Michael James Turre Compositions

Latin Beat Magazine, Sept, 2003 by Jesse Varela

(Illusory Publishing)

Saxophonist/composer/arranger Michael James Turré shines on Compositions, a hot Los Angeles Latino bebop recording bearing the stamp of Hollywood Palladium mambo and Central Avenue shuffle. The legacy of the jazz saxophone in L.A. includes powerhouses such as Dexter Gordon, Teddy Edwards, Harold Land and countless others. After listening to this intriguing collection, the listener will agree that Turré needs to be added to that list. The brother of trombonist Steve Turré and drummer Peter Turré, Michael is top-notch musician who plays everything from soprano through baritone, as well as flute and piccolo. A bandstand warrior Iong associated with Bobby Matos' Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble, Turré paid his dues in the blues bands of Barbara Morrison, Bullmoose Jackson and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. On this disc he steps out as

a leader and showcases some amazing compositions. From the intimate And So She Sang--a beautiful ballad with just flute and piano--to the Odd Guacamole--a homage to the Mexican Mariachi that quotes classics like La Negra and Jarabe Tapatío--he surprises you with ensemble frameworks and passages a la Oliver Nelson that utilize sophisticated harmonies and interplay. Afro-Cuban beats abound, as shown in Melange, a tune featuring special guests Marvin "Smitty" Smith (traps), Ralph Monte (tenor sax) and a treacherous trombone section, plus Munyungo and Michito Sánchez on percussion. On Tour is a straight-ahead jazz tune with a mambo section that catches fire as Smith and Sánchez trade incendiary/licks. From start to finish, Latin jazz fans will delight in the musical gifts of Michael James Turré.