Airplay - Venue Reviews - Album Reviews

Airplay

Stations that have played our CD:

• Latin Jazz Expressions 90FM - Stevens Point, WI - Nick Marrero
• 90.9 Fm WBEZ - College of DuPage, IL
• 91.9 FM Latin Aura  - Atlanta, GA - Thomas Algarin
• Latin Jazz Rhythms with Rae Arroyo 90.7 FM - Durham, NC
• The Upper Room with Joe Kelley  88.5 FM - Fairfiled, CT
• Saúl Zavarce - Presenter & Producer of "Fiesta Jazz", 106.7 PBS FM Melbourne - Australia
  http://www.pbsfm.org.au, http://fiestajazz.com
• WTCC 90.7 FM - Southwick, MA.
  

Listen to Conjúnto featured on Chicago Public Radio: 2/28/05 Broadcast.

We made the top 25 for Latin Aura's playlistin July and August 2005. This is a very serious radio show dedicated to latin jazz. It airs Thursdays from 3:00 to 6:00pm weekly on WCLK Radio in Atlanta.

Venue Reviews (view links for entire review)

Review from The Chicago Tribune

The Velvet Lounge review by Howard Riech

Can classic Afro-Cuban music embrace fiercely experimental jazz?

Whenever Sanders and Conjunto appear there, various South Side experimenters sit in – the guest roster has included singer Dee Alexander, flutist Nicole Mitchell, reedist Mwata Bowden and bassist Harrison Bankhead...

Reviews from www.jazzchicago.net/reviews

Hyde Park Chicago Jazz Fest Live concert review by Jean Timmons
"Dee Alexander was accompanied by harpist (Rashida Black), violinist (James Sanders), drummer (Ernie Adams), and celloist (Tomeka Reid). They performed music that seem written just for them...At the Quadrangle, Alexander pulled off a musical metamorphosis, with music way over on the other side of the musical spectrum. Her work with violinist Sanders was first rate;..."

Jazz City Chicago Latin Jazz Fest live review and photos by Brad Walseth
“Conjunto” followed and featured violinist James Sanders in the spotlight. Backed by a wonderful rhythm section of Jean Leroy on drums, Joe Rendon on percussion, Jose Porcayo on bass and Donald Neale on piano, Sanders delighted the crowd with his gypsy flamboyance. Contributing much to the success of this set was Steve Eisen on sax and flute, who, like a fine wine, just keeps getting better and better.

Eisen also appeared with the third act of the night – the incendiary “Havana.” For those who haven't seen or heard this group yet, I highly recommend them. Led by bassist Richie Pillot, this highly energetic and entertaining combo had the crowd smiling and dancing along to the addictive rhythms. Eisen again shone, as did stellar trombonist Craig Sunken. Trumpeter Victor Garcia proved again he is an upcoming star, and Joe Farau kept things moving on the timbales. And as always it is a treat to watch the multi-talented Rob Block accompany himself on the keyboards while ripping off some excellent guitar licks."

Summer Song by Jean Timmons and Mary Lou Wade
"James Sanders on violin) and brass (with James Perkins on saxophone). The evening was a nostalgic one, a trip back in time with perspective on the present. "

Nicole Mitchell Black Earth Orchestra Tribute to Alice Coltrane Millenium Park...
Renee Baker and James Sanders added depth to the overall sound, along with some choice soloing as well, while harpist Maia was a delight ..."

Jacaranda

"For good cheap beer, great latin jazz, and a real local crowd visit Jacaranda Bar in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. This no frills establishment has turned into a diamond in the rough serving Dos XX on tap, and bangin' out some fun danceable jazzy tunes. Ruel Trevion, bar owner and conga player has created a down home neighborhood feel. So leave your credit cards at home and bring a big wad of cash cause at Jacaranda, they don't take American Express and they don't serve apple martinis. This Friday check out the guest line-up of Little Village's own Conjúnto" - La Villita Cantina Crawl Review, May 17, 2006 - Associated Underground Press

Album Review

Chicago Sessions

"Chicago Sessions is a brand new Latin jazz CD by violinist James Sanders & Conjúnto that puts the Windy City on the map for fine Latin jazz. You'll definitely enjoy the opening track, Freedom Jazz Dance, as well as Estudio, Invitation and McCoy Tyner's Contemplation." - Nelson RodrÃúguez COPYRIGHT 2005 Latin Beat Magazine, COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

"I received your CD in the mail, thanks.   The CD is awesome, I am particularly fond of Conjúnto'
interpretation of Eddie Harris' Freedom Dance, the original Estudio is exceptionally good, as well as Angel d' Cuba groovin on Rico Vacilon.  As I said before everything is awesome. I plan to play some of this Cd on my radio show at WHPK 88.5FM." - Jazz in Flight with the Ladybird of Jazz, Phoenix

" I received your CD and aired two tracks back to back on my KVMR radio show and have also aired it on my other radio show. I take my hat off to you guy's for such a great project." -   lang=0>El Leon @ KVMR 89.5 FM  

"I love your "Chicago Sessions" CD so much I'm going to feature it on the FRONT PAGE of CD Baby for a few days. We're REALLY picky about what goes on the front page.  We get about 75 new albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 30,000 total), and yours is one of the best I've ever heard. Love ya!" - Derek Sivers president, CD Baby & Hostbaby

"With a similar flair and bite like Tito Puente, James Sanders & Conjúnto fire up their audiences with zesty Latin jazz mixing in the zing of salsa and upbeat dance rhythms, complemented by slower, bossa-like elegance. With a surprising combination and palette of instrumental colors from gypsy jazz guitar to penetrating violin answered by sassy saxophone and trumpet, 'Chicago Sessions' is an ideal pick for the Latin connoisseur." - CD Baby

"I have receieved your CDs"Live in Little Village" and "Chicago Sessions." Thank you so much. There are several tracks that I enjoyed and will play in my show. - Raquel Obregon, Producer WTCC 90.7 FM Southwick, MA.

Live in Little Village

"Until now,my bag has been listening to 'old cuban' music, guarachas, mambos, boleros with an occasional foray into jazz. Los muchachos del 'Conjúnto' have cut a real boss disco.They have included all the traditional beats and instrumental combos (I suspect many of them had classical training). But their melding of jazz riffs with 'classical' cuban rhythms and modern chords makes this a worthwhile sound. It has made me appreciate what jazz can be like. I will probably wear the CD out within a year and will need to buy another." Jose Garcia (Live in Little Village)