BAND DETAIL: LatinVibes

YouTube Video

"The fiery rhythms of vibes". LatinVibes is infectious polyrhythmic grooves, harmonic colorings, and improvisational lines all skillfully combined to create an unique sound that brings excitement from one of the finest Latin Jazz ensemble in Texas.

"The Rhythm Section was Explosive" Jazz on the Boulevard 2006
"It was a very tight and professionally executed set. The rhythm section was explosive; the vibes and saxophone held everyone's interest with an array of complex melodies and solos; and the two young men on the strings - bass and guitar - performed competently and, at times, were inspiring. All in all, it was well worth our money, as the small crowd was no reflection on the band. We simply made an unwise decision concerning time and location".

"I would add that if we invite them back (which I hope we will), we'll certainly want to pay the extra fee for Cristina, as her vocals at Jazz by the Boulevard were a big hit. She certainly adds a formidable "presence" to the group, in addition to the vocal dimension"

"I enjoyed them thoroughly".

"Fiery Vibes in Dallas"
Dallas Morning News
"Their performance all done with class and style..."

"Feel the Passion"
El Sol de Texas Magazine
"Latin Jazz is alive in Dallas thanks to LatinVibes. With their passion and contagious energy that goes straight through your soul"

"Electric and Energizing" Street Talker Magazine

"they don't come around often, but their rhythmic sounds of Latin music is electric and they will captivate you..."

"Endless Jazz"
Streets of Dallas
"Check out these Puerto Ricans, masters and educators of Latin Jazz. The Latin beat blends seamlessly with LatinVibes. First heard them and I was dancing in my seat! Must see...!"

Juan Alamo-(Director, Vibraphone, Composer) Born and raised in Cidra, Puerto Rico, Juan at the age 6 he took his first steps towards playing percussion and began his passion for vibes at the age of 17.  He started his performance experiences playing for Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, San Juan Posps Orchestra and marimba duo Dos by Two.  He was successfully contracted by numerous famous salsa artists groups like Song by Four, Ray Ruiz and Elias Lopez.  Also very well know Dallas salsa groups Tropical Sound, Carabali and Latin Fire.  Juan decided to further his musical skills studies at the University of North Texas where he will soon obtain his Doctorate in Musical Performance with a minor in Jazz.  Currently he is a professor and director of the percussion emsemble at the Howard Payne University in Bronwood, Texas.

Cristina Medina-(Lead Vocalist) A  native Puerto Rican who was born to express her passion for music, became enamored with Salsa music at the age of 13.  Moving to Texas she began and developed her singing and acting interest while attending schools in Canyon, Texas, where she performed in many musicals.  As a Spanish Christian singer, for ten years singing and acting became one of her most useful tools to minister in the DFW area, south Texas and in latin countries as a missionary for the organization "Maranatha".  Four consecutive years she performed as a singer and actress for the musical production "The Promise" as Mary Magdalene in Glenrose, Texas.  After a couple of years singing Salsa and Merengue music for many DFW salsa groups like Carabali, Kinkajou and Caribbean Breeze, Cristina found a new connection and interest in Latin Jazz.  Her devoted passion for Latin Jazz led her to be the lead singer for LATINVIBES.  "A person once told me, "A true singer is the one that dares to sing all styles of music"..."I dare!"

Tom Kessler- (Guitar, Composer) Born in August 1983 in Guadalajara, Mexico to a Mexican mother and American father, Tom spent his childhood in Guadalajara where he was first exposed to music. He began playing guitar at age 11 by copying the blues and rock licks he heard on records.  As a teen he was deeply involved in the Mexican music scene playing with many of the important figures of the country.  He relocated to Denton Tx, in 2003 to pursue a degree in Jazz studies at the University of North Texas.  Since he has been actively involved in diverse groups around the DFW area and has been a member of the UNT 2 o'clock lab band, the Jazz Repertory Ensemble  and the Jazz Singers.

Joe Janes- (Saxophone) a native of Wisconsin, received a bachelor of music degree in music education from Lawrence University. He and his wife then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he taught public school and played professionally for 10 years before moving to Texas. In Albuquerque, Joe was a regular on the local music scene performing with his own jazz quartet, the Albuquerque Jazz Orchestra, The Albuquerque Latin Jazz Orchestra, various salsa and latin jazz bands, the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra. Joe now lives with his wife in Denton, Texas and is currently pursuing a Master's of Music in Jazz Studies degree at the Univeristy of North Texas.

Michael League-(Bass, Composer) Since switching from guitar to bass at 17, 21 year-old bassist Michael League has immersed himself in a variety of musical traditions. His contribution to Latin Vibes is a result of performing and studying music from the Balkans, English Isles, South and Latin America, Africa, Scandinavia, and North America. Michael is a regular on the DFW Metroplex's jazz, salsa, and soul scenes. He is currently in his fourth year at the University of North Texas.

Jorge Ginorio- (Percussion) Puerto Rico native Jorge Ginorio is an accomplished percussionist/educator/clinician. A graduate from the prestigious University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Through-out his career he has recorded & performed with many diverse artists such as: Alex Acuña, Tom Braxton, Israel Houghton, Poncho Sánchez, and Michael Spiro, to name a few. Currently Jorge is touring the U.S. as part of the gospel band for pastor Joel Osteen and continues to be an integral part of the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas musical scene where he performs, records, and teaches.

Jose Aponte- (Drums, Composer)-A native from Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jose is a graduate from the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, The Musicians Institute of Technology in Los Angeles, California and the University of North Texas Jazz Studies Program. He has performed with artist such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Emil Richards, Poncho Sanchez, Batacumbele, Gino Vanelli, Airto Moreira and Michael Spiro. Currently Jose is a faculty member at the University of North Texas Percussion and Jazz department, where he conducts the Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Latin Jazz ensembles. He also is an active member of the Dallas/Fort Worth musical scene as a freelance performer and studio musician with groups such as The Carlos Guedes Latin Jazz Trio, The Dreammaker Big Band, The Image Variety Band, Crispin Catholic Funk Band and his own Latin Jazz Group Caribe Club.

LatinVibes vast repertoire draws from original compositions to Latin-Jazz and Salsa classics by composers such as: Antonio Carlos Jobim, Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauza, Pedro Flores, Tito Puente, and Carl Tjader, among many others.

Original compositions:
In Motion
Lucia
Ife
Confundido
Saltareño
Vejigantes
Aepathy
Cristinas Mood

Latin-Jazz, Salsa Classics:
Mambo Inn
Night in Tunisia
Body and Soul
Viva Cepeda
Tropicvillle
Tin Tin deo
Bye Bye Blues
All the Thins You Are
Green Dolphin Street
Naima
Cherokee
Wave
Speak Low
Corcovado
Dejame Soñar
Oye como Va
Sin tu Cariño
Delirio
Cachita
And many more...