Primavera

Producing your first recording as a leader is quite a challenge on several fronts, mostly since this will be what people remember about you for at least awhile. On this recording Mario Castro shows all sides of his talents... arranging and composing along with the actual playing; a gorgeous sound on the tenor and most of all, leadership and passion. The music is infectious with the band members contributing to a repertoire that touches on several different stylistic trends of modern jazz. But for me, most of all is that this is a real JAZZ recording, no tricks, no games, pure beauty, energy and honesty. For a premier performance it doesn't get much better. My compliments -Dave Liebman.