By MusicForecast
Sounds of Infinity:
Manolo - Manolo
A musical journey told through rhythm
The self-titled album Manolo - Manolo , released in 1979, is a unique musical work that fuses the charms of jazz, Latin and world music. The album was produced by the talented Puerto Rican percussionist Manolo Badrena , who has played with jazz masters and built a unique career that crosses many genres.
This album is a testament to his multifaceted musicality and creativity, and is a perfect fusion of the energy of Latin jazz, the depth of world music, and the freedom of jazz.
Who is Manolo Badrena?
Manolo Badrena (born March 17, 1952 in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a percussionist best known for his work with the fusion band Weather Report from 1976 to 1977. His diverse career has seen him take part in over 100 recordings, and he has demonstrated his talent in a wide range of genres, including jazz, pop, Latin, and world music.
He has performed with such music legends as Joni Mitchell , The Rolling Stones , Talking Heads , Blondie , Bill Evans , Art Blakey , and Ahmad Jamal . He is currently based in Fairview, New Jersey, and is known as the leader of the Latin jazz band Trio Mundo .
The uniqueness of "Manolo" as an album
This album is Badrena's work as a leader, and it is a culmination of his musical diversity and talent. His percussion-driven sound tells his own story through rhythmic explorations as well as rich melodies and harmonies.
Track Review
1. The One Thing (5:54)
This track opens the album with a calm intro and gradually builds up in energy. Manolo's rhythmic percussion and emotive vocals create a pleasant uplifting feeling. This is a track that sets the tone for the whole album.
2. Canales (Love Will Pave The Way) (3:31)
This short track combines Latin rhythms with a heartwarming melody. As the title suggests, it has a positive message about love paving the way. The simple yet memorable melody sticks in your head.
3. Got Some (News For You) (4:43)
This song has a strong funk influence and a strong sense of groove. Manolo's vocals give it a story-like feel, and the light rhythm section draws the listener in with its appealing composition.
4. Clube Da Esquina (The Corner) (4:08)
This song is strongly influenced by Brazilian music. The gentle tempo and delicate melody line paint a beautiful scene. This song pays homage to the Brazilian music movement of the same name and has a deep emotional impact.
5. Fly Away (Agueybana) (5:14)
This track is about a desire for freedom and a sense of liberation. The percussion and synthesizers blend beautifully together, creating a sonic expanse like a bird soaring through the sky.
6. Claro Que Si (Yes Of Course) (4:00)
A light-hearted and upbeat track, it's the more pop-oriented part of the album, and Manolo's versatile vocals take center stage, putting the listener in a bright and cheerful mood.
7. Yana (2:33)
This short but memorable instrumental is driven by percussion, with a simple yet precise rhythmic structure that highlights Manolo's mastery as a percussionist.
8. Amor Lejano (Distant Love) (6:57)
This beautiful ballad concludes the album. It is a lyrical song about love far away, with a mixture of sadness and hope. The piano and string arrangements create a deep emotional impact.
Musical characteristics and values
Manolo - Manolo is a musical adventure built around rhythm. Badrena's percussion playing is particularly impressive, combining the passion of Latin music, the freedom of jazz and the mystique of world music. Throughout the album, rhythms are in dialogue with melodies and harmonies, enveloping the listener in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Badrena's versatility is also evident as he goes beyond drums and percussion to also play guitar and vocals - each track tells its own story and embodies the universal power of music.
Rarity and collector's status
This album has long been a favorite among collectors. The reason is that only a limited number of original copies were pressed, and the musical perfection is high. The jacket design is also unique, and the beautiful artwork further enhances the mystique of the entire album.
Why you should listen
Manolo is a testament to the musical explorations of this unique artist: exploring rhythmic and sonic possibilities, the album demonstrates that music has the power to touch the listener's emotions across genres.
I wholeheartedly recommend this album to fans of Latin jazz, world music, and spiritual jazz, as well as to anyone looking for a new experience that goes beyond the boundaries of music.
