Tino Contreras
Reviewed by Keith S. on January 8, 2013
Almost unknown outside of his native Mexico, Tino is certainly one of Mexico's best kept secrets in contemporary big band music. A composer, arranger, and, legendary pioneering drummer with a career spanning more than 60 years, Its about time for his due! During this time Tino has appeared on well over 40+ albums, all out of print and a aggressive touring life with numerous worldwide live dates.
Available now for the first time on CD is this fine career spanning retrospective. Nicely packaged with color photos and fully researched by the good folks at Jazzman Records.
Tracks like Visnu offer up an Eastern Jazz Waltz flavor while the pieces Santo, Credo & Gloria lend themselves to a monastic chamber jazz. Almost all bring fierce percussion Mariachi rhythms and a Hard-Bop feeling. Tino also meshes various favors of Middle Eastern modes from his various excursions in Egypt and India.