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Versión en Español
PRESS MATERIAL BELOW
 Luis
Muñoz, composer, arranger and percussionist, was
born in San José, Costa Rica. Coming from a
very musical family, Luis spent his youth performing in Rock
and Jazz groups. In 1972 Luis entered the University of
Costa Rica and the National Music Conservatory, where
he studied both Architecture and Music. In 1974 Luis immigrated
to the United States where he completed his degree in music
composition at the University of California, Santa Barbara,
under the tutelage of renown British composer Peter
Fricker. For the last 35 years Luis Muñoz has written
music for documentaries, animation films, dance and theater.
In addition, Muñoz has worked as a music producer,
arranger or percussionist for numerous artists such as
Airto Moreira, Etta James, Flora Purím and Jim
Messina and has performed in some of the best Jazz festivals
and venues in the world.
In 1980, commissioned by the Costa Rican government, Muñoz
wrote and recorded "COSTA RICA-COSTA RICA",
donating all the proceeds generated by the sales of that recording
to the Red Cross in Nicaragua, a nation at the time desperately
trying to heal itself from the effects of a devastating civil
war. In 1988 he signed with CBS Records and recorded
"LA VERDAD". In 1996, Fahrenheit
Records "THE
FRUIT OF EDEN", co-produced by Dominic
Camardella (who has helmed several projects for Charles
Lloyd and Maynard Ferguson,), marked Muñoz's U. S.
recording debut, an explosive introduction to a talent that
had been wowing Latin America for years. In 1998, Muñoz
brought listeners a more
progressive and exotic expression on his next endeavor, "COMPASSION",
continuing to evolve as an innovative force in instrumental
music.
In 2004 Muñoz released "VIDA"
which received the acclaim of the music media worldwide. Among
many accolades, DownBeat magazine gave it 4 stars,
it was pronounced "Best Latin Jazz CD of the Year"
by Jazzreview.com, "A truly Monumental Work"
by Americas Magazine, "A Masterpiece"
by world renowned music critic Mark Holston (Hispanic Magazine)
and "One of the 10 best recordings of the year"
by Latin Jazz Network. In 2006 Mr. Muñoz was
given an ACAM award in Costa Rica, for Jazz Composer/Producer
of the year.
 In
2007 Mr. Muñoz released "Of
Soul and Shadow", a collection of 10 compositions
that explore his Central American roots through the idioms
of Costa Rican folklore, classical music and jazz. "Of
Soul and Shadow" features the collaborative
efforts of over 25 musicians, including special guests Adolfo
Acosta (Tower of Power) on trumpet; percussionist Ramses
Araya (Ruben Blades); chromatic harmonica player Ron
Kalina; trombone player Ira Nepus (Diana Krall);
and New York sensation Dave Binney on alto sax. Once
again, Muñoz’s music received the approval of
the international press: "This recommended album rocks
hard while highlighting the cultural background that makes
Latin Jazz the emotional tool that has captured our heart
and soul. This one brings out the goose bumps!" (Jim
Santella/ LA Jazz Scene). "Delightful release,
highly recommended!" (Jazzreview.com). "Latin
Jazz at its best!" Four Stars (****)" (EJazznews).
"Top Five Latin, Blues and Beyond CDs of 2007"
(Jazzhouse.org).
Luis Muñoz returns in 2010 with his newest project,
“Invisble”,
receiving once again the acclaim of the music media worldwide
(Top 10 Jazz CDs of the Year by JazzChicago.net). The
recording features once again David Binney, (winner
of both Downbeat Critics’ and Readers’ polls, 2007),
on alto sax, Jonathan Dane on trumpet, plus special
vocal appearances by the wonderful Guyanan singer Lois
Mahalia and by Brazilian sensation Téka.
In 2011, Luis participates in a TED conference in Costa Rica,
and wins his second ACAM award for "Composer of
the Year" by the Costa Rican Association of Musical Authors
and Composers. With this new project, Luis Muñoz confirms
his place as a music visionary, and as one of the today’s
most sensitive, melodic and talented Jazz composers.
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