NEW ALBUM
OUT NOW
NEW ALBUM OUT NOW
Can You Play Latin?
Exploding onto the Latin jazz scene with spirit and poignancy, seasoned bassist and songwriter Jim Rojas has created a beautiful freshman album Can You Play Latin? (2023) which celebrates the rhythmic and melodic sounds of Brazil, Colombia and Cuba while paying tribute to the jazz musicians who inspired his divine love for music.
Produced and recorded by Joey Arreguin @ Love & Laughter Music Studios in Anaheim CA, Jim’s debut album features a brilliant roster of almost 30 accomplished and award winning musicians, including: Jimmy Branly (drums), Joey DeLeon (percussion), Justo Almario (flute), Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson Jr (guitar), Francisco Loyo (Keys), Ricky Zahariades (guitar), Francisco Torres (Horns), Bobby Sparks, Andrew Reyes, Lisa M. Arreguin (vocals), Roberto Montero (vocalese), Gabrielito Gonzalez and the Ric Flauding String Quartet.
Written in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Jim approached his life long friend and producer Joey with the idea of writing a four-song EP. The idea quickly turned into a 14-track deluxe album featuring 28 amazing musicians and a tapestry of songs that honor the influence of Latin jazz from around the globe and the power of connection that music brings. Each track shines with Jim’s driving bass lines and solo’s, while the effortless production and fluid arrangements bring the original songs to life.
The graceful and melodic opening track Ivan, pays homage to Grammy-winning jazz, pop and Brazilian artist Ivan Lins and features Justo Almario on flute. The energy of Festa Gonzaguinaha salutes Brazilian artist Luiz Gonzaga do Nascimento, Jr. who passed away tragically in a car accident in 1991 but whose music still echoes in the spirit of Brazil. The rhythmic sounds of vocalese Latin tune Joao was inspired by the Brazilian singer-songwriter Joao Bosco with vocals/bass performed by Jim; and the harmonic ballad, Ode to Pat M is a nod to jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. Much like a great painter brings color to canvas, Jim has created a collection of songs that say “thank you” to those artists that meant so much to him all his life.
The title of the album Can You Play Latin? comes as a humorous twist on Jim’s experience spending long hours gigging with his band in Southern California as a latin musician. Jim’s musical influences and inspirations include George Duke, Ivan Lins, Earth, Wind & Fire, The Brothers Johnson, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Pete Cetera of Chicago, Larry Graham, Stanley Clarke, Abraham Laboriel, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea and Carlos Santana.
Dedication: I want to thank my family for supporting me and praying for the completion of this album. David, Lou, Mimi – I can’t say enough about what it means to be a part of this amazing family. I know how you prayed for this thing to get done. Your love is something that has sustained me throughout my entire life as it does to this day. Our parents, Felipe and Naomi Rojas, are rejoicing in heaven to see that we have all turned out so well.
In Memoriam: During our string recording session in July of 2021, we were privileged to have our good friend and string arranger Ric Flauding join us virtually for the session. He tragically passed away a week later to be home with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although we mourn his loss, a part of him and his artistry will always be preserved on this album.
ALBUM TRACK LIST