Saxophonist Ivan Renta releases “Take Off a Musical Odyssey”

Saxophonist Ivan Renta releases “Take Off a Musical Odyssey”

Renta Music, an independent recording company has just released earlier this week “Take off a Musical Odyssey”. This is saxophonist Ivan Renta’s first solo recording project. Ivan who is originally from the small mountain town of Coamo, Puerto Rico, is a 14 year veteran of the New York City Jazz, Latin Jazz and Salsa scene having worked with heavyweights such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Arturo O’Farrill, Bebo Valdes, Luis Bonilla, The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and Wilson “Chembo”Corniel, to name a few. He has close to 200 recordings under his belt and has maintained a busy performance and touring schedule since his arrival in the Big Apple.

This project was a labor of love for Ivan. It is an independent project, many years in the making that was financed with hometown help from Executive Producers Beno Rodriguez and Dr. Rael Bernier and sweat and tears from Co-Producer, bassist and former Renta teacher Jaime Espada and many others. He was able to assemble a roster of musicians for this recording which reads like a Latin Jazz Dream Team: Edsel Gomez on Piano, Ruben Rodriguez on Bass, Richie Flores on Congas and Ernesto Simpson on Drums. And if that were not enough, he had as special guest trombonist Luis Bonilla, conguero Giovanni Hidalgo and trumpeter Nelson Jaime. Laced with outstanding performances by some of Ivan’s friends, this recording takes us through the musical journey that he has experienced, as he made his epic journey through the New York and world music scene. Five of the eight compositions on this recording were authored by Ivan and he also did all the arrangements. This dynamic project highlights Ivan’s intense energy, creativity and passion for music.

This recording project is full of what are sure to become Latin Jazz standards. “Take off”, “Matrix” “Jugando” and “Nuyorican Groove” are hardcore, aggressive Latin Jazz, highlighting Renta at his best. “Apoyate en mi Alma” and “Melancolia” show Ivan’s sensitive and passionate side, while “Carmen” brings the Puerto Rican Danza to the Jazz scene, in this theme that Ivan dedicated to his mother, and includes incredible improvisational interplay between trombonist Luis Bonilla and Ivan. “Rioma” is Cool Latin Jazz with Giovanni Hidalgo and Nelson Jaime helping out.

At this time, it has been released digitally only, but the CDs should be released shortly. This recording is definitely a must have for Jazz and Latin Jazz aficionados.

Press release prepared by Edwin Aponte.

Credits • Take off (Ivan Renta) • Carmen (Ivan Renta) • Matrix (Chick Corea) * • Nuyorican Groove (Ivan Renta) • Rioma (Nelson Jaime) • Apoyate en mi alma (Luis Tamargo)* • Jugando (Ivan Renta) • Melancolia (Ivan Renta) •

*Used under licensing agreement with Harry Fox Agency.

The Band

Tenor Sax – Ivan Renta, Piano – Edsel Gomez, Bass – Ruben Rodriguez, Drums – Ernesto Simpson, Congas – Richie Flores, Special Guests Luis Bonilla – Trombone on “Carmen”, Giovanni Hidalgo – Congas on “Rioma”, Nelson Jaime – Trumpet on “Rioma”,

Production Team Executive Producers – Beno Rodriguez and Dr. Rael Bernier

Producers – Jaime Espada and Ivan Renta

Associate Producer – Edwin Aponte Arranger – Ivan Renta

Engineer – Nelson “Gazu” Jaime

Cover Design – Alex Mendez

Photo Ivan Renta, Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest - Wilbert Sostre