Carli Muñoz

Pianist, composer and singer / songwriter, Carli Muñoz, has been involved in the music industry for over forty years in Puerto Rico and on both coasts of the United States. He’s recorded and/or performed with artists as diverse as Wilson Pickett, The Beach Boys (11 years), George Benson, Marian McPartland, Joe Chambers, Charles Lloyd, Chico Hamilton, Chris Potter, Eddie Gomez, Felipe Fouriner and Les McCann to name a few luminaries.

Muñoz also operates a successful jazz dinner club in Old San Juan called Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano. In addition to supporting touring artists who perform at his club, Muñoz has recorded several albums including Both Sides Now – an album of gorgeous duets with world-renowned bassist Eddie Gomez, who first met Muñoz at Carli’s and Maverick, also with Eddie Gomez, Jack DeJohnette, Don Byron and David Sanchez. Following the recent successful release of his songs and production of Dennis’s Wilson’s POB/Bambu, Carli is recording his first solo rock project featuring his original songs, spanning from 1968 to now and it is being recorded in Nashville for an early 2012 release.

Press / Testimonials:

“…We musicians are like transmitters spreading the signal of intangible and otherwise elusive messages that penetrate our emotional vehicles and our higher consciousness. That message moves our being; makes us love sic; makes our hearts tender; brings us joy; makes us sad; makes us smart; it’ll get us inspired; motivates soldiers at war; helps stop wars; enhances patriotism; makes rebels; we could be starving, sick, abused and even dying and music will redeem us; makes us fly; yes. I think music is connected to spirituality.”

Carli Muñoz-

Excerpt from the Jazz Improv interview Vol 6 Number 2, winter 2006

“… Virtuosic without being superfluous, Muñoz’ playing style matches his writing–direct, unassuming, and to the point.”

John Kelman, All That Jazz

“… You might not expect to hear much in the way of great jazz from a pianist who played keyboards behind the Beach Boys for more than a decade – and who spends much of his energy these days running a restaurant in Puerto Rico. But Carli Munoz is a revelation.”

Paul Blair- Hot House NYC, HOT FLASHES

“… Muñoz’s piano sounding crisp and succinct, a mix of delicacy and deft percussive beauty. Insistent energy and momentum and marvelous group interplay. A truly fine outing. What can you say but… ‘Yeah!’”

Dan McClenaghan. All That Jazz

“… Completely spontaneous, yet perfectly collective. Only kindred spirits can achieve this sort of communication.”

David Miller. All That Jazz

“… Carli demonstrates a depth and diversity of musical understanding, and creativity, bolstered by his ample technique. Right away, we sense his solid sense of time, and well developed ability to swing and float above the rhythm section. Carli’s solos, indeed his music, breathe deeply and healthily. There is an indescribable balance – one that highly developed players express through music. His approach is steeped in the rich history of the grand tradition of this music, and augmented by the lessons of such masters as Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Jarrett and Hancock.”

Winthrop Bedford, Reviews / Jazz Improv Magazine

“…The trio itself forms a happy marriage, in which there is an ongoing elegant conversation between the piano, bass and drums.”

The New York Resident, by Barry Bassis – This week on the town

“Free association on this musical level, in any genre, is more than a rare charm.”

-Van Dyke Parks

” Wow… what a player, also a great composer and arranger….”

Bob Parlocha, host of NPR syndicated mainstream jazz radio show “Jazz with Bob Parlocha” 2008

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