Press
“Alegría and company are reigniting Latin jazz for present and future connoisseurs.”
“To be loved by progressives and block-party dancers alike.”
“Dynamic ensemble explores the affinities between modern jazz and the Afro-Latin continuum in Peru.”
“A well conceived and perfectly executed celebration of culture through music.”
“Rhythm-saturated, orchestrally-enticing performances that are the definition of sonic joy.”
“The visceral excitement is as palpable as the listener’s own racing heartbeat.”
“Melodies infused with kaleidoscopic and percolating rhythms.”
“Over a bed of insistent percussion, Leguía and Alegría are haunting in Ornette Coleman’s Lonely Woman.”
“A stroke of genius is evident…”
HOT HOUSE Magazine, people’s choice Band of the Year award
“The Sextet knows its mission well, and has the execution down to a science.”
“A Band whose time has come to shine like no other.”
“It’s that rare thing: a real jazz record that swings in an honestly original way.”
“The sextet should satisfy the most discriminating Latin jazz lover.”
“A fascinating project!”
“The group’s stunning new CD, Ciudad de los Reyes, represents a culmination of their efforts to establish Afro-Peruvian jazz as a genre unto itself.”
NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD’S 2015 Latin Jazz Album of the Year award
“The Afro-Peruvian Sextet is writing a new chapter in the history of Latin Jazz.”
“A highly sympatico blend of North American improv and South American beats.”
“Deeply funky 12/8 rhythm!”
“The group sounds ecstatic. Feeling and knowledge comes through.”
“The sextet gels at every turn, crackling with interactive energy.”
“Exotica to the max and righteous throughout.”
“Gabriel Alegría teases out affinities between modern jazz and the African-influenced coastal music of his native Peru.”
“A fascinating glimpse into how jazz is fusing with regional music around the world.”
“An immersion in the black music of Peru’s coastal regions.”
“Trumpeter Gabriel Alegria stands poised to introduce Afro-Peruvian Jazz to the world.”
“Peruvian trumpeter Gabriel Alegría champions Afro-Peruvian music. The hip asymmetrical bass line of Alegría’s El Norte is goaded by wonderful hand percussion and stickmanship on cajita from Hugo Alcázar and Freddy “Huevito” Lobatón.”
