Album Review: Urbanessence from Tito Carillo

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Album:  Urbanessence
Artist: Tito Carrillo
Label: Origin Records
Website:  www.titocarrillo.com

Urbanessence is the second solo album from trumpeter/composer Tito Carrillo, fusing elements of pop, blues, funk, soul, and Latin swing, all the cultural flavors Carrillo has been exposed to and performed.  Comprised of nine original scores composed by Tito and one original by Phillip Kocheril, the recording is a pleasing ride through multi-shaded landscapes and multi-shaped arrangements.

Accompanying Carrillo are Troy Roberts on tenor and soprano saxophones, Ben Lewis on piano, Clark Sommers on bass, Jay Sawyer on drums and cymbals, and Victor Gonzalez, Jr. on congas.  The slow burn of "Fire and Ice" showcases a dynamic drum solo that wilts away into the gentle musings of Carrillo's trumpet and Roberts' sax, entangling and moving in tandem.  Following along the slow burn theme is "Bliss Point," projecting a reflective mood tinseled in the willowy toots of Carrillo's trumpet and Roberts' sax.

Traveling into the hypnotic undulations of the title track, Carrillo and Roberts engage in vigorous flapping with Lewis's keys scampering in a lively tempo.  The track undergoes numerous expansions in its shading and harmonic shapes.  Clark Sommer's bass intro on "Crazy, Stupid Fine" is a cushiony quilting that leads into the slow, funky, bluesy surf metastasized by the cresting ripples of Carrillo's trumpet and the jangly, taut tapping of Lewis's keys while the euphoric billows of Carrillo's trumpet shape "Sublime" into a soothing lullaby.

Carrillo's exposure and performances in clubs, festivals and concert halls as both a sideman and leader have prepared him to make such a multi-palette and multi-shaped arrangements.  His instinct to entwine his verses and improvisations with his band mates creates a cohesive melding that is inviting for listeners.

Musicians:
Tito Carrillo - trumpet and flugelhorn
Troy Roberts - tenor and soprano saxophones
Ben Lewis - piano
Clark Sommers - bass
Jay Sawyer - drums and cymbals
Victor Gonzalez, Jr. - congas

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