Matador

Turning Point | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 2, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Native Language Music
• ASIN: B0009X773Q
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,046 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

All Music Guide, August 2005

One of 2005's most essential instrumental recordings."

Voted "Critic's Pick" of 2005

"Their finest hour... a project that doesn't just push the boundaries. It kicks down some walls."

Product Description

The Native Language debut of Phoenix, AZ-based contemporary jazz group Turning Point, MATADOR blends instrumental rock and blues elements with edgy world beat textures to create a truly exciting and original cinematic experience. With over 61 minutes of playing time, MATADOR features mostly original compositions by this 5-piece group and two contemporary arrangements of Chick Corea's classic "Spain" and Latin Pop sensation Alejandro Sanz's "Quisiera Ser."

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invigorating!, January 25, 2006

By 

smoothjazzandmore (Ogdensburg, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Matador (Audio CD)

Turning Point is a talented quintet of smooth jazz artists who hail from Phoenix, Arizona. Music from their previous CD has been highlighted on our radio station play list for the last 6 months, via the Live365.com Music Library. To describe their style, they've patterned their music based on the group, Spyro Gyra. However, their style of music is original and satisfying. Their latest CD, "Matador" mixes it up with Latin, Flamenco & Native American rhythms. The group sounds uniquely invigorating. The track, "Quisiera Ser" is the highlight of this release. It's an invigorating track that will remind you of the southwest. It's a great piece of work that will become a classic.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smoothjazz.com Review, September 15, 2005

By 

Sandy Shore (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Matador (Audio CD)

From fusion-funk to flamenco, Arizona-based Turning Point has created its most dynamic album yet, and covers all the hues of contemporary jazz within the scope of MATADOR's eleven tracks, nine of which are originals. In the same way that Hiroshima has successfully melded their Asian heritage and contemporary jazz, so, too, has this outstanding band deftly combined elements of brothers Demitri (bass) and Thano (guitar) Sahnas' Greek heritage and the band's Southwest Latin jazz heritage with progressive jazz, rock, R&B, and blues. The result: an energetic, compelling collection of amazing performances. The rest of this popular band: Steve Culp on keys and John Herrera on drums/percussion, plus, featured sax man Domenic Amato. The first radio hit from MATADOR is a flamenco-funk cover of the Latin Grammy-winning "Quisiera Ser" from South American superstar Alejandro Sanz's songbook.  In addition, you need to check out the killer "salsa meets hummus" treatment of the classic, "Spain," which features Charlie Bisharat on violin. My favorites also include the festive "Despues de Manana" and the way hip retro-soul "Suburban Safari." Good stuff indeed, and if it sounds like this band has fun making their music, it's definitely by design. To quote John Herrera, "The reason we're successful is that we are committed to having fun, no matter what." MATADOR is not only fun, but also a quality project from a quality band. One listen and you'll be able to see why Turning Point is the hottest thing going in Arizona outside of the sun! ~Scott O'Brien

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't wait for the next one!, March 10, 2006

By 

Kevin Lannan (Davenport, Iowa USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Matador (Audio CD)

I heard a cut from this CD on satellite radio. WOW! So I bought this and found their previous two CD's and bought those, too. What a welcome change from the normal rehashed "processed cheese" that passes, lately, for C-Jazz. Inventive, upbeat, great mixture of different (well played) instruments and (here's the best part) each cut rides on a different mood and sound. Even the few slower tracks are tastefully done and fresh. Tired of a whole CD's worth of mind-numbing, synthesized repetition? Check this one out! (And, BONUS, you get a cool sampler CD as well.) Keep 'em coming, guys!