by Ken Laster
As a pillar of the west coast jazz scene, San Diego’s Gilbert Castellanos has appeared on dozens of recordings. He often shares the stage with Charles McPherson, Willie Jones III, Gerald Clayton and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. As an educator, Gilbert is the founder of the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, teaching the legacy of jazz to middle and high school students. The long anticipated release of Espérame en el Cielo is Gilbert’s first album as a leader in a decade. For our Hartford Jazz Society readers, there are even some connections to the Hartford jazz scene.
The album consists of eight covers that reflect Gilbert’s musical influences of hard bop players like Hubbard, Blakey and Morgan as well as traditional Mexican ballads he grew up with in his youth. To kick-off the album, Gilbert selected a composition by University of Hartford professor Rene McLean. Bilal As Sudan starts with a rousing intro from drummer Tyler Kreutel, as the horns lead in to a driving rhythmic theme. Pianist Joshua White provides a forceful left handed counterpoint and darting right hand support to the fiery trumpet of Castellanos and alto sax of Christopher Hollyday. Next up, Home is Africa, cools down the temperature with a slow groove introduced by bassist John Murray laying down a solid rhythm and bluesy feel. The title track Espérame en el Cielo, and La Puerta are heartfelt ballads which reflect Gilberts Mexican heritage and played with soulful emotion. New Delhi (Victor Feldman) and Big P (Jimmy Heath) show off this quintet’s ability to swing hard and offer breathtaking solos. Lee Morgan’s Totem Pole contains some complex changes that Gilbert’s quintet execute flawlessly.
Gilbert’s gets great support from the rest of the quintet. Christopher Hollyday plays alto with the intensity of JMac and the fluidity of Cannonball. Longtime Hartford jazz fans may remember Hollyday from back in the 80’s playing around NYC and New England including gigs at the iconic 880 club. Tyler Kreutel is the go-to drummer in San Diego. I am impressed by his skill at listening to the players around him and elevating the entire ensemble. Pianist Joshua White also arranged all the music on this album. He leads the rhythm section while comping uniquely innovative solos. The debut performance on a major album by 18yo bassist John Murray is a product of the aforementioned Young Lions Jazz Conservatory and currently is attending Julliard. He is bound to be a force on the jazz scene in years to come.
To those that appreciate jazz rooted in the traditions of the Hard-Bop era and are interested in what is happening on the west coast scene, check out Gilbert Castellanos’ Espérame en el Cielo. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
