Album Review: Hermanos from Cortez-Williams Project

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Album:  Hermanos
Artist:  Cortez-Williams Project
Label: Blue Bamboo Music
Website: https://bluebamboomusic.net/cortez-williams-project
https://www.orlandoatplay.com/event/cortez-williams-project-4

The Latin flavors and nocturnal ambiences of guitarist Chris Cortez and percussionist/trumpet player Larry Williams are honed into a verdant field of feel good expressions throughout the duo's release Hermanos from the Blue Bamboo Music label.  From the sprightly gait of the title track, spruced in the frilly keys of pianist Bob Thornton, to the trundling stride of "Melody Makes It Happen," buttered in the bourbon tones of Dan Jordan's tenor saxophone, the recording serves listeners with a bounty of pleasing aesthetics.

Williams's star-gazing twinkles scrolled on the trumpet give "Glorious!" a refined luster as Cortez's sensitive musings on the guitar burnish an introspective atmosphere.  The bossa nova sway of Williams's trumpet emblazes "Un Pedazo De Tu Sonrisa" in blissful swells, shifting to a soft flamenco cadence in "Ask Me No Questions" as cascades of shimmering effects shower the track in glistening flecks.

The feathery flutters of Williams's flute infuse "Silhouette" with a dreamy ether, transitioning into the samba rhythm of "Topaz" as the breezy strokes of Williams's sax garnish euphoric tremors along the melodic progressions.  The duo soften to a creamy froth along "Polka Dot Handkerchief" as Williams's tenor sax caresses the melody with alluring squiggles.  The jaunty toots of Williams's sax trotting along "Territorial Imperative" imbue the melody with a swinging pulse, coursing into the nocturnal ambience of "Building On A Dream," closing with a surge of contemplative reflections.

The musical partnership and friendship of guitarist Chris Cortez and trumpeter Larry Williams dates back to the 1980's.  Through the decades, the duo have crafted compositions that their home base of Orlando, Florida employ to function as the backdrop for the city's version of a loft scene.  Perhaps a contemporary version of the 1930's cafe society clique.  Relaxing, uplifting and comforting, the Cortez-Wiliams Project deliver a bountiful of pleasing aesthetics for listeners.

Musicians:
Guitar:  Chris Cortez
Trumpet and Percussion:  Larry Williams
Tenor Saxophone and Flute:  Dan Jordan
Piano:  Bob Thornton
Drums:  Walt Hubbard, Jeremy Katalenic, and Jeff Sipe
Bass:  Marco Bojorquez and Doug Mathews

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