumbero. Lo recomiendo escuchar!” Damian Leal Ferrer, trombonista free lance, Madrid España

Damian Leal Ferrer, trombonista free lance, Madrid España

English translation: “Spectacular album by El Griego Rumbero, I highly recommend listening!”. Damian Leal Ferrer, freelance trombonist, Madrid, Spain

Damian Leal Ferrer, freelance trombonist, Madrid, Spain

“Excelente trabajo musical. Demetrios, gracias por sus aportes para mantener la música viva.Éxitos con su nuevo proyecto. Lo escuché y está sabroso para oídos finos. Musicalmente muy bien logrado con grandes artistas y excelentes melodías. Obligado a las colecciones de melómanos, coleccionistas y gente de buen gusto musical”. Jossé Lopez, Nostalgias Musicales, La ciudad de Nueva York.

Jossé Lopez, Nostalgias Musicales, La ciudad de Nueva York.

English translation: “Excellent musical work. Demetrios, thank you for your contributions to keeping music alive. Best of luck with your new project. I listened to it and it’s a real treat for discerning ears. Musically, it’s very well done, featuring great artists and excellent melodies. A must-have for the collections of music lovers, collectors, and people with good musical taste”. Jossé Lopez, Nostalgias Musicales, New York City

Jossé Lopez, Nostalgias Musicales, New York City

“Demetrios Kastaris is the mastermind behind the magnificent Latin Jazz Coalition! This sound is amazing. Well done brother!” Duke Guillaume – Founder/ leader of the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band, New York City Jazz saxophonist.

Duke Guillaume – Founder/ leader of the Metropolitan Gospel Big Band, New York City Jazz saxophonist.

“The silky Afro-Cuban sounds of the Greek Rumbero are a masterful musical playground for an afro-centric modern dancer and choreographer as myself. Each percussive melody is an electric charge that makes your body pulse, glide and sway to its rhythms-every motion so involuntary as your heartbeat. Even the ancient Byzantine selections are captivating to the ear as one is truly led through a diaspora of music history of Western Africa and Europe. The Greek Rumbero has gifted us with a journey of his musical and cultural identities”. Salimah Adawiya – New York City dancer and dance instructor.

Salimah Adawiya – New York City dancer and dance instructor.

“Well he’s done it again. I recently had the opportunity to listen to it in its entirety, the new recording by musician, composer, bandleader and educator Demetrios Kastaris. The new recording is titled “El Griego Rumbero”. This recording explores Kastaris’ multidimensional approach to genuine musical expression. The Greek born trombonist who was raised in St Louis, Missouri finds himself at home in a wide variety of musical settings on this session. His long commitment to Afro-Caribbean Jazz, Salsa Cristiana, sacred ancient Byzantine chants, and traditional Grecian folk music (with an amazing twist), is all demonstrated here on a world class level. Kastaris’ inclusion of international greats Paquito D’Rivera, Steve Turre, Oscar Hernandez, and Luisito Quintero among many others helps to raise the collective effort of this project to new heights. The personnel on the date includes some of the finest players from the New York City area as well as from Greece. The arrangers for the Afro-Caribbean and Salsa Cristiana tracks include Oscar Hernández (musical director), Edy Martinez and Pete McGuinness. All of the arrangements are beautifully crafted to bring out the deep essence of the music. The music swings hard and respectfully pays homage to the roots of Afro Latin music. Kastaris’ deep Christian faith shines brightly in Salsa Cristiana tracks Sigue Salvando Vidas and Cristo Es La Peña de Horeb. The Salsa Cristiana genre came into great prominence in the 1990’s. These tracks are certain to spark a new interest in this genre and hopefully many will be inspired to follow Kastaris’ lead. The music which personally impacted me the most were the sacred ancient Byzantine chants and the traditional Greek folk music. For the chants, Kastaris employed the talents of the Papastefanou Byzantine Choir Quartet. I do not understand Greek, nevertheless the music transported me to a wonderful place of deep spirituality and worship. This music is timeless and it is powerful on a completely unique level. The new take on Grecian folk music was arranged by celebrated Greek guitarist Spiros Exaras. His arrangement of the Kalamatianó Medley combines the old and new to create an amazing vehicle for improvisation. Master Paquito D’Rivera dances through this one with pure jubilation!! Demetrios Kastaris has worked extremely hard to put together a recording of PURE ART! Folks need to check out this recording……..all that I ask is that they sit back with an open mind, open heart and an open spirit to truly absorb this beautiful musical journey!!!”

Ray Vega, Musician, Educator, Recording Artist, South Burlington, Vermont 2/12/26, www.rayvegamusic.com

“Διαβάζοντας και ακούγοντας αυτό το έργο, γίνεται ξεκάθαρο ότι δεν πρόκειται απλώς για μια μουσική παραγωγή, αλλά για μια βαθιά προσωπική κατάθεση. Ο Δημήτρης Καστάρης καταφέρνει να ενώσει με ειλικρίνεια την αφροκουβανική και jazz παράδοση με τις ελληνικές και πνευματικές του ρίζες, δημιουργώντας ένα μουσικό αφήγημα με ταυτότητα και ουσία. Είναι ένα έργο που αποπνέει σεβασμό, ωριμότητα και καλλιτεχνική ευθύνη — στοιχεία σπάνια και πολύτιμα στη σύγχρονη μουσική δημιουργία”.

Alexis Kostas, musician and producer at ERT Global Radio, «Φωνές και Μουσικές» “Voices and Music”. Athens Greece

English translation: “Reading about and listening to this work, it becomes clear that this is not simply a musical production, but a deeply personal artistic statement. Demetrios Kastaris succeeds in sincerely uniting Afro-Cuban and jazz traditions with his Greek and spiritual roots, creating a musical narrative with strong identity and substance. It is a work that radiates respect, maturity, and artistic responsibility — qualities that are rare and truly valuable in contemporary music creation”.

Alexis Kostas, musician and producer ERT Global Radio, “Voices and Music”. Athens Greece

“El Griego Rumbero,” the long-awaited new production by renowned bandleader/trombonist Demetrios Kastaris, celebrates his Latin Jazz Coalition’s forty-year milestone, featuring forty luminaries of Latin music, including Oscar Hernández, Paquito D’Rivera, Connie Grossman, Angel Ruben Rodriguez, Sr., John Benitez, Steve Turre, and Luisito Quintero. Featured are arrangements by Edy Martínez, Hernández, and Kastaris. Authenticity is key, here. As Kastaris states, his unique sound incorporates Rumba Guaguancó, Son-Montuno, Bembé, Guajira, Mozambique, Cha-cha-chá, Songo, Danzón, and Bolero. This CD sparkles with splashes of vibrant color, along with nuanced hues, wherever the laser lands. Tracks range from sizzling to soulful, from danceable to deeply moving”.

Vicki Solá, host/producer, Que Viva La Música (Mundo Salsa Radio)

Reviews of Demetrios Kastaris and the Latin-Jazz Coalition, Trombón con Sazón CD

“A unique new and exciting sound in Latin jazz. The musical level is what I would expect from Tito Puente, Oscar D’ Leon or Willie Rosario. One of the best new recordings that I’ve heard so far this year that combines traditional Latin music, Latin jazz, Brazilian music and Funk. An outstanding effort.”

Max Salazar, Senior Editor, Latin Beat Magazine.

“This recording is definitely Grammy Award material.”

Chico Alvarez, WBAI in New York City on air Host and recording artist.

“Consistency is what makes a band out of a group of very talented musicians, as evidenced here not only by the tight ensembles, but the sensitive and subtle interplay behind the soloists.… I heartily recommend this recording, not only for the brilliant and diverse soloists, but the well thought-out over-all pacing of the varied rhythms and ensemble work, as well as the inventive arrangements of interesting and original compositions”.

Bill Spilka, The International Trombone Association Journal , Audio/ Video Reviews.

“From the very first bar of his solo, Kastaris, as he does throughout this recording, exhibits a full, clear tone in all registers, a clean attack, and an ease improvising within the Afro-Cuban idiom…. Kastaris’ Latin-Jazz Coalition is not simply a framework for solo blowing – although there is plenty of that on this disc. Rather, this is a well practiced, cohesive ensemble, a musical collective that is greater than the sum of its formidable parts…. Demetrios Kastaris and the Latin-Jazz Coalition embody the fusion of jazz and Latin music at its most creative and exhilarating”.

Bob Bernotas, The Online Trombone Journal (www.trombone.org ) For the complete review by Bob Bernotas go to http://www.trombone.org/articles/library/viewarticles.asp?ArtID=218%0D

“Nueva York es la ciudad del mundo donde todo se puede ver y hay sorpresas gratas como la que presentamos en Zona Rosa. Se trata de un hombre de origen griego llamado Demetrios Kastaris quien ejecuta de forma magistral el trombón y quien con una banda de excelentes músicos acaba de salir al mercado con un disco titulado Trombón con Sazón”.

English Translation: “New York is the city in the world where you can see everything and there are nice surprises like the one that we are presenting to you in “Zona Rosa” (Rose Zone, Entertainment Guide). We are referring to a man of Greek origin named Demetrios Kastaris who executes the trombone in a masterful manner, and with a band of excellent musicians just came out on the market with a CD entitled “Trombón con Sazón”.
Ricardo León Peña-Villa, El Diario , New York City.

“Friday night’s concert had a standing room only audience for the Latin-Jazz Coalition from New York City. Their cross rhythms and spirit created a standing, whaling reception at the end of a stellar performance.”

Eastern Trombone Workshop Chairman SGM Scott Shelsta, Washington D.C., 2001 ETW Review, International Trombone Association Journal.

“Folks are still buzzing about the all-star concert Homenaje a Mongo Santamaría (Homage to Mongo Santamaría) at the Seuffert Bandshell in Woodhaven Queens’ Forest Park, on June 16th. Led by Demetrios Kastaris (trombonist/leader of the Latin-Jazz Coalition) the tribute featured special guest performers Dave Valentin, Herman Olivera, Alfredo de la Fé, Edy Martinez, And Andrea Brachfeld along with the Latin-Jazz Coalition’s renowned members…”

Vicki Solá, Latin Beat Magazine, Sept. 2003.

“Demetrios Kastaris is one of the most talented trombonists at work today in New York City. His high energy and uniquely creative expressionism within a highly disciplined framework add textures and colors seldom heard on the current Latin scene, and ranks him firmly among the giants.”

Jo-Ann Jones, Founder and Executive Director of The Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts , and Jazz Live at Flushing Town Hall.

“Great music, super talented musicians and some creative arrangements are what you get from Trombón con Sazón . This one will definitely become one of your favorites. Enjoy”.

Pazcual Villaronga, Latin Percussionist Newsletter.

“Playing to a house of enthusiastic Big Band dance fans in the beautifully redesigned Flushing Town Hall performance space doesn’t hurt, but the shear depth of musicianship that Kastaris had on stage with him was what really made the evening’s performance well received.”

Norm Harris, Q Guide

Demetrios was referred to in New York Newsday by staff writer Sheila McKenna in her Queens profile as “a leading figure in Afro-Cuban jazz.”

“Here’s an unexpected gem of a release to come out of New York. Led by trombonist Demetrios Kastaris. …The orchestra maintains a beautifully rich sound that never feels overly complicated or over-produced.”

Bruce Polin, Descarga.com

“The music in this recording has a beautiful spirit about it.”

Dave Valentin, Grammy Award Winning Flautist.

“Four p.m. found Demetrios Kastaris on the big stage with his tremendously exciting Latin-Jazz Coalition – which is exactly what it purports to be – an authentic Latin rhythm section that serves up Salsa, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian Beats that meld perfectly with a hard -driving basically bop and funk oriented front line of two trumpets and trombones. …(See my recent review of Demetrios’ TROMBON CON SAZON album for more information about this excellent group.)”

Bill Spilka, The International Trombone Association Journal , 2001 New York City Brass Conference Review.

“One of the unexpected delights in this survey was encountering Demetrios Kastaris’s TROMBON CON SAZON (Trombone with Spice)….The arrangements are of consistently high quality, the recording well mastered, and Kastaris’s playing eminently worthy of being showcased. The thorough liner notes and bilingual lyrics provide an added bonus.”

Professor Gerald Sloan, “Los Huesos, A Closer Look at Latin Trombonists”, Internation Trombone Associaltion Journal, January, 2003 – page 46.

” Trombón con Sazón is a great title for a recording. It’s been available for some time, but nobody ever used it. And it is a good thing that Demetrios Kastaris thought of it, because his music really gives it a meaning. This album should please lovers of Latin Jazz and Salsa alike. Although the trombone, played by Kastaris, is the king here, the band has a powerful brass section that includes Ray Vega and Steve Gluzband (trumpets), Pete McGuiness (trombone), and Connie Grossman (flute). Some of the special guests in some cuts are Dave Valentin (flute), Claudio Roditi (trumpet), Mitch Frohman (tenor sax, flute), Kimson Plaut and Edy Martínez (piano), and others. This combination is capable of generating explosive results… Believe it or not, this band was created in 1986. It is not until now that we have the pleasure to enjoy it. Demetrios Kastaris had to wait a long time, and, like an old vintage wine, his music has that special flavor. I’m sure that we’ll be hearing from this band again.”

Eric Gonzalez, Oasis Salsero

Trombón con Sazón was placed in various top spots the New York City, Miami, and San Francisco Top 20 Hit Parade Poll in Latin Beat Magazine for 16 consecutive months beginning in August of the year 2000. The recording was placed in the number one spot in February of 2001 in New York City by Vicki Solá of WFDU 89.1 FM!