Pasos Gigantes (CCD 79507)Candid Recording(s):
Biography:
The son of Costa Rican parents, trombonist, composer and arranger Luis Bonilla was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Luis earned a scholarship and a bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from California State University in Los Angeles.
With a well-sparked musical interest, brilliant ability and a tone described as ‘raw maple sugar’, the young musician soon found himself sharing the stage with legendary greats Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Wilson, Henry Mancini, Tony Bennett and Celia Cruz.
Trombonist Bonilla’s arrival on the New York music scene at the age of 25 coincided with his strong recording debut. Along with praise for his arrangements, leadership and performance, Pasos Gigantes (Candid CCD79507) was voted among the Top 10 Latin Jazz albums of the year by Jazziz Magazine.
Since moving to New York, Luis has performed, collaborated and recorded worldwide with Lester Bowie, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, Astrud Gilberto, Carla Bley, Tony Bennett, William Cepeda, Paquito D’Rivera, Gerry Mulligan, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades, Eddie Palmieri, George Gruntz, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Marc Anthony, La India, Tito, Nieves and DLG, Mary J. Blige and C & C Music Factory.
Receiving recognition under his own name and ever restless to explore the newest musical terrain with the greatest creative authenticity, Luis stakes his claim at the forefront of today’s jazz. Luis’s second compact disc, Eschua! (Candid CCD79748) is available now.
