MIKE FREEMAN ZONAVIBE

CIRCLES IN A YELLOW ROOM

Vibes Out Front (VOF) Label

Mike Freeman, vibraphone/composer/marimba/triangle/tambourine/sleigh bells/ Flapper toys/owl whistle/kalimba/hand claps; Ruben Rodriguez, electric bass; Roberto Quintero, congas/bongos/guiro/maracas/shakers; Joel Mateo, drums; Jim Gailloreto, tenor saxophone/bass clarinet; Guido Gonzalez, trumpet/flugelhorn.

In 2019, a time when a worldwide pandemic was threatening lives across the globe and keeping people locked inside their homes, Mike Freeman felt a burst of creative energy. That challenging time inspired most of the songs on this outstanding album of Latin jazz.

Freeman’s compositions feature his vibraphone talents, out front and rhythmic, along with Roberto Quintero on congas and Joel Mateo on trap drums. Throughout this album, you will hear music infused with Afro-Cuban grooves and Freeman’s own brand of original mambo, salsa-inspired jazz, Latin fused blues and music that will make you want to get up and move.

Some of the music is slow, but always rhythmic. Take for example, Track #2 “Funky Chai Cha” with a great trumpet solo featuring Guido Gonzalez.  It meanders across my listening room, pushed by the vibraphone and the other percussion instruments.

On a tune called “El Cuarto Amarillo” the pace picks up. The spotlight is on Mike Freeman’s vibraphone, with horns accenting the melodic structure, and the rhythm instruments pushing the tune forward with exuberance.

Mike Freeman’s vibraphone music is a blend of Contemporary jazz, World Music, Latin Jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. His original compositions entice me to the dance floor. Mike Freeman’s melodies are beautiful and catchy.  You will want to sing along, maybe even grab your dancing shoes and take a spin around the room.  This is the perfect stocking stuffer.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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