luis' journal

WITH THE GREAT STEVE JORDAN/NAMM 2012!

2012-01-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

ETTA JAMES DIES

2012-01-20T09:02:00.001-08:00

The great singer Etta james died. I had the opportunity to hang and perform with her for awhile in the late 70's. She was a powerful, soulful performer! RIP!

SANTA BARBARA JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT 1/15/12!

2012-01-16T16:50:00.003-08:00

Performing, away from the drums, new music from the upcoming "
LUZ" CD during our concert for the Santa barbara Jazz Society on 1/15/12.

THE SANTA BARBARA JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENTS: LUIS MUNOZ QUINTET LIVE!

2012-01-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

THE SANTA BARBARA JAZZ SOCIETY PRESENTS: LUIS MUNOZ QUINTET LIVE! At SOhO Restaurant and Music Venue
1221 State St. Suite 205, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. We will be poerforming music from his next CD "LUZ", with George Friedenthal on piano, Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Tom Etchart on bass and Narciso Sotomayor on guitar! For more info: http://www.sbjazz.org/

PEACE ON EARTH! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

NEXT GIG:1/15 12 AT 1:00 PM SANTA BARBARA JAZZ SOCIETY CONCERT!

2011-12-25T09:45:00.000-08:00

"Our first performance of the new year". On Sunday, January 15, 2012, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, we will be performing at Soho Music Club (1221 State Street, in Santa Barbara), as part of the monthly Santa Barbara Jazz Society gathering. Everyone welcome! We will be playing some music from our upcoming "LUZ" CD. With Tom Etchart on bass, George Friedenthal on piano, Jonathan Dane on trumpet, Narciso Sotomayor on guitar and yours truly on drums, flute and melodica. Hope to see you!!

"A GREAT TIME AT THE PIANO KITCHEN LAST NIGHT"

2011-11-14T15:55:00.000-08:00

ARTICLE IN COSTA RICAN NEWSPAPER "LA REPUBLICA"

2011-11-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.larepublica.net/app/cms/www/index.php?pk_articulo=52486">
Mi amigo Tomás Nassar, a quien no veo desde que nos graduamos juntos del colegio Calasanz, escribió esta columna, publicada hoy en el periódico costarricense "La República". ¡Gracias Tomás !
My old friend Tomás Nassar, whom I haven't seen since we graduated from High School wrote this article which was published this morning in the Costa Rican newspaper "La República". Thanks Tomás!

NEXT CONCERT: Saturday, November 12 at 8:00 PM

2011-10-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

NEXT CONCERT: Saturday, November 12 at 8:00 PM, along with the Gove County String Quartet, at the Piano Kitchen, 430 Rose Ave in Santa Barbara.

Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet at The Yellow House Concerts, Santa Barbara, CA. on July 30, 2011.

2011-10-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

RADIO INTERVIEW ON "THE COLOR OF JAZZ" THIS SUNDAY!!

2011-10-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I will be doing a live radio interview,along with my Bro. Narciso Sotomayor, on "The Color of Jazz" program, with hostess Donna Whittington. We'll be chatting for two hours about my music, our band, the upcoming "Luz" CD, Jazz and music in general. I will keep you posted. For more info, visit :
http://www.LiveStream.com/TheColorOfJazz">

MY MUSIC STORE ON FACEBOOK!!

2011-10-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Luis-Munoz/130735190961?sk=app_155326481208883">

SECOND RECORDING SESSION FOR MY NEW CD "LUZ".

2011-09-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

My new CD "LUZ" will be recorded at Playback, Beagle and Pelin Music Studios. 10 new compositions! I have been able to gather an amazing group of musicians for this project, among them, my fellow band members George Friedenthal on piano, Narciso Sotomayor on guitar, Tom Etchart on bass, Brad Dutz on percussion and Jonathan Dane on trumpet, (thanks guys), plus Adam Asarnow on keys, Bill Flores on Pedal Steel Guitar, singers Perla Batalla and Teka Penteriche, and a dozen more artists. I will keep you all posted on our progress...

LIVE AT REDS!

2011-08-12T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today, Saturday, September 24th, from 6 to 8:00 PM, live at REDS with Dan Zimmerman on guitar and Brandon Statom on bass. Hope you can make it!!!!

REDS
211 Helena Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2319
(805) 966-5906

Luis Muñoz Quintet live at The Yellow House/7/30/11

2011-07-31T14:03:00.000-07:00

Great time last night!!!!!!!

First recording session for "LUZ"/7/29/11

2011-07-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

First recording session for my upcoming "LUZ" CD, today with NYC pianist and old friend Adam Asarnow.

NEXT PERFORMANCE/SATURDAY JULY 30!

2011-06-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

NEXT CONCERT: THE YELLOW HOUSE CONCERTS: Saturday July 30th, at 7:00 PM. Ridah Omri's (owner of the wonderful Jazz Hall) concert series, this time, in a beautiful. intimate venue in the Santa Barbara hills. (The address will be giving to you once you purchase tickets). We'll be presenting music from our award winning CD "Invisible" (Jazz Composer of the Year), plus songs from our upcoming "Luz" CD. Hope to see you.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS, GO TO: http://www.yellowhouseconcerts.com/Calendar_&_Tickets/Entries/2011/7/30_An_Evening_with_Luis_Munoz.html/

RADIO INTERVIEW ON "COOL JAZZ CONVERSATIONS"!

2011-06-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

This coming Monday, June 6, at 7:00 PM Eastern time, I will be a guest on "Cool Jazz Conversations" with Trish Hennessey and Joyce Hall, on Blog Talk Radio, .
www.blogtalkradio.com/CoolJazzConversations
Hope you can join us!!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/CoolJazzConversations">

ACAM AWARD/PREMIO ACAM

2011-06-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

I got the award: Jazz Composer/Author of the Year 2011 in Costa Rica by ACAM (Association of Musical Authors and Composers), for my work on my 2010 "INVISIBLE" CD.
Me gané el premio ACAM (Asociación de Compositores y Autores Musicales)Compositor/Autor de Jazz del Año 2011, por mi trabajo realizado en el CD "Invisible".

NOMINATION FOR JAZZ COMPOSER OF THE YEAR 2011!

2011-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce my nomination for Jazz Composer/Author of the Year 2011 by ACAM (Association of Musical Authors and Composers), for my work on my 2010 "INVISIBLE" CD.

Anuncio la nominación recibida esta mañana, de parte de ACAM (Asociación de Compositores y Autores Musicales), como Compositor/Autor de Jazz del Año 2011, por mi trabajo realizado en el CD "Invisible". La ceremonia de entrega de premios se llevará a cabo en el Teatro Melico Salazar, en San Jose, CR, el 30 de Mayo.

http://www.nacion.com/2011-05-05/Entretenimiento/NotaPrincipal/Entretenimiento2767631.aspx/

NEW "INVISIBLE" REVIEW: GERMAN PUBLICATION "JAZZDIMENSIONS"

2011-03-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

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/

"TANGO Y SANGRE DE LA MEDIA NOCHE" VIDEO

2011-03-18T21:58:00.001-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150136162178755&comments

LOIS' PHOTOS/ IN CONCERT

2011-03-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

A nice gallery of photos of Luis Munoz Jazz Sextet live at Soho last night, by the wonderful photographer and dear friend Lois!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lotipix/LuisSohoGig#/

SANTA BARBARA INDEPENDENT/TONIGHT, LIVE AT SOHO

2011-03-10T11:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.independent.com/news/2011/mar/10/luis-munoz/

POLENTA WITH MUSHROOMS

2011-03-05T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last night's dinner: Three kinds of mushrooms with shallots, garlic, lemon thyme, white wine, rosemary and parsley, over creamy polenta with lots and lots of Parmigiano-Reggiano!!!

PHOTOS FROM TEDx 2011 in Costa Rica

2011-03-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/59961100@N07/5478863784/in/photostream/

NEXT PERFORMANCE: MARCH 10 AT 7:00 PM IN SANTA BARBARA, CA.

2011-02-23T08:31:00.000-08:00

Próxima Presentación/Next Performence: Soho Club (1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA. (805) 962-7776), on Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 PM

LUIS MUNOZ JAZZ SEXTET TOMORROW LIVE AT "MY FLORIST" IN VENTURA, CA!

2011-02-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performance: TOMORROW 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. Concert is FREE!!! Hope to see you!

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW IN "LA NACION" NEWSPAPER

2011-02-13T11:43:00.001-08:00

You can watch a video interview done on 2/10/11 for La Nacion newspaper in San Jose, Costa Rica, just before my participation in the TEDx conference. Just click on the left hand side black box, just bellow the image, where it says "Luis Pelín, Conferencista Tedex"

http://www.nacion.com/2011-02-10/AldeaGlobal/FotoVideoDestacado/AldeaGlobal2676622.aspx

NEXT CONCERT: TEDXPURAVIDA IN SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA-2/10/11

2011-01-20T21:47:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in a TEDxPuraVida conference in San Jose, Costa Rica, on february 10. The performance will be broadcasted live on the internet. There will be 12 speakers (among them, Laura Chinchilla, president of Costa Rica) and 4 artists, for a full day of "Ideas worth spreading". I will be playing with George Friedenthal (piano), Checko D'Avila (Soprano sax), Ivan Rodríguez (violin), Narciso Sotomayor (guitar) and Marco Ortiz (bass). I will be playing alto flute on this occasion. For more info, and to watch our performance live, go to: http://www.tedxpuravida.org/

"INVISIBLE" in "Top 10 Jazz CDs of the Year" list!

2011-01-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS: MY "INVISIBLE" CD MADE IT INTO JAZZ.NET'S LIST OF THE TOP 10 JAZZ CDs of 2010. Thanks so much Brad!!

http://www.jazzchicago.net/reviews/2011/Bestof2010.html

2011-01-14T08:18:00.001-08:00

Dinner tonight...What a feast!

2011-01-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Local, grilled halibut (with sea salt, Syrian olive oil and grilled Meyer lemons), with kale with shallots and anchovy paste, grilled cauliflower with capers, sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano, over brown rice…Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmy!!!

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

2010-12-29T20:17:00.001-08:00

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!!!

LUIS MUNOZ "INVISIBLE" CD 2010

2010-12-20T17:30:00.000-08:00

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

PERFORMANCE/ "TED" CONFERENCE IN FEBRUARY IN COSTA RICA

2010-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-10-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

ARTCLE ABOUT "INVISIBLE" IN "EL MEXICANO"

2010-09-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

An article about my latest CD "INVISIBLE" was published today in the Spanish language "El Mexicano". newspaper. To read more:

http://morenews2.newspress.com/elmexicano/issue33/pageflip.html

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

2010-09-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

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

WORLD STREAMS RADIO INTERVIEW 4/2008

2010-09-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

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

INTERVIEW IN "LA REPUBLICA" TODAY!

2010-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

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/

INTERVIEW IN "LA NACION" TODAY

2010-09-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

INTERVIEW PUBLISHED TODAY IN "LA NACION", COSTA RICA'S MAIN NEWSPAPER!
To view, click on title!, or:
http://www.nacion.com/2010-09-06/Entretenimiento/NotasSecundarias/Entretenimiento2510717.aspx/

ON MY WAY TO COSTA RICA

2010-08-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

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!

Herbie Hancock,Wayne Shorter,Dave Holland,Brian Blade QUARTET

2010-08-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

2010-08-11T18:39:00.001-07:00

Lentils with garlic and red wine, chard with anchovies and capers, toast with melted parmigiano-reggiano and steam-basted eggs! Delicious!!!!!!!

SANTA BARBARA FIESTA/SUMMER 2010

2010-08-11T18:37:00.001-07:00

Children's Parade. Photos by Holly Ann

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

2010-07-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

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

SAN FRANCISCO!!!!

2010-07-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

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...

SIMPLE, DELICIOUS FOOD, PART 2!

2010-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

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

"CD "INVISIBLE' FEATURED IN SUMMER ISSUE OF "SEASONS" MAGAZINE

2010-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

My Latest recording "INVISIBLE" is featured in this summer's issue of "Seasons" magazine...
http://www.sbseasons.com/

LUIS MUNOZ JAZZ SEXTET/NEXT PERFORMANCE THIS FRIDAY JUNE 11

2010-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:00

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!!!

LATEST "INVISIBLE" CD REVIEW, BY DON HECKMAN

2010-05-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

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/

SIMPLE, DELICIOUS FOOD!

2010-05-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-05-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

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!!!

NEW "INVISIBLE" REVIEW: LATINJAZZNET.COM

2010-05-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

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/

IMAGES FROM OUR CD RELEASE CONCERT IN SANTA BARBARA,CA. GREAT NIGHT!

2010-04-30T22:34:00.001-07:00

All photos by Lois Haymes. For more images go to:http://picasaweb.google.com/Lotipixpub/LuisMunozCDReleaseAtSoho#

"INVISIBLE REVIEW # 6 :SANTA BARBARA INDEDENDENT

2010-04-27T07:23:00.000-07:00

"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/

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

2010-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

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

RADIO INTERVIEW ON KCSB 91.9 FM SANTA BARBARA

2010-04-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

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/

PURA VIDA BAND WITH JIM MESSINA, FLORA PURIM AND OTHERS

2010-04-18T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

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...

"INVISIBLE REVIEW # 5/ALLABOUTJAZZ.COM

2010-04-14T06:59:00.000-07:00

"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/

UPCOMING GIGS!

2010-04-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-03-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

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!

LIVE AT "MY FLORIST" IN VENTURA, CA. 3/19/10

2010-03-24T09:38:00.001-07:00

(All photos by Rob Hoffman Music & Soundscape Entertainment
(805) 968-9642) Thanks Rob!!!!!!!!!!!

LIVE AT "MY FLORIST" IN VENTURA, CA. 3/19/10

2010-03-24T09:36:00.001-07:00

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

2010-03-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

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!!!

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

2010-03-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2010-03-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

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)

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

2010-03-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-06T07:40:00.000-08:00

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

VENTURA COUNTY STAR INTERVIEW

2010-03-05T15:42:00.001-08:00

Just prior to tonight's performance! Just click on post title (Ventura...), in order to go to article and read more...

NEXT PERFORMANCE:TONIGHT 3/5/10 at 7:00 PM, FREE CONCERT

2010-03-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performance: Tonight, Friday, March 5, 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!!!

GALLO PINTO!!

2010-03-04T07:23:00.001-08:00

Gallo Pinto, "the" typical, ultimate Costa Rican dish, prepared it and had it last night with avocado slices and roasted hot chiles, eaten in CR for breakfast lunch or dinner...still addicted to it!!!! Yummy!!!!

NEXT PERFORMANCE: 3/5/10 AT "MY FLORIST" CAFE IN VENTURA, CA.

2010-02-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

Luis Muñoz Jazz Sextet next performance: This coming Friday, March 5, 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!!!

CONCERT AT "MY FLORIST"

2010-02-25T18:10:00.000-08:00

A few more imageS from the CD release concert at "My Florist" in Ventura CA, last Friday, a beautiful venue. We'll be there again on Friday March 5 and March 19, from 7 to 10:00PM. Concerts are free. For more info: (805) 653-0003

"INVISIBLE" ON Jazzreview.com/ A+

2010-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

Invisible is an excellent example of contemporary jazz interlaced with Brazilian, Latin, and World Music influences. It is a breath of fresh air with its innovative approaches in style and arrangments. To read more:

FULL HOUSE AT "MY FLORIST" LAST NIGHT, THANKS EVERYONE!!!

2010-02-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

FREE JAZZ CONCERT TOMORROW FRIDAY IN VENTURA, CA!

2010-02-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
Just a quick note to remind you that tomorrow, Friday, February 19 I will be having the first of several free concerts, in celebration of the release of my new CD. This one will take place in Ventura, CA at "My Florist" Cafe and Bar, a wonderful( 76 South Oak Street, Ventura, CA 93001-2702. (805) 653-0003), from 7 to 10:00 PM. The concert is "FREE" to the public. I will be performing material from the new release, "Invisible", with a sextet 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, you can visit my official web site (luismunoz.net). We will also be there on 3/5 and 3/19, and at Soho in Santa Barbara, CA on 4/29, at 7:00 PM. Remember, the concerts are free, so, first come, first serve. Hope to see you all. Best! Luis.
Luis J Muñoz Inc. / Pelin Music
PO Box 30943
Santa Barbara, CA 93130
Ph: (805) 451-6196
/Fax: (805) 569-1257
E-mail: contact@luismunoz.net
www.luismunoz.net
http://luisjournal.blogspot.com/
www.cityhallrecords.com

"INVISIBLE" AVAILABLE NOW AT LUISMUNOZ.NET

2010-02-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Although my new CD won't be officially released nationwide until March 16, it is already available exclusively at "Luismunoz.net".
Also, don't forget our upcoming shows:
2/19/10, 3/5/10 and 3/19/10, from 7 to 10:00 PM, all free!, at "My Florist", ( 76 South Oak Street, Ventura, CA 93001-2702. (805) 653-0003),
4/29/10 at Soho: 1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA.(805) 962-7776, at 8:00 PM. Hope to see you! Luis.

RADIO INTERVIEW/KCLU/INVISIBLE CD ON NPR!

2010-02-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

I will be on my friend's radio program "Jazz Latino", on Thursday, February 11, at 11:00 PM, on KCLU 88.3 FM in Ventura county, CA, 102.3 FM in Santa Barbara county,CA. We will be playing some tracks from my new CD "INVISIBLE" and talking about it. KCLU is an NPR station. PLease join us!!!!!

TWO MORE DATES AT "MY FLORIST' ADDED

2010-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

We are very happy to announce two more concert dates at "My Florist" Cafe and Bar in Ventura, the greatest Jazz Club/Restaurant in the California Central Coast. In addition to our CD release party on Friday February 19, we will also be performing on Friday, March 5 and Friday March 19, both from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Please come and join us at this wonderful venue. As always, concerts are FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FREE/CD RELEASE CONCERT IN VENTURA, CA, ON 2/19/10

2010-01-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 19 I will be having the first of several CD release concerts. This one will take place in Ventura, CA at "My Florist" Cafe and Bar, a very cool venue with a wonderful menu, a big stage and a beautiful grand piano ( 76 South Oak Street
Ventura, CA 93001-2702. (805) 653-0003), from 7 to 10:00 PM. The concert is "FREE" to the public. I will be performing material from the new release, "Invisible", with a sextet 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, you can visit my official web site(luismunoz.net). We will also be at Soho in Santa Barbara, CA on 4/29 at 7:00 PM. Remember, the concert is free, so, first come, first serve. Hope to see you all. Best! Luis.

NAMM 2010

2010-01-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

With old friends from Costa Rica: Narciso Sotomayor, Brett Harter and William Salas, plus Wyse LA Kid. Last time I saw Willy and Brett was in 1975.

"Invisible" Art work

2010-01-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

This image, which will be in the cover of my new CD, was created from a photograph taken by the wonderful young Costa Rican photographer Agustín Vicente Fallas who is doing great stuff with his camera and imagination!

FIRST CONCERT OF THE YEAR/SOhO/SANTA BARBARA

2010-01-11T11:06:00.000-08:00

Today at Soho at 1:00 PM!

2010-01-10T09:37:00.001-08:00

All set up and ready to go for today's performance at SOho in Santa Barbara, at 1:00 PM!

EASY RIDER!!! :)

2010-01-10T09:36:00.001-08:00

Saturday afternoon, on my way to the beach on my new "Harley"!

Aberikula en la Habana 1995

2010-01-06T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Santa Barbara Jazz Society presents, live in concert, Luis Muñoz sextet

2010-01-05T18:57:00.001-08:00

The Santa Barbara Jazz Society presents, Sunday, January 10, 2010, at 1:00 PM, live in concert, Costa Rican Composer/Percusionist Luis Muñoz sextet, with:
Brad Dutz: Marimba/Percussion
Jonathan Dane: Trumpet
Tom Etchart: Bass
George Friedenthal: Keyboards
Narciso Sotomayor: Guitar

Soho: 1221 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
For more info: www.sbjazz.org
(805) 570-1053
Luis will be performing music from his upcoming CD "Invisible", to be released in February of 2010.

LUCKY DAY IN PARADISE!

2010-01-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

I am riding my new scooter that I won in a raffle the day before Christmas. I am by the beach in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA on a perfect January "Summer" day (70 degrees). First time I ever win anything, and I am going to make sure I enjoy it!!!!

"INVISIBLE" CD. Release date: February 13th, 2010

2009-12-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS PAELLA IN TUCSON 12/24/09

2009-12-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

Last night's dinner

2009-12-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Fresh Polenta with Parmessano Reggiano and spicy tomato basil sauce, and sauteed kale with toasted pine nuts, plus a bottle of good red italian wine...Good stuff :)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2010, LIVE AT SOHO!

2009-12-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

The Santa Barbara Jazz Society presents, live, in concert, Luis Muñoz sextet, on Sunday January 10, at 1:00 PM, at Soho Music Club: 1221 State Street, Suite #205 Santa Barbara, CA 93101! For Dinner Reservations or Additional Information Call
Phone: 805-962-7776 FAX: 805-899-0047

Ernie and Bert go BRUTAL :)

2009-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

I laughed my butt off when I saw this one!!!!

LAST RECORDING SESSION!!!

2009-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

I am finally done with the recording of "Invisible" Last Monday was the last recording session. My buddy Jonathan Dane (I can't believe it bro, 12 years have gone by since you joined the band) Did a wonderful job with his trumpet, and I did the last "coloring" tracks with a few percussion toys. Now, mixing, mastering and that is it!!!!!!!

Last Friday session, 10/30/09

2009-11-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

With master Costa Rican percussionist Ramses Araya, doing some Bata tracks on "Sobrevivenvia", last Friday night, at Tantrum Studios, in Montecito, CA. ¡Linda mae, gracias! L.

Minestrone de Alice Waters (Chez Panisse)

2009-10-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Resultado final para esta noche. Alice Waters es considerada la "mama" de la cocina Californiana moderna, y esta receta es increible. Con un poquito de aceite de oliva, queso Parmesano Reggiano y un buen vino y vámonos, la cena perfecta para una noche de "Otoño" en Cali!!!!