HECTOR CONTRERAS: Hector Contreras and his Latin Jazz Ensemble

Hector Contreras

Hector Contreras and his Latin Jazz Ensemble

© 2006 Hector Conteras (789875013352)

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All original Afro-Cuban/Jazz music with a strong Brazilian influence that will touch your spirit.

notes

Article by Jo Anne Disney - Independent Weekly
November 9 - 15, 2006
Hector Contreras has always had a love for music. At the age of 5 he began playing the piano and composing songs. His parents would ask him what he was playing and he would say, "My song."
Contreras is a native of Los Angeles, moving to Pasadena 5 years ago with his wife, Emilie. She is not only his biggest fan and supporter, but is in charge of their music production company, Emilies Garden.
Contreras admits that practicality overshadowed his dream for a time. He felt he needed to concentrate on his education, making sure he had a steady job with benefits. So Contreras obtained his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Cal State, Los Angeles and a Master Degree in Education from San Francisco University. He became a teacher with the Compton Unified School District. He worked there for 20 years and left to work with the County Juvenile Court System for almost another 10 years.
However, through the years his passion for music remained strong. He studied music composition at the University of Southern California and advanced studies with Dr. Albert Harris. And this year, Contreras' lifelong dream has become a reality! He has produced 2 CD's; one is AfroCuban/Jazz and the other is New Age Music. All of the songs are composed by Contreras. The Latin CD has 14 songs, including "Pasadena Cha-Cha" one of Contreras' favorites. The other New Age CD is amazing. In listening to the songs, any of them could easily be a theme song for a major motion picture.
However, music has always played a part in Contreras' life. In high School, his first band was a rock and roll band called "Lageriers." They were together for about 3 years. Then while he was a senior in high school, for 3 years he played with a Latin Jazz Quartet,also with Orquesta SIVA "Latin Jazz Funk." They must have been great since they were the opening act for the "Rolling Stones" in 1974.
During this time he continued to compose his music. His natural born talent coupled with his love of music, he has written over 200 musical themes. In talking with Contreras about his amazing talent, he say, "I am just a conduit. All creativity comes from a divine source. I feel that my music touches the spirit since it comes from the heart." Contreras' songs are being heard on the radios world-wide.
For more information about Hector Contreras or to purchase his CD's visit: www.emiliesgarden.com or call (626) 590-3411.

reviews

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  • Awesome!
    author: aleisha curtis

    I really love this music. It's definitely worth buying.

  • author: michael hughes

    cant believe this cd was in the $5section! beautiful, swinging latin jazz thru out, not just 1 or 2 tracks i was trying to pick a standout but i cant. its 1 of those rare albums you can listen all the way thru without your mind drifting off + it just seems to get better + better. no1 takes too much solo spotlite its all very well balanced, very powerful hornful section. fantastic sounds!

  • Fantastic CD!!
    author: Pietro by Radio-Vinilemania

    Review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for WWW.VINILEMANIA.NET From the very first track “Firehouse” to the final track “Samba For You” some 14 tracks later, Hector Contreras & His Latin Jazz Ensemble burn through some progressive Latin inspired jazz. The CD features wonderful playing by all the musicians on the recording, the flugelhorn playing of Arturo Solar is especially delightful, on the track “Tu Y Yo” a slower paced ballad with Solar playing with intensity, developing a wonderful tone and producing flowing lyrical lines that compliment the song beautifully. The CD features two excellent percussionists. Drums and timbales, by Raul Pineda and congas, bongos and other assorted percussive accoutrements by Walter Valencia, these two musicians work well together to bring the soul of the music to the forefront. Hector Contreras, the leader of The Latin Jazz Ensemble is a fine pianist, he is featured on a few of the tracks, his playing is strong, conveying lots of passion for the music, a melodic player, sustaining his notes to create a melancholy feel, as in the song “Serenity” very touching, the song is nicely composed by Mr. Contreras as well. Contreras is the composer and arranger of all the songs on this self-titled CD. The credits list additional horn arrangements by Brendon McMullin, who also manages the trombone duties with solid playing. The song “Friends” is a highlight track, an up tempo tune with solos by just about everyone, the rhythm section is propelled through this song by the driving bass playing of Rigoberto Lopez who steps out to lay down some nice lines in support of the Salsa flavoured song. With outstanding solos by Arturo Solar on trumpet, Brandon McMullin on trombone, Frank Fontaine on tenor saxophone with short growling fills, Serafin Aguilar, lead trumpeter and Danilo Lozano playing flute. Always a good tactic by a producer, another hat that Mr. Contreras wears well, leave the listener wanting more, the last song “Samba For You” does just that. The song starts out melodic and quickly changes to a fast-paced tempo, the horn section provides a multi-layered sound that is quite compelling. The percussionist and drummer add another layer of sound that drives the song like a rhythm machine and makes the listener want to get up and move along. There is a very nice soprano saxophone solo by Frank Fontaine a nice audio treat that caps off a Samba of perfection.

  • FANTASTIC CD!!!
    author: Pietro Carbognani by Radiovinilemania

    Una gran bella sorpresa!! Personalmente non conoscevo Hector Contreras e quando mi è arrivato in radio questo CD ne sono stato subito piacevolmente colpito. 14 tracce di un Latin Jazz dolce e raffinato dove il piano di Hector è accompagnato dal suono dei migliori musicisti presenti sulla piazza californiana. Senza togliere niente agli altri... su tutti il maestro Danilo Lozano al flauto... SPETTACOLARE!!! Detto questo è fin troppo chiaro che il giudizio di Radiovinilemania è VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. BEST CD FOR 2006 - LATIN JAZZ CATEGORY Pietro Carbognani by Radiovinilemania (web-radio in Italy)

  • Awesome Music
    author: Erik Chico Manqueros

    Hector is blessed is a soulful and elegant style and this is beautiful Latin jazz. Wonderful compositions and excellent interplay between the musicians. This CD is destined to become a classic. A must have for any aficionado .... I can't wait to spin it on my show and share it with lovers of Latin Jazz from all over the world. It gets a 5 conga rating from me. Enjoy! Erik Chico Manqueros Host & Producer Gozando with Chico The Latin Style of Jazz www.chicojazzonline.com www.EastLArevue.com

  • Breathtaking
    author: Nita Adams

    From the piano to the trumpet, the smooth transitions, Oh Wow it is Fantastic! I can listen to this everyday. I would love to sing along with your band anytime.

  • SENTIMIENTO,VOLCAN DE IDEAS,MUSIC LAND,PERCUSSION
    author: WALTER VALENCIA

    HABER GRABADO LA PERCUSSION EN TU CD, HA SIDO UNA EXPERIENCIA ENRIQUECEDORA,EL RESULTADO DE MUCHOS SUENOS, SENTIMIENTOS Y ARMONIAS REFLEJADOS EN ESTA PRODUCCION. RECORDING THE PERCUSSION IN YOUR CD, HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE,THE RESULTS OF MANY DREAMS, FEELINGS, AND HARMORNIES REFLECTED IN YOUR PRODUCTION. IN SUM, IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE TO ASSIT YOU, LOOKING FOWARD TO HEAR NEWS FROM YOU. THANKS. WALTER VALENCIA

  • I'm Loving It
    author: no logo (danny)

    I Absolute Love This And Could Listen To It Any Time Day Or Night. A Fantastic Beat And Trumpet Compilation It's Like Cream Melting On Strawberries On A Hot Summers Day

  • A must have CD for Jazz fans
    author: Praveen

    This is an excellent compilation of equally good musical tracks. This is latin jazz music with sabor! All I can say is listen, experience and enjoy the great music!

  • Hector and the guys are truly amazing! WOW! Dancing my feet off!
    author: Robyn Skalberg--"BurnLounge"

    This CD is fantastic! In fact, I'm going to buy it! When listening to it on this site, my sinifigant other and I just had to start dancing! WOW! What more can I say? Such talent...truly amazing!

  • True jazz lovers need to hear modern latin jazz like this!
    author: Ira M. Land

    The musicianship and creativity of this slickly arranged and produced CD refreshes me on the freeways of L.A. or in the comfort of my home. True jazz lovers need to hear modern latin jazz like this! And we need more.

  • Latin Jazz with Attitude
    author: Peter Gracie - United Kingdom

    If this is the standard of latin jazz in general then the genre is in excellent health. As a group and as soloists the musicians certainly do the business,underpinned by the leader's tasteful keyboard work. If you're into latin jazz then this is a must - Viva Hector and the guys.

  • Incredibly wonderful!
    author: Rosemary Lea

    The Latin Jazz is invigorating! We see ourselves dancing the Samba!

  • What great fresh and original music! It's a welcomed treat!
    author: Jeff

    Some of my favorites are Tu y Yo, Serenity and Samba for You!

  • The ultimate in Latin jazz!!!!!
    author: Daniel Funaki

    The Cd is great. Romantic, soulful full of latin spirit!!

  • sophisticated and evocative!
    author: Rachel Mollering

    Loved the CD. The Latin feel, the beautiful solos, the tempos, the percussion, the piano, the range in moods from light to moody, the fullness of the sound. I can't wait for their next CD.

  • This music makes me want to dance!!
    author: Martha Goodale

    This latin jazz CD wants me to dance!! It's beat, rythym and style is for all ages. I'm 70 years old and my cadult children and grandchildren all loved it.

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