Reviews of the “El Griego Rumbero” Album

“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 Valdés 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, and 40-year member of the Saturday Night Live Band.

“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.”

“Demetrios! You and I both know that you can play the shells in tune. You are one of the ‘early modern shell masters’ using the sound in a meaningful way! Continued success! Warmest Regards, Steve.”

“Estoy en la presencia de un disco súper fantástico donde hay músicos estelares. Los arreglos, las composiciones y los solos son súper 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 – trombonist with Irakere and Cubanismo, Havana, 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’.”

“El mérito mayor que encuentro en el álbum que ha hecho Kastaris, el trombonista maravilloso, griego y rumbero, es justamente que ha dedicado esa gran música, esos arreglos, esas orquestaciones y la selección de cada obra en ese álbum a Cuba. Los intérpretes, los músicos que aparecen en las grabaciones, empezando por Steve Turre, Paquito D’Rivera y arreglistas como Oscar Hernández, Edy Martinez y el propio Kastaris, son maravillosos. Todos los números son de gran calidad, todos los arreglos son de gran calidad, las interpretaciones maravillosas, los solos divinos. Lo felicito de todo corazón y creo que todos los fans y admiradores de este tipo de música latina, de salsa, de timba, de afro, de todo lo que hay en este álbum, quedarán maravillados y complacidos de poder escuchar música de un gran nivel internacional. Es justamente una obra maestra.”

Bobby Carcassés – renowned producer, Havana, Cuba.

“Greek trombonist/composer Demetrios Kastaris & The Latin Jazz Coalition’s 40th anniversary album, ‘El Griego Rumbero’, is a profound and expansive work that encapsulates the genius of his illustrious career. This album is not merely a collection of songs but a carefully curated journey of Latin Jazz and Salsa exploration and mastery.”

“‘El Griego Rumbero’ is a vibrant, mature, and deeply rooted album that reaffirms The Latin Jazz Coalition’s place in the lineage of New York Latin music. It’s a refinement and celebration of craft that is a testament to the enduring vitality of the traditions Kastaris champions.”

Nelson Rodríguez – on-air radio host of Alma del Barrio KXLU 88.9 FM and Jazzeando en el Valle – Saborboricua.com, Los Angeles, California.

“An awesome combination of musical craftsmanship has just arisen: The 40 member Latin Jazz Coalition, drawn magnificently together by legendary trombonist Demetrios Kastaris. ‘El Griego Rumbero’ is not only a tribute to his five triumphant decades, it serves to encapsulate the unique spirit of each musician! Bravo!”

Hector Resendez – on-air radio host, KXLU 88.9 FM Alma Del Barrio, Los Angeles, California.

“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.”

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

“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. It is not a simple mix of genres, but a spiritual bridge between worlds that, although geographically distant, meet in emotion and improvisation.”

Antonis Koutourou – Santorini Jazz Radio.

“The show was amazing! The orchestra was tight and swinging and your trombone playing was flawless. Thanks so much for inviting me!”

Ivo Tirado – timbalero, leader of the Bronx Charanga.

“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.

“¡Espectacular discográfica del Griego Rumbero. Lo recomiendo escuchar!”

Damian Leal Ferrer – freelance trombonist, Madrid, Spain.

English translation:

“Spectacular album by El Griego Rumbero, I highly recommend listening!”

“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, 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.

“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.”

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.”

“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.

“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.”

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.”

“Authenticity is key here. 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.

“‘El Griego Rumbero’ is back y con un tremendo sabor increíble e internacional! The music is beautiful, powerful, fresh and flavorful. Demetrios Kastaris’ latest musical and spiritual gift has something special for everyone.”

Pazcual Villaronga – New York percussionist, educator and poet.

“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 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. 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.

“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.”

Ricardo León Peña-Villa – El Diario, New York City.

“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.

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

Dave Valentin – Grammy Award-winning flautist.

“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.”

Eric Gonzalez – Oasis Salsero.