Composers
Victor Mendoza
As one of today's outstanding Latin-jazz artists, Victor Mendoza's career includes performances with his own group at the Montreal, Quebec and Boston Globe Jazz festivals. As guest soloist, he has performed throughout the United States, England, Poland, Brazil, Central America, Mexico and Europe. He has been featured in radio and television broadcasts including two PBS specials, " Victor Mendoza in Concert " and " All American Jazz ", both aired nationally. Mendoza's first album " Victor Mendoza " rose to the top 10 on the National Public Radio Jazz Charts. His second album, " If Only You Knew " (Bellaphon International, 1990), has received international critical acclaim and includes appearances by saxophonist Paquito D' Rivera and trumpeter Claudio Roditi, artists with whom he has also appeared in concert. " This is Why ", is Victor's latest recording (RAM Records, 1994) and it features his most recent compositions.
Victor Mendoza ventured to the United States from his native Mexico at the age of twelve. He earned his bachelor's degree in music education from Northern Arizona University and later attended Boston's Berklee College of Music. Since 1983, Mendoza has been a faculty member at Berklee, where he teaches vibraphone and leads Latin-jazz ensembles. He is frequently invited to conduct master classes at major music schools in the United States, South America and Europe, including the Royal Academy in London, Guildhauld Arts and Music Academy, London Royal College, Royal Northern College of Music and the Scottish Royal Academy in Glasgow.
What The Critics Say
"
Authentically refreshing, funky, spirited, energetic, laid back, Y Sabroso!...with
fabulous sidemen that measure up to his music. Victor Mendoza has got it all.
Definitely the vibes player to watch in the 90's!"
Afredo Cruz, " Latin Jazz Cruise "
WBGO FM, Newark/New York City
"
Mendoza makes Latin-jazz sizzle! He's explosive and lyrical...his many moods
make him a force to be reckoned with on today's music scene. Indeed, Mendoza
is one of today's brightest composers."
Ron Della Chieza
WGBH " Music America" Boston
"
Whether it be a steamy Latin-jazz piece, or a quite solo introspection, Victor
brings intelligence and finesse to his music."
Robert Henschen, Downbeat Magazine
"
In the tradition of the great exponents and pioneers of Latin-jazz such as
Cal Tjader and Tito Puente on the vibes, we now have Victor Mendoza. While
keeping alive our yesteryear, he carries us into the future with a unique sound,
a personal sound, an intimate and refreshing around."
¡Te Lo Digo Yo! (I'm telling you so!)
José Masso, WBUR " Con Salsa, " Boston
"
...genial, intelligent Latin-jazz played with wit and finesse."
Fred Bouchard, Jazz Times
"
One of the finest and easily the most refreshing musicians to come along in
a long, long time..."
Stephen Koff, Cincinnati Magazine
"
...an extraordinary young musician...very talented, imaginative, and artistic."
Arthur Press, Principal Percussionist
Boston Symphony Orchestra
"
...Mendoza's music works because of the mixture of styles and within is a thorough
knowledge of Latin music."
Roger Beaujolais, " History of Latin Vibes"
World Beat Magazine, London
"
...a style totally different from that of jazz legend Lionel Hampton, but just
as breathtaking and impressive."
Von Oliver Klöck
Internationale Wielher Jazzstage, Germany
