DONDE ESTAS? is the debut of the 12-piece group known as
Latin X-Posure who in recent years has impacted the Latin jazz scene throughout the Midwestern United States of America. As the first offering by the newly established Latin music subsidiary J Curve Sabroso, the CD features ten excellent songs that bring together the rhythms of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Peru in an exciting vocal and instrumental blend. The group's four major vocalists, Llilian Valdes, Maribel Andrade, Maria Alvarez and Laura Toscaris sing in English and Spanish and are backed by the excitement of pianist, musical director and producer
Patrick Kelly, trombonist Clarence Pawn, alto and baritone saxophonist Joe Gaudio, Gary Winters and Brian Schwab on trumpets, Michael Sharfe on bass and percussionists Miguel Maldonado, Victor Velez and Chris Velez. The compelling set opens with "Esta Noche Donde Estas" and is based on the classical melody by Frederic Chopin but now features the vocals of Llilian Valdes out front of a fiery salsa. Laura Toscaris sings the heartfelt bolero "I Thought I Heard You Call My Name" with a voice filled with emotional depth. "Mi Amor Es El" a song written by Maribel Andrade, is sung in Spanish. The CD features exciting horn charts, tight rhythmic playing, sensuous vocals and provides excellent entertainment for listening or dancing. ~ Paula Edelstein