Costa Rican musician crosses rhythmic & cultural lines in new U.S. album

Hispanic Times Magazine, May-June, 1997

A rare talent that has been wowing music fans in Latin America for many years -- is making a dramatic recording debut in the U.S. with his eclectic Fahrenheit Records album "The Fruit of Eden."

Costa Rican-born veteran composer/percussionist/drummer Luis Munoz draws upon his rich Latin music heritage, a former classical music education, and an intense interest in American Jazz -- to create this album, which is a colorful pastiche where melody easily crosses all rhythmic and cultural lines.

"Music has always been in my blood, and it's natural for me to draw on all three sources of inspiration at once," says Munoz, whose banal Pelin is an international festival favorite. "I come from a huge family where most every member is an amateur musician, so the Latin and Brazilian rhythms were always there. Then I studied music composition in the classical traditions at UC Santa Barbara, and later developed a love for jazz. In presenting my music to this country for the first time, I had to ask myself, 'Who am I now? Where is my head, spirit, and soul? And what type of music will best reflect where I am coming from?"'

About the collection's title, The Fruit of Eden, it perfectly reflects the positive, celebratory and very creative way in which Munoz lives his life. "I consider myself a blessed person," he told Hispanic Times, "with my family and myself dividing time between the paradise-like beaches of Costa Rica and the magnificence of Santa Barbara." He further expressed that his music "comes from a sense of inner peace, joy and pleasure, and above all, self-satisfaction. To me, my music is about the fruits of such an idyllic existence." And Munoz also considers himself a fairly spiritual person, claiming those pretty melodies and fun production textures come from somewhere deep in his soul.

Top talent in Latin music and contemporary jazz help Munoz realize bis album, including bassist Randy Tico, saxmen Gary Meek and Toro Buckner, percussionists Kevin Winard and Brad Dutz and keyboardist Adam Asarnow.

Much of Munoz' creative energies these past fifteen years have been directed towards composing, performing and directing the musical ensemble Pelin. The group has played numerous international festivals, and it's first album, "Costa Rica - Costa Rica" was commissioned by that country's government in 1980. Munoz has also been call composer for everything from commercial jingles (McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken in South America), educational, sports, and industrial videos, animation films, and dance and theatre productions.

He composed regularly for the National Ballet of Costa Rica, and has even created sports documentaries.

This multi-talented musical genius says of his original compositions, "I immerse myself into my own world, where I explore all my feelings and try to translate them into songs. I love to mix flavors from the Andes to Brazil, along with my passion for jazz."

"The Fruit of Eden" album offers a rare musical glimpse into the solo artistry ideals of Luis Munoz. It is an exotic trip which no one will soon forget!