JUAN PASTOR’S CHINCHANO

MEMORIEAS

Calligram Records

Juan Pastor, drums/cajón; Stu Mindeman, piano; Matt Ulery, bass; Dustin Laurenzi, tenor saxophone; Gian Luiggi Cortez Mejia, congas/cajón/bell/cajita; Jose Pepe Mantero, castanets.

Juan Pastor and his Chinchano group builds the opening tune with the tenor saxophone of Dustin Laurenzi joyfully dancing above the percussive drum beat of Juan Pastor and Gian Luiggi Cortez Mejia. This is a tune called “Celinda,” deeply rooted in Afro-Peruvian culture. The piano solo of Stu Mindeman is bright and joyful. This arrangement has a fast waltz feel, leaning into ¾ with improvised saxophone and piano solos.

The Chinchano group was founded in 2014 when Pastor decided to bring together Afro-Peruvian rhythms fused with jazz. From the very first gathering of musicians, pianist Stu Mindeman has been by Pastor’s side. Percussionist Gian Luiggi Cortez Mejia adds brilliant energy and rhythms to the production.  Each member delivers their own distinctive voice to the music.

Pastor describes it as “Learning from both cultures, with each member adding their distinctive voice to this exploration.”

He’s used various bassists over the years and several different horn players, but adding Matt Ulery’s bass and Dustin Laurenzi’s tenor sax to this project seems to have brought perfect balance to the group’s sound.

“Entre el Humo” is percussive driven. It makes me want to kick off my shoes and dance barefoot in my garden. The arrangement brings flavors of freedom. Their percussion energy is infectious.

The title tune is somber and slows the energy down to an Afro-ballad pace. Still, the drums are king.  The percussion pushes the tune ahead like a slow-moving, determined freight train. I found the arrangement on “Human Touch” to be intriguing. Matt Ulery is featured on bass, singing the melody in concert with Pastor’s drums. This tune has a taste of the Middle East mixed into it.

Another energy-driven tune is “Qué Frio.”  I enjoyed Ulery’s electric bass solo.  This is followed by a display of Pastor and his percussion players soaking up the spotlight on “Descarga Galáctica.”  Throughout this album, Pastor demonstrates his mastery, not only on the drums but also of the cajón, as well as being a creative and competent composer.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included