The brass from heaven just dropped in, when listening to their pitch and playing keeps my ears and eyes on them with full amazement. As in the past I've heard horns stemming from jazz, latin or from the center of pit in a Broadway show, and in my professional observation Fran and Jon certainly have the edge in the industry. In conversation with Sam Leon the (Musical Director) I said to him, “We need strong horns to come on board”, his reply was their coming. When they showed up for rehearsal after the first two songs, I had to say out loud these guys look and sound like the pillars of angels playing their horns. When interviewing them they had mentioned that music is what they plan to do after graduation. Fran and Jon are college students. Their major is in music and they plan to enter into the masters degree program. Hoping that their journey leads them into greater success in the music industry. At times when looking for the right musicians with a certain sound or flavor, usually takes time and effort and ultimately with positive results, and at times things just don’t mix well. In reference to Jon and Fran it all became a fact that the sound and flavor had been established.When Jon and Fran commence into playing the high notes, it puts me to wonder to whom can I compare these guys to and in my rolodex mind, I come up with all types of horn players and after a few minutes or so, I just have to admit to myself that Jon and Fran have what it takes to sound on their own, only to create a pathway for other horn players to follow. What I enjoy most in rehearsal is when Sam Leon (Musical Director) points and signals to Jon to part take into a solo we all watch to see where or how his high notes will take him to. Fran follows up with his solo with great pitch and jazzy type riffs notes kicking it, into his own improvisation of encore with a blend of salsa.These guys makes the band members more excited just to be in rehearsal, because of the values of hearing musical notes that make sense into ones mind and knowledge of music. It’s a bond that only profound musicians can only understand. When the music is right just enjoy it as you play it, making it a great day of accomplishment. At the end of the day when coming down from a stage performance, you’ll make sense as to why? Rehearsal and social networking is part of your musicians business. At times I seek information from the band members regarding their likes and dislikes about the music and or quality of sound.They all seemed to mentioned the horn players and how appreciative they are for coming on board. They express that the band has progress in a short time which evolved into a definite working machine. We all thank Jon and Fran for being here and continuing with La Fantastica.
Pedro Gutierrez the most active individual I’ve ever met, he hauls an eighteen wheeler from state to state with an enormous time schedule and still finds time to rehearse with La Fantastica at their studio and not to forget his dedication to his family. As a pianist Pedro has an impeccable rhythm that protects the band making sure it stay in sabor. He studies and reaches out to other pianist for different types of melody and rhythm to improve the flow of each particular song, as La Fantastica continues to record new music. He does not quit until he finds the perfect rhythm to the music. The more we rehears at the studio, Pedro seems to enjoy redirecting the music, as written on CD. Pedro is the kind of musician one would like to work with. The more music you give him he allows himself to work at his best. His playing In combination with the bass player become’s and iron clad of salsa the way its meant to be played. Pedro has become a music expert within a short time, due to his ambition and drive, some may call it being hungry or having the fever to excel but, when you have the talent and skills all in combination creates the needed one. If Pedro continues to excel in his craft he’ll will walk in to greater success in the music industry. I continue to give Pedro credit for having an open mind and willing to add new content in his music. He’s very humble and with great character and in the music industry it's a plus. Pedro was raise in the City of New York in the Bronx where the Latin Salsa has a strong influence on the community, which has a large percentage of Latino’s and certainly, Pedro will manage to bring the music back home. Tickle the keys and make music and prepare yourself for greater and better things on the way, continue your success and we’ll see you on stage, with La Fantastica Orchestra.
Pedro on the key board
