| JazzTrenzz
Review |
| Wed, Jul. 13 2005 |
| Freelance
columnist and broadcaster, Karl Stober gave a rave review of Noel's debut album. Calling it "one of the rare stunning pieces of
Latin jazz to hit the scene today" Read full article |
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CHRISTMAS JAZZ
On the Smooth & Wayward Path
(listen to sampler)
This is really the break-out piece that truly illustrates the Wayward style of Smooth Jazz. I know that's weird to say of an instrumental Christmas album but knowing these time honored pieces you can really hear the refreshing interpretations of these Christmas carols and songs. Right from the start with "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", Noel Lorica energizes his music with complimentary melodies and beats to make you fall in love with this Christmas classic. Wayward Jazz uses the mastery of the acoustic guitar to add resonance and soul to Christmas that has lost some in recent renditions. From the solo pieces "The
Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to full jazz ensembles of "SilverBells" and "We Three Kings", each song is unique. Put away your conceptions or classifications, Latin-Asian-Standard-Contemporary-Modern Jazz and listen to the music, you'll realize it's all and none of each.
If your a purist, turn away, Wayward jazz is not for you.Even the classical melody of "Angels We Have Heard on High" gets transformed with new dimension. We're not talking bells and whistles (well maybe bells in some songs). We're talking joy, vision and skill. Although, Noel Lorica is a guitarist, his music is not afraid to explore the qualities of other instruments and cultures as well. In "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" the saxophone adds the highlights. And in the celebrated Philippine Christmas melody of " Christmas is Here" (Kasadya Nigh Takna-a" later popularized to "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit"), he brings the flavor of diversity yet the symmetry of music throughout the world. Lastly, Noel Lorica reprises his original song "Scent of Cinnamon" (debuted on his first album), which was as the name suggests, written as a Christmas song. We hope you come take a little holiday
diversion with Noel Lorica and enjoy the new musical flavors on this CD.
Noel Lorica and his family wish everyone a Happy Holiday filled with joy and peace.
Song List
Listen to Songs
1) God Rets Ye Merry Gentlemen
2) Santa Claus is Coming to Town
3) Christmas is Here (Philippines)
(Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit)
(or Kasadya Ning Takna-a)
4) The Christmas Song
(Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
5) We Three Kings
6) Scent of Cinnamon
7) Angels We Have Heard on High
(Gloria- In Excelsis Deo)
8) Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
9) SilverBells
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Download
"Christmas Jazz Now !"
Buy by the song
or
by the album at
BROADJAM,
Download "First Dance" single or album at
MP3Tunes,
MSN Music,
Bitmunk,
or Sony Connect
Buy "First Dance" Album at
Amazon.com
CDBABY.com
TowerRecords.com
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Album "First Dance"
This collection of 11 instrumental works are truly songs without words. The guitar adds a voice filled with texture and emotion.
Beginning with his award winning song “ Back in Five”, which introduces us to Noel Lorica’s vibrant,
harmonious compositions and superb musicianship. As the album continues, it picks up tempo with body swaying precision in
“Samba in A.” Then it takes on the familiar “My Favorite Things” with a most astonishing acoustic
jazz interpretation. The journey further transports you to the cool Brazilian shores with the sultry melody of “El
Viento”. Only to be brought back to pure innocence with the solo guitar of title song “First Dance”.
At this point, most albums lose passion but “First Dance” only begins to further captivate with skill and soul.
Each song in this album has unique character and is worthy of its own accolade. Some diversifying with piano melodies and
guitar highlights as in “Forgiveness” & “ Scent of Cinnamon”. Or “Sarong Bangi”
which brings in the swing that standard lovers applaud. While Latin jazz fans will clamor for the strong percussions of
“Midnight Dreams” & “Last Dance” Wayward style. Finally ending with the smooth flowing beat of
“Warm Winds”. You’ll sure to enjoy this little Wayward excursion.
Buy it Now
Sound Samples of Complete Debut Album at CDBaby.com
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All Rights Reserved
No duplication
without written permission
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