Review: Luis Munoz Sextet  

by Natalie Wilson

The Jazz Society kicked off the 2010 season in January with a fabulous concert featuring Luis Munoz and his sextet. Playing his original compositions based on Costa Rican style folk music, Luis and company had the audience mesmerized for the entire three hour duration. Complicated rhythms along with lyrical melodies fusing with jazz were the musical fare of the day. Percussionist, Luis, showed his versatility doubling on flute and was supported by terrific musicians: George Friedenthal – keyboard, Brad Dutz - marimba and percussion, Tom Etchart – acoustic and electric bass, Jonathan Dane – trumpet and flugelhorn, and Narcisco Sotomayor – acoustic and electric guitar. They were a highly professional, well disciplined group which gave all the richness and excitement the compositions deserved.

Munoz received the acclaim of the music media world wide in 2004 for his CD, Vida. Among many accolades, DownBeat magazine awarded it four stars and it was pronounced “Best Latin CD of the Year” by Jazzreview.com. Munoz studied both architecture and music at the University of Costa Rica and completed his degree in music at UCSB. We are indeed fortunate to have on our doorstep.

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