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Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the golden jubilee of a seminal creation, "Claude Bolling Goes Latin: Suite for Flute & Latin Music Ensemble" presents vibrant homage and a creative arragements of Claude Bolling's "Suite for Flute and Jazz Trio."
This project honors the enduring legacy of Bolling’s fusion of classical music and jazz, ingeniously integrating Ibero-American folk rhythms from Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. This unique blend propels the original compositions into a rich, multicultural auditory journey.
Composed in its original version for the legendary flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal,"Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano" not only showcased the brilliant interplay between classical flute and jazz piano but also enjoyed an unprecedented tenure on the Billboard classical album charts, remaining there for 530 consecutive weeks starting in 1975. It is a testament to its groundbreaking impact and widespread acclaim.
The original suite is also celebrated for being one 27th in the 100 the top-selling classical records of all time under the CBS Columbia Masterworks label, highlighting its broad appeal and significant cultural footprint. In addition, this work was recognized with three Grammy nominations.
THE ALBUM
Dr. Carlomagno Araya and Dr. José Valentino are delighted to announce their collaboration on a landmark album celebrating the 50th anniversary of Claude Bolling's "Suite for Flute and Jazz Trio." This album honors Bolling's innovative blend of classical and jazz by enriching the original pieces with vibrant Ibero-American folk rhythms from Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
The presented work is more than just a collection of arrangements; it is a statement of musical innovation and cultural integration, continuing Claude Bolling's legacy of bridging worlds through music. It invites listeners to explore a sonorous landscape where classic meets the richness of Latin American music, East meets West, and tradition dances with innovation.
Dr. Carlomagno Araya, serving as the album's producer, arranger, and drummer-percussionist, reimagines the work with a dynamic fusion of Ibero-American rhythms and melodies, continuing the legacy of innovation established by Bolling and Rampal.
Dr. José Valentino, the album's flute soloist, co-artist, and recording engineer, captures the expressive spirit of the suite's original performer, Jean-Pierre Rampal. Valentino’s reinterpretations infuse the compositions with the rich textures of Latin American music, breathing new life into the classics.
The album features an exceptional ensemble, including Jorge Glem on the Venezuelan cuatro, Ernesto Laya on maracas, Eduardo Montero on piano, Jamie Ousley on upright bass, and Ramses Araya on percussion. Each musician contributes their unique sound, enhancing the album's diversity. The production is elevated to the highest standard by Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® Winning engineer Eduardo Martinez, who mixed the album, and Eduardo "Gualo" Jaramillo, a two-time EMMY® Award Winner and 2024 Golden Globe Award Nominee, who mastered it.
"CLAUDE BOLLING GOES LATIN" FULL ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS
CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC IMPACT
This album and its arrangements transcend their role as a mere collection of songs. As all suites, which are complete works as a whole, this new version embodies a profound cultural and academic artifact. It exemplifies how the fusion of classical motifs with Latin rhythms not only enriches the music itself but also acts as a bridge connecting diverse cultural landscapes. Such integration encourages a broader appreciation and understanding of Latin American music among non-Latin audiences, thereby fostering a more inclusive global musical dialogue.
Academically, this project serves as a pivotal resource for scholars and educators. It presents a case study in the preservation and transformation of musical heritage in a globalized context, providing tangible examples of how traditional and contemporary elements can coalesce to form a new, vibrant genre. This album can be utilized in musicology courses to exemplify the practical applications of theoretical concepts such as transnationalism, hybridity, and cultural exchange in music.
Press "The Flute View"
New Album Feature: José Valentino’s Claude Bolling Goes Latin
July 1st
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Press
New Album Feature: José Valentino’s Claude Bolling Goes Latin
Interview: Carlomagno Araya about the album "Claude Bolling Goes Latin: Suite for Flute and Latin Music Ensemble"
25TH ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS®
NOMINEES
Best Instrumental Album
El músico costarricense Carlomagno Araya fue nominado al Latin Grammy 2024 en la categoría de Mejor Álbum Instrumental por su reciente producción Claude Bolling Goes Latin: Suite for Flute and Latin Music Ensemble.
"We invite you to explore this innovative and culturally enriched musical journey. May this album not only entertain but also inspire and evoke the pioneering essence of Claude Bolling’s timeless works. Experience a celebration of tradition and innovation expressed through the universal language of music".