Multiple Grammy winner and Nominee Michel Camilo returns to the solo piano format for the first time since his 2005 album SOLO.
Unique interpretations of classic songs (Chan Chan, Take Five, Love For Sale) mix well with his own compositions.
Michel Camilo is one of the best selling Latin jazz musicians, who is constantly touring all over the world.
Camilo, who studied at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, also has strong credentials in the classical field performing as guest soloist with major symphony orchestras worldwide.
Since his recording debut of ‘Why not?’ in 1988 he has released 14 jazz recordings under his own name, two classical albums and two discs with Spanish Flamenco star Tomatito, of which one won a Latin Jazz Grammy.
His piano trio album Live at the Blue Note won him a Grammy for best Latin Jazz Album and he received another Latin Grammy for Best Classical Album for his version of Rhapsody in Blue.
His new solo piano recording ‘What’s Up?’ shows a composer and performer of maturity and imagination and will delight audiences worldwide.
“I had lots of fun making this album but it also has been quite an endeavor to take, since one of the biggest challenges for any jazz pianist is to be able to contribute to the vast and rich tradition of Solo Piano styles. This goal usually requires many long hours of practice and preparation, isolation and introspection in order to nurture your own originality, while at the same time it is important to enjoy this process of self-discovery as you become one with your instrument. At some point, the creative forces start flowing, freedom sets in, technical independence is gradually achieved and your fantasies become reality.
This recording expresses my desire to explore the contrasts of color, harmonic texture, rhythm and nuances in jazz piano playing. Here is my love for the many musical influences I have been exposed to over the years. All of these are reflected not only in the Latin tinged songs, but also in my big fun approach to honky tonk blues, the sultry jazz ballad stride, the moods and shades of film music, as well as my take on the perpetual polyrhythmic intricacies of Take Five – as a personal nod of admiration and awe to the legacy of legendary master Dave Brubeck.
Join me on this musical journey as we share a chapter from my open book of possibilities and my deep respect for the jazz tradition.” Michel Camilo
