Live In Chicago - 2024
The sounds documented here were recorded live at Constellation in Chicago, IL, on the night of December 15th, 2022. They are raw and unedited, attempting to capture the spirit of the moment; a Snapshot, of an evening in time.
Recorded Live at Constellation in Chicago, IL
Drew Hansen - trumpet
Artie Black - tenor sax
Matthew Davis - trombone
Joaquín García - piano
Kitt Lyles - upright bass
Gustavo Cortiñas - drum set
PRESS
“Cortiñas’ music is bluesy and deeply felt..sometimes it is raucus, sometimes solemn, but the music is always drenched in emotion.”
“Cortiñas’s group has its own sound within jazz’s modern mainstream.”
DOWNBEAT
“The culmination of a decades worth of music. Cortiñas and band revel in a live setting. They not only demonstrate their intimate knowledge of the compositions, but express their evident joy at melding their musical skills with Cortiñas’s continuing commitment to encouraging social change through music.”
“Chicago composer and drummer Gustavo Cortinas is a musician with a message, one of social justice. He delivers it in a style that fuses the melodic sensibilities of his ancestral Mexico with the complex syncopations of jazz.”
“more than 30 albums confirming his place among the great current drummers of Chicago, his undeniable groove irresistibly draws his playing companions and moves the audience or listeners…no demonstration of strength for the drums but pirouettes, smoothness and subtlety.”
“For Gustavo, live performance is paramount, and his compositions are calibrated with that in mind. They pique the listener’s curiosity. It is music to be listened to, music that makes us dream, smile, full of generosity.”
“a rewarding listen, rife with exciting moments and deeply emotive ones as well.”
“This beautiful tribute to the Windy City showcases Cortiñas’ exceptional talent as one of the most prominent jazz composers and drummers of our time.”
“Cortiñas’s improvisations are a delight. They climb incredible steps and bring a joy of maximum expression. A well developed technique with his own etiquette…he’s always stood out for carving a space of purpose in his trajectory.”
Fundación Para La Cultura Popular (Puerto Rico)
“live and recorded beautifully. Cortiñas’s long-time sextet is overflowing with talent…Cortiñas writes terrifically for the three-horn front line reminding me of high points from the Jazz Messengers back in the day.”
“incredibly polished, incredibly joyous, risk taking evening of music captured here.”
“Gustavo Cortiñas, through his musical and educational journey, embodies a unique artistic voice that transcends borders and musical genres, while remaining deeply rooted in his Latin American roots.”
“One of the inescapable references of his instrument (drums) in the Midwest of the US”
“beautifully adventurous new recording …technical prowess and mastery of textures found within the heartbeat …captures the essence of Cortiñas’ musical journey, offering a glimpse into the transformative experiences that have shaped his unique sound.”
Exclusive Magazine - Anne Carlini
“Extraordinary music by drummer Gustavo Cortiñas”
“A delicacy, a wonder. Long songs, songs of development, song of distinct dynamic ranges. An absolutely complete journey”.
“A snapshot of Cortiñas’ musical journey…Driven by the drummer and band leader’s unique style and sound”
“A stunning album”
