This landmark album also contains an unparalleled mix of collaborations with legends and new generation voices from the worlds of Pop, Jazz, Classical & Latin music including:STEVIE WONDER, PHARRELL WILLIAMS & ARIANA GRANDE, PLÀCIDO DOMINGO, CELIA CRUZ, JOSH GROBAN, JUAN LUIS GUERRA, AL JARREAU, ALEJANDRO SANZ, PRINCE ROYCE and DAVID BISBAL.

“Starting at Bar One – and brilliantly so – Sandoval and crew render robust musical salutes; first to the genre’s earliest New Orleans traditions (“Second Line – Joe Avery’s Blues”) then proceeding on to Bebop (“Bebop Medley”). He honors his deep Latin roots (“El Manisero”) and his bound-less love for mentor Dizzy Gillespie (“Dear Diz, Every Day I Think of You”), as well as for trumpet icons Clifford Brown (“Joy Spring”) and Miles Davis (“Seven Steps to Heaven”). A dollop of Clark Terry’s “mumbling” is even thrown in for good measure – to the audience’s utter delight. So, what you will be hearing here is indeed an inanimate object – a mish-mash of bits and bytes on a digital download or embedded on a plastic disc. However, since the music speaks for itself – and does so eminently, what you will experience from “Maestro,” as I like to call him (and he eats it up and deserves it!) and his marvelous musicians is, as Khalil Gibran wrote, love made visible. Just as is the heart, soul and entire being of the boy – now man – who came to us from Artemisa.”  –Nick Mondello

DEAR DIZ (EVERY DAY I THINK OF YOU)

Sandoval’s tribute to Dizzy Gillespie, the mentor and friend who literally rescued him and his family from an oppressive existence and gave them a chance at an entirely new and better life. The album is a collection of classics from Gillespie’s massive body of work, each framed in big-band arrangements that throw the spotlight squarely on the elements of bebop that underscore so much of the iconic trumpeter’s work and set the tone for the music of his era.

Backing Sandoval on the project is a crew of top-shelf jazz artists: vibraphonist Gary Burton, Yellowjacket’s leader saxophonist Bob Mintzer, organist Joey DeFrancesco, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, saxophonist Ed Calle, drummer/co-producer Gregg Field and several others. Also along for the ride are a couple of unlikely but well-placed surprises – actors Andy Garcia on percussion and vocalist Manolo Gimenez. The resulting set is, as Field puts it, is Sandoval’s “love letter to an old friend.”

2013 GRAMMY – BEST LARGE JAZZ ENSEMBLE

Trumpets blare, but they can also hush. That’s the revelation in Arturo Sandoval’s lush, strings-graced new album, “A Time for Love,” a dinner-jazz gem that could be the zenith of his 20-plus-year recording career.

An Afro-Cuban bebopper at heart whose torrid trumpet runs have been his signature, Sandoval changes course here to deliver long-toned lyrical ballads with a string orchestral backdrop and a fine quartet. He interprets several standards, including the Mandel-Mercer beauty “Emily” and Cole Porter’s classic “Every Time We Say Goodbye” (featuring a soulful accompaniment by pianist Kenny Barron). But what differentiates Sandoval’s excursion into reflective, slow-song territory from most other orchestral jazz projects is his expanded repertoire scope.

With help from vocalist Monica Mancini, he gently colors Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” and gorgeously delves into two classical pieces, one of them being Maurice Ravel’s “Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte,” originally composed for two hand-horns.

Arturo had the great pleasure of scoring the entire movie, composing and arranging numerous original songs. Furthermore, he recorded unforgettable tunes by his mentor Dizzy Gillespie, consisting of “Night in Tunisia” and “Manteca”. He included songs from his 1970’s, Grammy-winning group, Irakere and also “The Man I Love” by the great George Gershwin. When asked of his thoughts on the project, he said, “It has been an absolutely incredible experience for me.

The chance of a movie being written about one’s life is one in a million, and I am humbly honored”. Sandoval continued, “In addition, it is a great pleasure to have been given the opportunity to score this movie.”

Not only can the audience see the thrilling story unfolding on the screen, but one will be able to hear the passion as well. Also available is the Emmy-winning underscore: “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story” Score Album.

We have always heard of Arturo Sandoval the great Jazz musician, composer and pianist, but now, enchanting us with his grand musicality, he takes us to the Argentinean frontier. With this record he majestically interprets an incredible Tango record which highlights the most emblematic melodies as well as features phenomenal guests from this genre such as Maria Grana, Valeria Lynch, Julia Zenco, Fernando Soler, Guillermo Fernandez, Patricia Sosa , Raul Lavie, and the great accordionist, Nestor Marconi. Arturo, alongside these legends, makes this record a masterpiece filled with extraordinary interpretations and exquisite taste.

We invite you on this superb and touching journey of delightful music. This album is no doubt one of the finest in this genre, where the ultimate respect for the original melodies and the grand finesse of the interpretations prove to us that we are truly in front of a rare gem not only in Argentinean music, but of all good music.

2012 LATIN GRAMMY – BEST TANGO ALBUM

UN SIGLO DE PASION’

Arturo Sandoval’s Tribute to the Fuente Family.

Winner of the Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Album 2013.

With all my heart , I am very proud and satisfied with the work I did dedicated to my best friend Carlito Fuente and his family.

This is the celebration of one hundred years of tradition and dedication unmatched. Arturo Fuente, the best cigars in the world!!

2013 LATIN GRAMMY – BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM

ENTERAMENTE MANZANERO

Performing Senor Manzanero’s music with co-headliner Jorge Calandrelli, the album is a fresh, modern and pleasant take on his beautiful bolero music. The production is immersed in a lounge atmosphere in which sensual rhythms are predominant and the instrumentation is never overly charged. The arrangements travel through diverse genres including jazz, bossa nova, and bolero, yet always conserving a refined and elegant esthetic. But most attractive are the two roles that Arturo Sandoval plays in this production; he not only shines as an unsurpassable performer on the trumpet and flugelhorn, but also reveals himself as a sensible crooner. It’s not the first time Sandoval sings on a recording, but he has never dedicated an entire album to the expression of his voice in a romantic and intimate manner.

Amongst them we must bring attention to the brilliant work by Argentine composer and arranger Jorge Calandrelli, who co-produced, did all of the arrangements and also served as pianist throughout the album.

The encounter of these two stars constitutes an event of transcendental quality: songs, interpretations, arrangements and virtuoso instrumentation.

Stunningly sophisticated and elegant, Rumba Palace displays plenty of fire, featuring ten new compositions that highlight the celebrated trumpeter’s Latin side.

With assistance from fellow Cubans Felipe Lamoglia on saxophone and EWI (electronic wind instrument), Tomas Cruz on percussion and Antonio Perez on keyboard, along with bassist Armando Gola and drummer Alexis Arce, Sandoval’s Telarc debut is an exciting and well-rounded recording. Sandoval leads this high-powered ensemble on a variety of diverse material, opening the album with “A Gozar,” a dazzling showcase for his lightning-fast runs and supercharged tone. Sandoval also shows off his virtuoso singing, with some help from Cheito, best known for his work with Gloria Estefan.

Sandoval’s remarkable range is evident as he tears through “El Huracan Del Caribe” and “21st Century.” The moody and graceful “Sexy Lady” is another brilliant display of his flawless technique. Other highlights include the affecting minor-key ballad “Peaceful,” the lyrical “Having Fun” and the exuberant “Nouveau Cha-Cha.”

LIVE AT THE BLUE NOTE

It is a celebration of all that Arturo is and has become throughout his 42 years of constantly living in the realm of music. Recorded on a summer night at the legendary jazz club, it is a musical journey through the heart and soul of Afro-Cuban Jazz, his endless love of straight-ahead jazz, Acid-Jazz, uproarious scat vocals, touching piano performances and percussion.

This is a two-set release which includes a DVD of his amazing Blue Note performances which took place throughout the same week!

The arc of Arturo’s career is all here, his flights, his voyaging. Those in the know have been given a rare opportunity to go with him. This document, one special night at the Blue Note, is the passport

It wouldn’t seem possible to do a reasonable survey of the 20th century trumpet playing on one CD, but somehow trumpeter Arturo Sandoval has done just that.

Known as an immensely gifted and versatile player, Sandoval tips his hat to such jazzmen as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and his mentor Dizzy Gillespie, as well as classical players such as Timofei Dokschizer and Maurice Andre. More than simply playing tunes these trumpeters made famous, Sandoval plays in the style of each trumpeter, even pulling signature quotes from their solos. It’s a remarkable feat.

With Quincy Jones at the production helm, the music and backing band changes according to the tributee–lush big band swing, bebop, organ jazz, classical, and Latin music are all covered.–Tad Hendrickson, Amazon.com

It’s a rarity in jazz when an artist known for his mastery of one instrument dares to record an entire album on another – such an adventurous undertaking is extraordinary.

On his debut release for Crescent Moon/Columbia Records, this virtuoso trumpeter makes jazz history with a superb collection of originals and standards that showcase his prowess on the piano. Sandoval’s penchant for playing high notes on piano is reminiscent of how he blows his trumpet.

He explains, “I love to use the whole instrument, all the keys. I like hitting those high notes. I would love to play all the piano’s 88 notes on my trumpet!”

This album represents yet another bold step in Sandoval’s storied career. It is a remarkable outing inspired by following one’s musical passion.

Sandoval’s latest album, celebrates the final step in his search for freedom.

When asked how it feels to finally be an American, Arturo explains, “This record is the answer. The songs in this album are standards of the late 20th century, music played on the radio. Yet for Arturo, until he left Cuba, he wasn’t even allowed to listen to American music, let alone record it. “A few months of the year, when reception was good,” he remembers, “we could hear radio stations from Miami and we could listen to a lot of American music. But always secretly. Now I can listen to everything, and record whatever I like. That’s what freedom is all about.”

The album features timeless songs by timeless artists such as Billy Joel, Sting, Chicago, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack, and Al Green amongst others.

Rarely does a musician come along that has mastered the arts of jazz, classical, and Latin music with such technique and purity.

Not only has he technically mastered the instrument in each of these disciplines, but he has managed to do so with extraordinary ability and taste. All of this and his ability to compose music for the many genders make him one of the most prolific instrumentalists of our times. With this album, he has accomplished two of his dreams: composing virtually every track and recording the entire album with big band.N2K Encoded is proud to present you with Hot House and hope that it touches you as it has all of us.

The album features Tito Puente on timbales in a tribute song Sandoval wrote for the timbale master along with the vocals of Ray Ruiz.

1998 Grammy Award – Best Latin Jazz Album & 1998 Billboard Award – Best Latin Jazz Album.

SWINGIN

Swingin’, marks the return to straight-ahead jazz.

Having established his straight-ahead credentials on the Clifford Brown tribute, Arturo is back for more on Swingin’ and this time, the focus is on his compositions as well, with eight originals joining the three jazz standards that make up the program.

On Swingin’, Arturo is joined by an all-star cast that includes four jazz masters, a world-class rhythm section, and two frequent collaborators.

Trumpeter/flugelhornist Clark Terry, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, guitarist Mike Stern, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker and Ed Calle are the instrumental gurus. Pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Greg Hutchinson make up the dream rhythm section.

Arturo Sandoval brings all of his skills, enthusiasm, and connections to bear on this 1993 recording, composing 8 of the 11 tunes and fusing Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation, and some unusually well-handled pop textures.

Guest vocalists include Gloria Estefan, Vikki Carr, and Bill Cosby, while Sandoval scats ebulliently on “Groovin’ High,” which epitomizes the date’s high spirits.

Through it all, the trumpeter plays superbly, taking his stimulus directly from a bevy of talented percussionists who keep the beats percolating and multiplying. The support is terrific, with several outstanding Latin-jazz musicians making their presence felt, including percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo, flutist Dave Valentin, and pianist Danilo Pérez, and regular Sandoval associates trombonist Dana Teboe and saxophonist Ed Calle.

1995 Grammy Award – Best Latin Jazz Album & 1995 Billboard Award – Best Latin Jazz Album.

ARTURO SANDOVAL AND THE LATIN TRAIN

Arturo Sandoval & The Latin Train, the follow up album to his Grammy award winning Danzón.

Unbridled exuberance literally bursts forth on each of The Latin Train’s 11 tracks as Arturo zestfully showcases timeless Cuban grooves such as mambo, danzón, son montuno, guajira, guaracha, songo and chachacha.

Arturo’s crisp supporting lines and piquant improvisations — usually recorded in one take — possess the playful joy and wide-eyed jubilation one could associate with a visit to a cherished homestead.

Featured in the album are; Joe Williams, Celia Cruz, Oscar De Leon, Luis Enrique and his touring band. As a special tribute to Disney, Sandoval performs Colors of the Wind on a CD single included in the package. 1996 Billboard Award – Best Latin Jazz Album.

Arturo Sandoval “The Classical Album”, with the London Symphony Orchestra, is Arturo’s debut classical recording, featuring the “Sandoval Trumpet Concerto” along with other classical masterpieces by Leopold Mozart, Hummel, and Arutiunian.

Arturo’s contemporary interpretations of these timeless warhorses clearly demonstrate his mastery of the trumpet.

Listen and celebrate one of the greatest trumpet players of our time….. BRAVO MAESTRO!

Dream Come True, released in May of ’93, satisfies a long time wish of joining forces with Michel Legrand, in creating a beautiful lush album that releases the souls of these two great musicians.

Legrand’s arrangements for orchestra and big band along with Sandoval’s compositions embellish all that listen.

This recording includes the participation of Ernie Watts, sax; Bill Watrous, trombone; Michel Legrand, piano, and a large part of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra musicians.

I Remember Clifford, Sandoval’s second release on GRP hit the stores on March of ’92, and maintained a steady spot on the Billboard Charts receiving two Grammy nominations.

Dedicated to the great Clifford Brown, the album features the splendid sounds of Kenny Kirkland on piano; Charnett Moffet, bass; Kenny Washington, drums: and Ernie Watts, Ed Calle, and David Sanchez, tenor sax.

Flight to Freedom, marked Arturo Sandoval’s first recording under the GRP label.

Having released this album immediately following his defection from Cuba to the United States, Flight To Freedom will always represent the culmination of a new beginning, a new life and furthermore his encounter with freedom which he believes is the most important thing in life.

With the participation of such noted artists as Chick Corea, Dave Weckl, Danilo Perez, Anthony Jackson, and Ed Calle. “I dedicate this album to all of the people who never had the chance to hear my music before” said Sandoval, exhibiting the same bravura that inhabits his artistry. He continued, “Now [that I live in America] I have a chance to give my music to the world and to have them be able to hear what I was doing all my life”.

For Arturo, defecting to the US was a chance worth waiting for, one worth taking, and for those of us in the U.S.; it was an opportunity to welcome one of the greatest trumpeters of our time to the platform in which he belongs.

In 1982, Dizzy Gillespie found himself performing in Helsinki at the same time as his gifted protégé Arturo Sandoval, so he booked a studio and a solid Finnish rhythm section for this spirited jam session on five of his tunes.

It’s a memorable encounter between a musical giant and one of his most talented followers. And it’s much more a meeting of like minds than a cutting contest. The master and the pupil pick up on one another’s every nuance, leading to some fiery chases and some subtle conversations amid the inspired solos. “Wheatleigh Hall” is a fast bop tune, while “Dizzy the Duck” is a funky blues groove that gives pianist Esku Linnavalli a chance to show some surprising roots.

In between, there are plenty of strong Latin rhythms to act as further stimulus to exalted trumpet playing. –Stuart Broomer