Jazz Promo Services is proud to announce a special album release concert for Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra celebrating their new recording, Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley. This highly anticipated event takes place on Wednesday, February 5th at DROM in New York City. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the show beginning at 7:00 PM.
About the Concert & Album
Originally commissioned by The Columbia School of the Arts in 2018 to commemorate the “Year of Water,” Mundoagua was set to premiere in 2019 at Columbia University’s Miller Theatre. Pandemic delays pushed the performance, making its official unveiling all the more significant. Mundoagua wrestles with the urgent themes of our time—global warming, corporate greed, and the fragility of our planet—while also offering a hopeful call to recognize our collective responsibility and free will to enact change.
Accompanying Mundoagua on this recording is Carla Bley’s final commissioned work, “Blue Palestine,” a profound testament to her immeasurable influence on jazz and modern composition. O’Farrill’s new album also includes the immersive “Día De Los Muertos” Suite, exploring Aztec history, ritual, and the concept of communal remembrance.
Personnel
- Arturo O’Farrill – Piano, Conductor, Composer
- The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
- Reeds: Ivan Renta, Adison Evans, Jasper Dutz, Roman Filiu, Larry Bustamante
- Trumpets: Adam O’Farrill, Seneca Black, Bryan Davis, Rachel Therrien
- Trombones: Rafi Malkiel, Remee Ashley, Abdulrahman Amer, Earl McIntyre
- Rhythm Section:
- Andrew Andron – Piano
- Ricardo Rodriguez – Bass
- Vince Cherico – Drums
- Carlos Maldonado, Keisel Jimenez – Percussion
- Vibraphone: Patricia Brennan
- Guitar: Sergio Ramirez
Arturo O’Farrill’s Statement
“Mundoagua is neither optimistic nor doomsaying. It is a journalistic approach to telling the story of how we, as a species, are slowly, irrevocably killing our host planet—all for the benefit of a handful of corporate entities. Yet inspiration comes from the inalienable free will that we each possess. We can choose to be cognizant and address our global crises—each of us has a part to play.
I also pay tribute to Carla Bley, an icon whose name belongs alongside Duke Ellington, Gil Evans, Charles Mingus, and beyond. Carla gave me my first break as a teenager, teaching me the importance of curiosity, integrity, and accuracy in music-making. Her final commission, ‘Blue Palestine,’ graces this album and stands as a testament to her boundless imagination and generosity of spirit.”
About the Music
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“Mundoagua”
A multi-movement piece reflecting on the essential power of water, the global impact of climate change, and the media narratives that shape societal responses. It culminates in a statement of hope—represented by a heartbeat theme—reminding us that survival and unity remain in our hands. -
“Blue Palestine” (Composed by Carla Bley)
A four-part work that draws from Middle Eastern and South Asian sounds, seamlessly integrated with Afro Latin and jazz traditions. This final composition from Carla Bley encapsulates her hallmark creativity: lean, contrapuntal melodies and an embracing of multi-cultural influences. -
“Día De Los Muertos”
A three-part suite inspired by Aztec history and modern Mexican traditions, depicting ritualism, offerings to ancestors, and the vibrant imagery of skeletons that celebrate life and death alike.Event Details - When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 (Doors 6:30 PM; Show 7:00 PM)
- Where: DROM, 85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
- Tickets & Info: (212) 777-1157 | DROMNYC.com
Recording Details
- Recorded at Power Station Studio at Berklee, New York on June 6 – 7, 2022
- Executive Producers: Kabir Sehgal, Arturo O’Farrill, Joachim “Jochen” Becker, & Belongó
- Artistic Producers: Kabir Sehgal & Arturo O’Farrill
- Associate Producer: Marietta Ulacia
- Album Producer: Fred Miller
- Recording Engineer: Akihiro Nishimura
- Mixing: Peter Karl & Arturo O’Farrill
- Mastering: Alan Silverman, Arf Digital
- Photography: Shervin Lainez
- Art Direction and Package Design: Al Gold
- Publishing: Madacaz Music (BMI), Mindvine Publishing (1 – 3, 8 – 10); Carla Bley/Alrac Music (BMI), (4 – 7)
