the project

Immanently refreshing, California Suite is a cosmopolitan union of jazz styles, linking the artists' Latin heritage with the suave sophistication of Western fusion and the immediacy of African rhythms. The ineffable joy of this fusion jazz recording is absolutely contagious. Full of captivating melodic lines, California Suite has the wonderful capacity to draw the listener in. Buoyed by marvelous rhythms, the recording smoothly traverses a world of styles.

Characterized by a distinctive sound, Walton Ornato successfully navigates diverse influences. Versed in the ecstasy of samba and bossa nova, the elegance of European classical composition, the soulful sound of American expatriate jazz, the compelling immediacy of rock, and underpinned by complex African pulses, Walton Ornato deftly blends jazz with a world beat. By crossing different musical styles, Walton Ornato intensifies and amplifies the potential of the music. Like its namesake, California Suite is upbeat, sun-drenched, and open to oceanic possibilities.

the artists

Walton Ornato is Walton Berger on keyboards and Felipe Ornato on bass, joined by Negrito Trasante on percussion and Nigel Scragg on saxophone and flute. Berger and Ornato met in music school in 1975. However, it wasn't until 1986 that they decided to join forces to form their own band. Both had been writing music for many years. Berger had been teaching and performing in rock bands, while Ornato had been a jazz and blues producer/promoter. Seminal to their outlook as composers and musicians is their Latin heritage. Berger is of Spanish descent, and Ornato comes from Italian stock. Given the cross-cultural richness of the musicians' Mediterranean experience, it is not surprising to learn that the goal of Walton Ornato is to look for a synthesis in music. "There will be no borderline between styles. We enjoy Ravel, Debussy, and Mozart as much as Donald Fagen, Miles Davis, and David Sanborn, or Ivan Lins, Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil, Hermeto Pascoal, and Azymuth." As a result, Walton Ornato's brand of fusion jazz is characterized by rhythmic freshness and melodic zest.

tracklist