Finally there is a CD with Swing and Clave, 3D’s Ritmo de Vida. Herman Olivera does it again. This is a CD you must add to your collection. Pa Lante con 3D Los Angeles want to see you perform on iAdelante Hispanos! TV show only on KJLA-LATV. - Mr. Michael Rojas Jr. ACE Productions Entertainment Group
3D LIVE AT GONZALEZ Y GONZALEZ April 12th, 2007 -
By Harry Maisonet- Jazz Improv Magazine -
The Latin music industry has been changing and evolving in the new millennium, making inroads all over the world. Latin music has taken on a global position due to worldwide interest, increased marketing, the internet and World music fusion. -
The band, 3D, is following in the same tradition. As times change, so should the music if it is to progress and create a new audience. In the late 40’s and 50’s, it was the big band sound and the marriage of jazz and the Afro-Carribean rhythms, which was spearheaded by the “The Big Three,” Tito Puente, Machito’s Afro-Cubans and Tito Rodriguez. In the mid-60’s and early 70’s, it was lain soul. A mix of Latin, R&B, and soul with a little boogaloo and shing a-ling thrown in, with Joe Cuba-Jimmy Sabater, and Johnny Colon and his “Boogaloo Blues” leading the way. By the 80’s to the present, Latin music has come full circle back to its roots. -
3D has taken all that the Latin Diaspora has to offer and added their own twist. The core members are Michael Tate on drums and percussion; Chris Amelar on guitars and Lenny Underwood on keyboards, with additional support by Wilmer Vega on conga and percussion; Jose Davila on trombone and Herman Olivera on lead vocals and percussion. -
I caught up with 3D at Gonzalez y Gonzalez in Manhattan and was pleasantly surprised to see the dance floor bustling with dancers doing their thing. This instant barometer read: the band was there to entertain and take no prisoners. Michael, Chris and the band were doing just that. They ran through such standards as “Quimbara,” made famous by the “Queen” Celia Cruz and made it swing, bongo solo and all. “Bilongo” was another classic they covered. On this tune, “El Maestro” Eddie Palmieri would have been proud. From the trombone solo intro, to Herman’s call response vocals, this led to a tasty piano solo with some nicely placed Latin licks, by Lenny. The tune progressed and the band picked up momentum leading to a Mona and a hot guitar solo by Chris. This cat can swing with best. To include this standard in their repertoire and breathe new life and (swing) excitement into them is a credit to 3D and what they stand for. -
The band really shines with their original compositions and arrangements, crafted with plenty of “sabor” by Tate and Amelar, with lyrics by Lino Iglesias. “Mi Amor to Volveras”, a slick smoothly written arrangement, intros with an old world Cuban swing and segue ways into a straight ahead salsa groove. It was sung with finesse and style by Herman Olivera, who added lots of call and response. There was s a welcoming trombone solo by Jose Davila, who is smooth as glass. If you close your eyes, shades of Barry Rogers (The Master of the Latin trombone) emerge. “Volveras” is a cookin’ arrangement where the percussion was driving and constant as a clock. Michael Tate is very innovative and tight on the drums and percussion, often adding layers, but never losing sight of the clave or the rhythm. The tune ended with a smoking conga solo by Vega, who is an excellent percussionist in the best tradition. Tate followed Vega with wellplaced accents and rolls converting traps into timbales. Another great composition was the title track of their last CD, Ritmo de Vida (Rhythm of Life). The tune that has a bombaplena carnaval feel and the Tate/Amelar team call it “Socarengue.” “Ritmo” opened with some exploding uptempo percussion. Olivera came in on vocals with some heavy plena in the background. Underwood followed with a light and melodic piano solo as Amelar held the bass line. This was followed by Davila on trombone who riffed his way to a triple percussion break, vocals and to the coda. -
The status of Latin music, my friends, has yet to be discussed in symposiums and clinics. But for now we have 3D with Michael Tate and Chris Amelar at the helm. With their mix of different cultures, rhythms, and innovative ideas, I can safely say that Latin music is in very capable hands. By respecting tradition and having the vision and courage to move forward, 3D exemplifies the phrase, “The music will live on.” ¡Ache! - Harry Maisonet, Jazz Improv Magazine Aug 2007
3D – Salsa with a Twist -
by Raquel Penzo, www.latinpulse.com -
3D came onto the scene in 1999, introducing to the Latin jazz world their unique take on the genre. Founding members Michael Tate and Chris Amelar soon expanded their vision to include keyboardist Lenny Underwood, a horn section, and the occasional Latin percussion and steel drum set. "When I can expand the band," says Tate, "I’m always looking to do it." -
Hardcore Latin music fans take heed: 3D is not your mama’s salsa band. -
Approaching music with more of a world view, the members of 3D – with Tate on drums and Amelar on guitar- pride themselves as band mates that make music dynamic, diverse and danceable. -
To their credit, 3D does in fact offer audiences danceable and diverse tracks, choosing to experiment with different styles and arrangements on original compositions and various cover tunes: they’ve been known to perform Elton John’s "Daniel" as a gospel song and for adding a soca flair to Stevie Wonder’s "For Once in My Life." -
Besides tinkering with covers, Tate and Amelar concentrate on recording new music for the band. "To date, Chris and I have written 50 original songs." -
Their 2005 studio effort, Ritmo de Vida focused more on tropical/Latin beats and rhythms, getting good radio play and garnering praise from Latin media outlets on both coasts. It offers listeners a variety of island-infused instrumentals and vocals. The CD also features legendary guest vocalist Hermán Olivera, formerly of Conjunto Libre, belting out tunes penned by lyricist Lino Iglesias. -
"I like to refer to [Ritmo de Vida] as our first brick in the wall," says Tate, referring to the reception the CD has gotten. "We’ve been very fortunate, because Chris and I are not Latinos, and the Latino community has been very kind and embracing." -
At a recent Cinco de Mayo celebration in New Jersey, 3D performed to a crowd of amateur Latin ballroom dancers, with guest vocalist Olivera at the helm. According to Tate, "Our best crowd is an eclectic crowd." -
Fans should expect a new 3D creation in the very near future; tracks for the upcoming CD were completed in the spring of 2007. -
To check out the fusion of sounds that is 3D, log onto www.hear3Dmusic.com - Raquel Penzo, www.latinpulse.com
Latin Jazz in 3D -
Layers of rhythm provide unique flavor -
By Sarah Atkinson Linville, BATANGA MAGAZINE issue #19 -
Michael Tate, the drummer from the Latin Jazz group 3D, received his education in Latin music by intensely studying the drums and with help from his friends. He refers to Herman Olivera, who sings on their CD, Ritmo de Vida, as "an encyclopedia of Latin music", attributing many musical lessons learned to him. He also thanks Frankie Malabe who, once upon a time sent him to a CD store in the subway with a list of must-have Latin music. He bought, he listened, he played some more. -
In 1999 Tate met guitarist Chris Amelar and formed 3D. Together they explored the rhythms that living in New York brought to their door step: music of the islands, Jazz, Soul, R&B, Salsa and Gospel. From there, they branched out to collaborate with more musicians who consistently enriched their sound. -
Their most recent Cd, Ritmo de Vida, offers a sampling of rhythms such as Merengue, Salsa, Plena and Soca delivered with punchy horns, dynamic keyboard runs, vibrant steel pans and creative guitar licks. Album guests include trumpeter Ray Vega, pianist Oscar Hernandez and singer Herman Olivera. -
How did you get into Latin music? -
As a drummer, I was drawn to the rhythms of Africa and it’s influence through Latin America and the Caribbean. I kind of landed specifically with Calypso and Soca, then through that I started getting into Salsa and Cuban music. These styles of drumming draw you to things that are more difficult to play. Being a drum-set player as opposed to being a traditional percussionist, it is a challenge to incorporate these rhythms on a standard drum set. -
As far as artists who influenced me, I was always a fan of Jose Feliciano, both his traditional and crossover music. I remember watching him on TV. He wrote the theme song for the television show "Chico and the Man.” I also listened to the great singer Benny More and percussionist Tito Puente. Living in New York you are exposed to a wide variety of music. -
Did you and Chris have horn lines written before you recorded the CD, or did the horn players ad lib? -
There were a lot of horn lines that Chris and I had written, but we had never heard them with a brass section. When it came time to do the record, we said we need real horns. We performed this music as three pieces and sometimes still do, So everything you hear on our CD, we can play live, with or without a horn section. Sometimes it's implied just enough so you hear it and feel it. We don't use prerecorded tracks or tricks. -
Where do you play and to what kinds of crowds? -
I would tell you everywhere and everyone. We do concerts, clubs, dances, festivals and church services so it's pretty diversified. This particular record is basically Latin/Tropical. There is a New Orleans/Gospel/R&B side to the band as well. You get a little bit of that on the fourth track "Country Cubano". -
I was going to ask you about the birth and development of that one. -
That track has a Cuban-influenced rhythm. I said to Chris, “Let’s have the guitar be the focal point of the melody.” We were just playing with different ideas and he came up with this surf-guitar type of sound. The next thing we broke into was a Baptist/Gospel feel. When we recorded it the guys in the studio were cracking up. They said, “We should bring this into the Copacabana on a Sunday morning, the crowd would loose their minds.” No one ever expected it would go in that direction. A couple of Latin radio stations have called us and said it’s one of their favorite cuts. It’s a lot of fun to play. We were in the studio and I was talking to the horn players and asked them to think about this song as something from the Blues Brother’s movie. In this film, Belushi and Ackroyd come into the church where James Brown is preaching. They see a divine light and it just turns into a gospel jump. -
What about your experiences with some of the other tracks? -
When we went about playing “Con Los Manos Arriba,” the recording engineer who had done a lot of Calypso music said, “This is interesting because this is the way we used to make records. Today it’s all synthesizers and machines and this is all live.” We used real steel pans on the Cd. -
When you were composing these songs, did you consciously think of bringing certain types of music together? -
The way I see it as a drummer, all these rhythms are brothers and sisters to one another. They may have a little different twist from country to country, however Soca and Merengue music are very closely related. One thing that helped Chris and I judge if we’re going down the right path was our live performances. As long as we were getting people’s attention and they were dancing, we knew we were headed in the right direction. I don’t look at this as being an unbelievable revelation. It’s right in front of you. Growing up in New York, you see people from all cultures living side by side, sharing music. -
You had a special guest lyricist... -
Yes, Lino Iglesias. He’s a poet in two languages, Spanish and English. We presented the music to him and he said, “No problem, tell me a little bit about the songs and I will write the lyrics”. I had a pretty clear idea in my head, like on the Bolero, “Sobrevivir...” I described a man who loved a woman that he never forgot. She comes to him in his dreams every day and from there he wrote such a beautiful lyric. -
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"Great orchestrations blending Caribbean sounds, Latin Jazz, Boleros and Blues, 3D delivers truly something for the diverse listener. The nucleus of Michael Tate, Chris Amelar and Lenny Underwood along with Ray Vega, Oscar Hernandez and Herman Olivera, make Ritmo de Vida a "can't miss" recording." - Louis Lafitte, Latin Beat Magazine
"What happens when you eliminate the middle man in the music industry? In the case of 3D, the end product is a vibrant guide through the numerous sounds that make up the Latin Diaspora. While songs like "Mi Amor Tu Volveras" sound like summer salsa standards due in part to Herman Oliveras interpretation of Lino Iglesias lyrics to 3D’s wonderful music. Others like "Guanta Rico", highlighted by Chris Amelar’s great guitar work, feature the rich dynamic of the group.” - German Santana, host of Caribe Latino on WKCR 89.9 FM
"Everything about this work of art is Rhythmic and so moving, from the hip swinging beats to the very cover gracing the jewel case. CARAMBA! Give me more." - Leon Reyes, "El Leon Del Ritmo" KVMR
“3D's Ritmo de Vida contains something for everybody. The production demonstrates 3D's versatility, sheer originality and creativity. Whatever the genre, the music remains authentic and respectful to its roots!” - Vicki Sola, Host & Producer, "Que Viva La Musica", 89.1 WFDU FM, and columnist, Latin Beat Magazine
"Ritmo de Vida carries a CD potential not seen since Eddie Palmieri began fusing Latin Jazz and Salsa together into his own, unique style. This CD represents a fresh, powerful and a pleasant injection of Latin Jazz, Salsa and other music genres, all into one piece! "That New York sound" is an expression often referred to around the world, when describing the highest quality of funky and rhythmic music. Ritmo de Vida would easily qualify as a symbol of that sound. By bringing in guest artists, such as as Herman Olivera, Ray Vega, and Oscar Hernandez, Michael Tate and Chris Amelar have truly created a Masterpiece. The CD should carry a strong appeal to any music aficionado of jazzy as well as Latin rhythms. But, is it danceable? Yes it is!!!" - Les "SalsaRican" Rivera, www.salsarican.com, CA
"Latin music is too frequently defined by rhythm, and consequently melodic invention goes out the window. 3D doesn't have that problem. Ritmo de Vida has enough variation throughout its 10 tracks to keep even listeners unfamiliar with the vast variety of Latin rhythms enthralled." - Phil Freeman, Global Rhythm Magazine
"3D plays with a freewheeling philosophy that marries musical styles from the African diaspora and beyond." - Geraldine Wyckoff, JazzTimes Magazine
"Being in the business I get oodles of cds almost daily and most end up in the corner, in the back, in the dark but Ritmo de Vida made me sit up and listen. Sooo good to the last drop!" - Maria von Dickersohn, Sirius Satellite Radio, Latin Flavors in The Jazz Cafe
"3D's Ritmo de Vida is a really outstanding left-field hard hitter. Percussionist Michael Tate and guitarist Chris Amelar...have got together with loads of Latin bods...and created something that is more than the sum of its parts. Good one guys" - David Hucker, The Beat Magazine
"If you enjoy traveling, then you're in for an exciting journey as you experience the world of 3D and Ritmo de Vida! This wonderful new production promises to keep you simply captivated, as you are musically transported to the heart and soul of your very own "Rhythm of Life. 3D's Michael Tate on drums and guitarist Chris Amelar, will have you dancing the night away with simply sublime fusion of rhythms that begin with the clave of Cuba and end with a "standing room only" gospel tent revival! With plenty of original material, 3D's Ritmo de Vida is definitely a keeper!" - Latin Lady Dj Margarita, www.latinladydj.com
"I dig 3D because they've figured out a way to combine jazz with R&B/Funk and Carribean music and have come out with an entirely original sound. This music is about Now... this music is about Tomorrow." - Ray Vega (Da Bronx)
"The arrival of 3D and Ritmo de Vida, gives a refreshing shot in the arm to mainstream Latin music with a unique blend and interpretation of traditions." - Hector Resendez, KPFK Canto Tropical!
"3D's Ritmo de Vida is a refreshing change of pace for aficionados of Latin music. Tate and Amelar's original compositions are masterfully arranged with soulful Latin jazz, salsa, and R&B rhythms complemented with the suave vocals of Herman Olivera." - Guido Herrera-Yance Alma del Barrio KXLU 88.9
"Ritmo de Vida is just the right blend of salsa, latin and modern jazz, funk and a variety of musical styles that deliver on it's title, "Rhythm of Life"! Enjoy! Aloha!" - Ray Cruz, "Sabor Tropical" 89.3FM KIPO
"3D's Ritmo de Vida breaks down barriers and abolishes divisions between salsa lovers and jazz aficionados; between Latin 'purismo' and World-Music melting-pot. This tropical mix is guaranteed to arouse your curiosity, move your body, inspire your soul and reinforce your love of the best in Latin music as found in 'Ritmo de Vida' by 3D" - Michael Bongard, "The Latin Train" CHUO 89.1 FM
"3D is a fresh new eclectic sound in Latin music. Michael Tate & Chris Amelar are providing the future of Latin World music today with their latest release Ritmo de Vida featuring guests Hermán Olivera with the lyrics of Lino Iglesias added for your enjoyment." - Luis "Speedy" Gonzalez, "Latin Jazz & Salsa", WMNF 88.5 FM, TAMPA, FL
"The opener Mi Amor Tu Volveras is a monster!...The rest of the Cd bangs as well!" - Tomas Algarin, "Latin Aura", WCLK 91.9 FM Atlanta, GA
"3D is a refreshing musical hybrid for the universal ear" - Herman Olivera
"3D is a vibrant fusion of culture and rhythm with its Latin and gospel foundation. Find the groove with 3D." - Kevin Allison, KFSG Los Angeles
"Ritmo de Vida features fiery Latin numbers and beautiful vocal melodies. 3D has a clear idea of Latin music. - Jazz Improv Magazine
"Ritmo de Vida reflects the United States at its present as a melting pot of cultures with an emerging Latin influence that is adding it's flavor to an already savory brew of American music. Add a touch of Caribbean spice, and you've got a concoction that is truly unique and difficult to ignore......... If you are a fan of the experimentation of Afro-Latin-Caribbean-American music, then get this CD. Ritmo de Vida is truly an ambitious effort and an unforgettable album. You have to hear it to believe it!" - Tanya Kotan, Jazz Review.com
"In a fiery mix of Latin/Caribbean with a soulful rhythm section and some great salsa singers, this CD Ritmo de Vida begs to be turned-up-and danced to." - Michael Handler, Jazznow.com
"3D blends timbres and rhythms from Africa, Latin America, the West Indies and New Orleans into its own unique music." - Hot House Magazine
"A musical cocktail of exotic rhythms and forms best describes the repertoire of 3D's new production, Ritmo de Vida" - Rudy Mangual /Latin Beat Magazine
"This band is a breath of fresh air that packs a powerful punch in a variety of musical styles from Latin to blues and gospel." - Wes Gillespie, Jazzsite.net
"Siempre he estado a favor de la experimentación musical, especialmente cuando un género o ritmo está en crisis o en una posible transición. La música que colectivamente conocemos como salsa se encuentra presentemente en una de esas dos situaciones. Creado en 1999 por el baterista Michael Tate y el guitarrista Chris Amelar, el grupo 3D ha tratado de seguir la línea de la mezclar ritmos de diferentes culturas, y sus experimentos han producido gratos resultados, como se evidencia en Ritmo de Vida, su más reciente producción.La primera pieza del CD, “Mi Amor tú volverás”, de por si amerita la adquisición de esta grabación. Es un tema con mucho corazón – sentimiento gitano con sabor nuevayorquino --, con el maravilloso cantar del sonero Hermán Olivera, un delicioso solo de trompeta por Ray Vega, y un sabroso montuno de piano por Oscar Hernández. Impresionante también es el merengue (sí, dije merengue) “Ritmo de vida”, que titula el compacto. En este número, el timbal reemplaza a la tambora, dándole al merengue un sabor a la gran manzana, que me recordó “El Sentimiento de latino en Nueva York”, de Ángel Canales. Ni hablar del explosivo solo extendido de trombón de Jaime Ramos. Otro favorito es “My love will return”, con un arreglo parecido al tema que abre el CD, pero la melodía la lleva la guitarra de Amelar, con exquisita percusión por Pablo “Chino” Núñez. Los otros temas son variados, e incluyen bolero (“Sobrevivir), bomba (“Otra vez”), funk (“Guanta Rico”), big band jazz (“Eliana”), y soca (“Con las manos arriba”).Ritmo de Vida es un trabajo muy ecléctico, donde Tate y Amelar usan cuanta influencia musical han tenido en la vida. Es un álbum para todos los gustos, cargado de alegría y buenos sentimientos." - (EEG) Hernecia Latina
"Escuchar la primera vez Ritmo de Vida no fue nada facil para mi, sinceramente no comprendi muy bien la fusion de tantas corrientes. La segunda vez, adivinen, me fascino. Simplemente te debes dejar llevar por sus diez temas musicales, desde el primero, MI AMOR TU VOLVERAS, una Salsa Romantica. Pero no de esas que se hacen y se escuchan por montones actualmente, este es un tema con mucho caracter y personalidad, acompañado por una guitarra clasica, una percusion excepcional y un maravilloso Herman olivera en las voces. su hermana instrumental MY LOVE WILL RETURN, mi preferida, donde Chris Amelar nos lleva por toda la interpretacion con su exquisita guitarra. GUANTA RICO y ELIANA son para mi unas extrañas pero muy interesantes fusiones con la musica estadounidense disco de los años 80, con un Michael Tate espectacular. 3D nos obsequia con RITMO DE VIDA, un trabajo de excelente calidad de principio a fin, con diez composiciones originales llenas de energia y vitalidad y en donde Todos los integrantes del conjunto se complementan entre si. Aqui no importa si bailas , saltas o si simplemente estas sentado escuchando, La musica de 3D captura tu espiritu y lo hace perder en una peculiar e interesante aventura, eso es RITMO DE VIDA, una peligrosa y exquista aventura espiritual y casi mistica por la selvas y playas del Caribe." - El Chino ( Solar Latin Club )Cali, Colombia
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