Urbanessence
Origin, 2022
8/10
A trumpeter, composer and educator, Tito Carrillo uses both Afro-Caribbean ideas and modern jazz in his rich formula, and this eclectic sophomore solo listen takes inspiration from his years in Chicago, and embraces the diversity of The Windy City.
“Momentum” starts the listen with Ben Lewis’ agile keys and Jay Sawyer’s skilled drumming complementing Carrillo’s very expressive brass, and “Fire & Ice” follows with the mature piano and Victor Gonzalez Jr.’s congas adding much grace to the intimate landscape.
The best track resides in the middle, where the exceptional bass from Clark Sommers on “Crazy, Stupid Fine” is met with proficient drumming and meticulous horn prowess, while “Up The Down Staircase” finds itself in calm territory thanks to the twinkling keys and poetic trumpet playing.
Landing near the end, the emotive “Justice & Mercy (For Bryan Stevenson)” blends the reflective trumpet with meticulous bass plucking and superb drumming, and the aptly titled “Sublime” exits the listen with much beauty present amid the dreamy finish.
An excellent 2nd record from the veteran player, you’ll hear influences from salsa, blues, gospel, funk, soul and Latin music, and Carrillo’s eclectic vision is as timeless as it is creative.
Travels well with: Scenes- Variable Clouds: Live At The Earshot Jazz Festival; Hal Galper- Ivory Forest Redux