A Weekend of Music, Creativity, and Collaboration: SGLJO’s Concert and Recording Session
The weekend of September 13th was a whirlwind of creativity and celebration for the Socrates Garcia Latin Jazz Orchestra (SGLJO), as we wrapped up a thrilling chapter of music-making. Our journey started with an unforgettable concert and culminated in two intensive days of recording for our upcoming album, blending fresh compositions, stellar performances, and a deep connection with our artistic community and audience.
A Concert to Remember: Our concert at Campus Commons Performance Hall (CCPH) at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) marked the closing of the Through Lines series. We owe a huge thanks to Dean Cristina Goletti, whose support was instrumental in making this event possible. We also had an incredible production team behind the scenes: Mark Allwein, Brandon Ingold, and the dedicated team at CCPH who ensured everything ran smoothly.
The evening opened with "Vantage Point" from our previous album, Back Home, setting the stage for a night filled with dynamic energy and intricate musical storytelling. The concert then shifted to all-new material, beginning with the three-part suite, Illusions, Delusions…A Glimmer of Hope, offering a journey through emotional contrasts, driven by the complex rhythms and lush harmonies of the pieces.
A highlight of the night was "AG's Resting Face…Scary!!!," a piece I wrote for my daughter, Astrid. This composition blends many of my influences including heavy metal, Dominican music, and contemporary jazz, creating a fusion that is both intense and playful. Hearing it performed by such talented musicians was a deeply personal and rewarding experience.
The night’s world premiere was "Brad's Dreamy Samana Night," written for our brilliant lead trumpet player, Brad Goode. His performance of this piece perfectly captured the emotions from relaxed to intricate with the vibe I had in mind, his tone soaring effortlessly over the orchestra.
Brad Goode
The concert was a success thanks to the remarkable musicians who brought my compositions to life. Our rhythm section, anchored by Ivanna Cuesta on drums and Pablito "Drums" Peña on percussion, created the driving force behind every piece. The trumpet section—featuring Clay Jenkins, Jeff Jarvis, Shawn Williams, and Miles Roth—added a bright and powerful presence.
Wil Swindler led the reed section, while Gary Mayne's bass trombone filled out the low end, giving depth and weight to the brass. The rhythm section was completed by SGLJO steady members an UNC faculty Dana Landry on piano, Erik Applegate on bass. We were fortunate to be joined by other UNC faculty and students—Dr. Javier Vinasco on Clarinet, Alfredo Balcacer on guitar, and saxophonists Andrew Janak, David Bernot, Eduardo Moncada, and Christian Longoria, along with Brazilian percussionist Diego DaSilva, and trombonists Jonathan Bumpus, James Standish, and Tom Call—all contributing to an evening filled with vibrant musical energy.
Adding a captivating visual dimension were Dominican dancers Mildred Rubirosa, Wileydy Contrera, and Jonas Padilla, whose performances intertwined seamlessly with the music, offering an enriching and encompassing cultural experience.
Two Days in the Studio: Recording the Next Chapter
After the concert, we moved straight into two days of recording for the new album. We were joined by the phenomenal Don Aliquo (my dear friend and mentor), who added his signature sound on saxophone, the amazing trombonist Paul McKee, who delivered a stunning solo, adding his unique voice on the trombone to the recording, and by one of Colorado’s finest Zach Rich on trombone.
Paul McKee Don Aliquo
Our recording sessions were expertly managed by recording engineer Greg Heimbecker, who captured every nuance with precision; and by another one of my mentors, David Caffey, who served as our booth producer, guiding the process with his vast expertise as a fantastic jazz composer.
Recording is always a unique experience, balancing the focus required for technical perfection with the spontaneity that drives live performance.
Pablito, Erik, Ivanna, Dana, Alfredo
The sessions were intense, but the result is a collection of music that I think captures the heart and soul of the SGLJO. Looking back on this incredible weekend, I am filled with gratitude for everyone involved, from the musicians to our production team. Their dedication and talent made this journey unforgettable.
Clay Jenkins Jeff Jarvis
Our new album will be the next chapter of the SGLJO's story, showcasing fresh compositions and the powerful pulse of Dominican/Caribbean jazz.
I can’t wait for you all to hear what we’ve created. Stay tuned!
SGLJO
SG
