Bman's Blues Report

Rafael Greco —the legendary Venezuelan saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and long-time creative engine behind Guaco —is finally stepping completely out of the big-band shadow to do exactly what he wants. On his new album, Verses Under My Shadow , he skips the predictable jazz tropes to build something way cooler: a hypnotic, avant-garde sandbox where Central African polyrhythms , vocal loops , and literary vibes collide, backed by heavy hitters like Dave Weckl and Jimmy Haslip . It’s an ambitious, deeply personal masterclass in groove and texture, and it sets the perfect stage for the sonic trip we're about to dive into.   🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM   Add this Record to Your Collection Available in Digital Formats. 🛒 Buy Album on Amazon Store As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases. The Deep Dive Verses Under My Shadow is a solid entry into modern fusion that shows what happens when Rafael Greco is left to m...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dice Que Vive (Signs of Life) from Rafael Greco , and it's quite interesting. Opening with Erase Una Vez , saxophonist, composer, singer and keyboard/percussionist, Raphael Greco breaks out with the first track of his debut release. With electrifying rhythms and keyboard structure under a vocal melody, this track is really hot. Joined by Luisito Quintero on congas, timbales, bongos, and percussion, Robert Quintero on Cumaco, Rodner Padilla on bass and Santiago Bosch keys, this track is super. I really like the contrast of the jagged rhythms with the straightforward melody on African Boy . Greco on keys partners with L Quintero timbales, congos and bongos, Robert Quintero on Shekere and bongos, Padilla on bass, the extraordinary Steve Khan on acoustic and electric guitar, Humberto Casanova on drums and Guillermo Carrasco on backing vocals. Really strong. Una Illusion is a synthesis of modern concepts and primitive soun...