Carlos Cuevas

“Three Stars” "The latest from pianist Carlos Cuevas epitomizes what is admirable and what leaves something to be desired in modern mainstream trio performance. It is easy to ingest. Cuevas possesses gifts as a player and composer, which he marshals to concoct and execute complex music that nonetheless demands almost nothing of the listener. The first track, “Saltaperico”, begins with four quick bars in 6/8, followed by a figure in 5/8 played on solo piano that becomes the foundation for a deft recitation of the theme by bassist John Patitucci. The 6/8 episode later recurs just long enough to make itself heard for a moment and then clears out of the way for some blowing in 5/8. After that, it becomes pointless to keep track of what’s going on, because none of it distracts from the accessibility of Cuevas’ subsequent soloing and the fluid interactions of Patitucci and drummer Jimmy Branly. But it doesn’t enhance that accessibility. So it goes through these trio performances as well as the three-movement chamber orchestral piece. Everyone plays with sophistication and spirit. Listening to Uninhibited Realm is like examining a vase that’s been created by someone from a school of artisans known from their flawless craftsmanship. It has no blemishes, no nicks, no rough edges or asymmetries-nothing to betray the identity of the individual who made it, other than his or her affiliation to this particular school." -Robert Doerschuk, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE (August 2008)"A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. On his new disc, Uninhibited Realm, things get deep and dirty from the first track- “Saltaperico” is angular and energetic, showcasing the pianist’s insistent lines and bombastic two-handed, montuno-influenced fireworks. After thoroughly proving himself as a trio leader with the first six cuts of the album, Carlos jumps tracks with “Concerto for Jazz Trio and Chamber Orchestra in Eb Minor”, a three-movement work that’s just as lively and original as the material that precedes it; bringing to mind both Gershwin and Bernstein. Carlos perfectly meshes the orchestral textures with his unique trio sound, and I highly recommend you listen to the results. We said it before and we’ll say it again-Carlos is one to watch." -Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE (June 2008)“A fine jazz pianist and composer, Cuevas expands on his classical influences here. Bolstered by guest star bassist John Patitucci, a vibrant jazz trio set is followed by a three-movement concerto including sixteen-piece chamber orchestra. Drummer Jimmy Branly sports great taste and swing, and he’s key at making the whole large group breathe and gel. Sumptuous.”-Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE (September 2008)“Nos da mucho gusto presentar una nueva crítica de un disco de Carlos Cuevas, quien apareció por primera vez en nuestras páginas como ganador del concurso “Estrella Independiente” hace unos años atrás. Esta vez Carlos nos envió un CD en que se muestra su crecimiento como artista y músico, desde la composición de los temas, arreglos y su técnica, hasta el sonido general del CD. Acompañado por músicos legendarios como John Patitucci en el bajo y Jimmy Branly en la batería, Cuevas se muestra sólido como lider y músico.” -Rodrigo Sánchez, MÚSICO PRO MAGAZINE (May 2008)"Accomplished and inventive, pianist Carlos Cuevas combines classical technique with a robust sense of drive and melody on Depiction (Cuevitas Music 001; 58:20; Four Stars). In this program of 10 originals, Cuevas recalls Corea's flair for rhythmic complexity and storytelling, sharing the spotlight with bassist Dean Taba and drummer Jimmy Branly. All three play in tandem with arrangements that highlight unison lines and pulses. Cuevas' music gives as much attention to texture and feel as it does melody: If you can follow the chord progression and where "one" is, you'll get it. That goes for tricky numbers like the contrapuntally charged "Organum Duplum" or tuneful, heartfelt material like "The Choice Is Yours" and "An Epic For The Present"." -John Ephland, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE (September 2004)"Los Angeles pianist Carlos Cuevas brings both a serene classical feeling and a raw sense of rhythmic adventure to Depiction, a meaty album that draws inspiration from his diverse musical upbringing. "Mi Aguinaldo" starts the disc with a jagged bass riff and McCoy Tyneresque angular comping, before opening up with melodies that flow like a Chopin nocturne. Later on, tunes like "The Choice Is Yours" and "Legend" demonstrate Carlos' harmonic creativity, while the blues "12 Bars For La Ceiba", is twisted and quirky, funky but restrained. Whether breaking barlines or splicing together clever arrangements, Carlos' Depiction has a distinct voice and noteworthy depth." -Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE (JULY 2006)"Pianist Carlos Cuevas' DEPICTION heralds a noteworthy up-and-comer. The compelling keyboardist is rooted in straight-ahead, but his eclectic writing navigates breathtaking left turns. Drummer Jimmy Branly seamlessly unfolds the complex tunes, swinging hard, taking chances, and dancing "loosely" around the tight hits" -Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE (December 2004)"Junto a un trío muy compenetrado, Carlos Cuevas lanza al mercado Depiction. Este CD cuenta exclusivamente de composiciones originales de Cuevas, las cuales demuestran ser un buen vehículo para las exploraciones armónicas, rítmicas, y melódicas de su trio. Con la notable participación de Dean Taba en el bajo y Jimmy Branly en la batería, Carlos logra moverse fluidamente por el lenguaje del Jazz. La interacción entre los miembros de este trío es muy buena, y la combinación de Taba y Branly proveen un soporte ideal para impulsar los enérgicos e introspectivos solos de Cuevas." -Rodrigo Sánchez, MUSICO PRO MAGAZINE (February 2006)"Carlos, Let me 1st thank you for sending me a copy of your CD. You have made tremendous strides since the last time I heard you play. Both your playing and your compositional skills are most impressive. Your CD is also very pleasant to listen to. Some often show much artistry but somehow leave enjoyment for the listener somewhere by the wayside. Thanks again" -Hubert Laws, WORLD-RENOWNED FLUTE VIRTUOSOCarlos Cuevas has enjoyed a highly successful musical career. His experience as pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and vocalist has allowed him to work with some of the finest musicians in the business and to explore a wide range of musical situations both in the U.S. and around the world.Born in Cambridge, England, Carlos grew up in Venezuela and was constantly exposed to the musical talent of his late father, Ernesto. Carlos' musical training began at age fourteen. While still in Venezuela, he studied classical piano and theory, was introduced to the world of jazz, and performed extensively throughout the country.In 1993, Carlos won a music scholarship to Wallace College in Dothan, Alabama and moved to the United States to further expand his musical studies. In 1995, Carlos won his second music scholarship. This time to study at the world-renowned University of North Texas in Denton, Texas; where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies in 1998.Carlos' diverse musical background and versatility have been put to work with the likes of Hubert, Ronnie, Eloise, Debra, & Jaman Laws, Nestor Torres, Bette Midler, Engelbert Humperdinck, Gabriela Anders, Julian Fleisher, Lucho Gatica, José José, Alejandro Fernandez, Obie Bermudez, Alvaro Torres, the Estrada Brothers, Gloria Trevi, and the late Cuban Composer, René Tuzed to name a few. Carlos' arranging skills are also in high demand. He has composed and arranged music for a wide variety of styles and ensembles that range anywhere from small groups to big bands and orchestras.In 2004, Carlos released his debut album Depiction, featuring bassist Dean Taba and drummer Jimmy Branly. Depiction quickly became the object of rave reviews from prestigious sources such as Downbeat Magazine (Four Stars, September 2004); Keyboard Magazine (July, 2006); Modern Drummer Magazine (December, 2004); Músico Pro Magazine (February, 2006); Los Angeles Jazz Scene (March & April 2004); and CDBaby.com (pick of the month).In 2008, Carlos released his second CD entitled Uninhibited Realm. This CD features John Patitucci on acoustic & electric basses, Jimmy Branly on drums & percussion, and a concerto for jazz trio and a 16-piece chamber orchestra. Following the success of his previous work, Uninhibited Realm has also been praised by Downbeat (Three Stars, August 2008); Keyboard (August, 2008); Modern Drummer (September 2008; & Músico Pro (May 2008), thus gaining well deserved recognition in the U.S. and abroad while establishing himself as a respected bandleader. Carlos currently resides in New York City. For more info, visit www.carloscuevas.net.. CDBABY LINK for CARLOS CUEVAS: Depiction --