About hologramª...
This music draws its inspiration from the holographic principle in nature,
the universe and existence itself...that is, just as the vastness of the macrocosm is a reflection of the wonders of the microcosm,
so our own lives relate to the same unity that underlies it all, organically, energetically, physically and spiritually.....thus making it all ONE.
Featuring the talents of accomplished musicians
L. Raul Romero on guitar, Ricardo Pons on saxophones
Aldemar Valentin on bass (Ricky Rodriguez plays acoustic bass in the album) and Efrain Martinez on drums; recorded in a transparent and conducively creative atmosphere by producer enrique gonzalez-diaz,
This quartet has performed together for over 5 years and individually
performed and recorded with a veritable who's-who roster of
jazz and latin jazz stars including Slide Hampton, Giovanni Hidalgo,
Mario Bauza, Steve Khan, Eddie Gomez, Danilo Perez, Tito Puente,
Chick Corea, Ron Carter.....the list goes on.
Fusing elements of acoustic and electric jazz, classical influences, sound design and afro-caribbean rhythms, hologramª portrays the mystery and wonder of Creation and the development of our universe as a living entity. It intends to be a series of albums exploring a facet of our human experience each and to study, in musical terms, the age-old questions about the origins and destiny of our existence.
'hologramª' Reviewby Adam Harrington, Whisperin and Hollerin (UK)- Genre: 'Indie' - Release Date: '2007'Our Rating: 9 out of 10 stars
"While I'm not one to recommend taking any notorious substances for the purpose of musical transcendence, I don't think inhaling a thing or two while listening to hologramª(http://www.hologra-ma.com) can be considered an immoral act. This is perhaps one of the few jazz acts around that can, well, get you high.Although traces of Spyro Gyra and Chick Corea can be heard in the group's tightly wound and highly dynamic grooves, there's another sensibility at work here, namely the psychedelic overtones of Pink Floyd and the space jazz of Sun Ra. "Expansion," certainly, has that drugged-out vibe with its opening extraterrestrial atmospherics, then reaching down to Earth with Ricardo Pons' comfy sax. On "Solarwinds," the group really elevates into the stratosphere, jamming with superpowered energy. It's exhilarating. Imagine Pink Floyd going free jazz on your ass, and that's what "Solarwinds" is like.The warm "9to1" is absolutely lovely, far sweeter than its cryptic title suggests. The bass lines pulsate like a heartbeat. The track truly lifts your spirits. "Endless Light" is probably the most hook-oriented cut here with its snappy, catchy beats. Every musician in this quartet is given a chance to shine although not at the song's expense. For example, L. Raul Romero's crystalline guitars on "Momentum" add to, and not distract from, the composition's sense of majesty."
hologramª Magically mixes Pink Floyd space rock with Latin Jazz
by Vivian Fields @ Midnight Jazz.Wordpress.com (US)
As you can probably tell by their enigmatic name, hologramª are not your typical jazz-fusion group. In fact, hologramª are as creatively linked to the space rock of Pink Floyd and Yes as they are with their jazz roots. Maybe psychedelic jazz could be used to label this otherwordly foursome. “Expansion†and “Solarwinds†define the group’s sci-fi bent. “Expansion,†with its intergalactic intro, and “Solarwinds,†powered by gusts that morph into spine-tingling jazz rhythms, are truly extraordinary. The group uses jazz’s lack of stylistic borders to stretch their creativity and raise their consciousness. In doing so, we’re taken on a fantastic journey with them.
While â€Solarwinds†crackles with the unbridled energy of falling stars, the band shifts into low gear with “Temple,†evoking a rainy-day environment. A band of truly gifted musicians, hologramª seems to have no artistic limitations, allowing their imaginations to run loose like wild animals. Still, there is craftsmanship here. “Rebirth†is smoothed over by warm sax and “Momentum†is fueled by radiant guitar work.
