Afro-Cuban . Latin-Jazz . Folklore
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Montuno West fuses Afro-Cuban folklore, Latin, Venezuelan, Brazilian, jazz, and global music influences to craft a captivating and dynamic sound. Their innovative blend of tradition and modernity keeps the music fresh, vibrant, and uplifting. With infectious energy and rhythmic vitality, Montuno West invites listeners on a journey of cultural exploration and joyous celebration.
In 2019, the band was honoured with the Calgary Music Award for World Recording of the Year and earned a nomination for a Western Canadian Music Award in the World category, solidifying their reputation as one of Canada’s most exciting and ground-breaking ensembles.
Comprised by CBC Rising Star Award-winner Chris Andrew and multi-WCMA Award-winner Rubim de Toledo, Montuno West brings together Latin percussion masters Luis Tovar and Raul Tabera. Together, they create music that stimulates the mind, moves the body, and nourishes the spirit.
For their highly anticipated album Raises, Montuno West is thrilled to collaborate with the extraordinary Israel “Toto” Berriel (Vancouver/Cuba). A renowned Afro-Cuban percussionist, vocalist, and educator, Toto brings deep musical knowledge and passion to the project. Having spent twelve years with the iconic Grammy award-winning Rumba group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, he has perfected the Afro-Cuban traditions. Known for his soulful vocals and virtuoso percussion, Toto effortlessly blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, soul, and funk. Originally from Matanzas, Cuba, Toto has toured worldwide and made Canada his home since 2001.
Montuno West:
April 8, 2025 - #1 on the CJSW International Radio Chart
April 8, 2025 – #5 on the Earshot National International Radio Chart
April 1, 2025 - #4 on the CJSW International Radio Chart
March 25, 2025 - #8 on the CFBX International Radio Chart
March 18, 2025 – #3 on the Earshot National International Radio Chart
March 18, 2025 - #1 on the CJSW International Radio Chart
March 11, 2025 – #2 on the Earshot National International Radio Chart
March 4, 2025 – #2 on the Earshot National International Radio Chart
March 6, 2025 - #19 on the CKUA Radio Chart
February 25, 2025 - #1 on the CFBX International Radio Chart
February 18, 2025 - #1 on the CFBX International Radio Chart
February 18, 2025 - #5 on the Earshot National International Radio Chart
February 13, 2025 - #16 on the CFBX Radio Chart
February 13, 2025 - #5 on the CKUA Radio Chart
February 11, 2025 - #26 on the Earshot Top 50 Radio Chart
February 6, 2025 - #3 on the CKUA Radio Chart
January 28, 2025 – #1 on the CFUV Jazz Radio Chart
January 28, 2025 – #3 on the Earshot National Jazz Radio Chart
December 10, 2024 – #7 on the National Earshot Jazz Radio Chart
December 10, 2024 – #2 on the CFUV Jazz Radio Chart
December 5, 2024 – #4 on the CKUA Radio Radio Chart
November 29, 2024 – Montuno West releases new album, Raices on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms
November 30, 2024 – Sold out concert at Ironwood (Calgary)
November 29, 2024 – Sold out concert at Yardbird Suite (Edmonton)
May 24, 2025 - Frankie's (Vancouver)
May 31, 2025 - Starlight Room (Edmonton)
June 1st, 2025 - cSpace Marda Loop (Calgary)
June 7th, 2025 - Montuno West members join Distro Salsa @ Yardbird Suite (Edmonton)
June 8th, 2025 - Montuno West members join Distro Salsa @ Yardbird Suites (Edmonton)
June 21, 2025 – Medicine Hat Jazz Festival (Medicine Hat)
July 26/27 – Calgary Folk Music Festival (Calgary)
September 11, 2025 - Red Deer Jazz Society (Red Deer)
September 26/27 - Ottawa Latin-Jazz Festival (Ottawa)
October 10, 2025 - Ironwood (Calgary)
October 11, 2025 - Yardbird Suite (Edm)
Edmonton Jazz Festival (Edmonton)
Ironwood (Calgary)
JazzYYC Canadian Jazz Festival (Calgary)
Frankie's Jazz Club (Vancouver)
Vic Lewis Band Festival (Canmore)
JazzYYC Canadian Jazz Festival (Calgary)
Lethbridge Jazz Festival (Lethbridge)
Baillie-Grohman (Creston)
Starbelly Jam Music Festival (Crawford Bay)
Yardbird Suite (Edmonton)
Beat Niq (Calgary)
Alvin's Jazz Club (Calgary)
Jazz at the Lake (Sylvan Lake)
Owl Cafe Acoustic Lounge (Lethbridge)
Wine Oh's (Calgary)
Asylum for Art (Calgary)
MacEwan University (Edmonton)
Edmonton Fringe Festival (Edmonton)
University of Calgary (Calgary)
Cliff Bungalow Concert Series (Calgary)
Summit Jazz Series (Calgary)
Lolita's (Calgary)
Mount Royal University (Calgary)
Fraters Speakeasy (Red Deer)
Decidedly Jazz Dance Centre (Calgary)
SIDE A
SIDE B
Montuno West
Israel “Toto” Berriel – Vocals / Percussion
Chris Andrew – Piano / Keyboards
Rubim de Toledo – Bass
Raul Tabera – Percussion / Vocals
Luis “El Pana” Tovar – Drums / Percussion / Vocals
Produced by Rubim de Toledo & Montuno West
Recorded at MacEwan University, Studio A
Recorded by Paul Johnston (additional recording Fito Garcia)
Mixed by Rubim de Toledo
Mastered by Guy Hébert, Concrete Mastering
Executive Producer Craig Monk
Album Design by Basel Alabbas
Design Management by Natasia Martin, Assistant Professor
Bent River Records Team Rose Ginther, Paul Johnston, Padraig Buttner-Schnirer, Brandon Baker, Kristjan Buckingham, Connor Archibald, Megan Sell
BRR-202404LP © 2024 Bent River Records. All rights reserved. Manufactured in Canada and distributed by Bent River Records. Unauthorized reproduction, copying, and rental of this recording is prohibited by law.
"Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines Joy, as the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
Joy is the undeniable and disarming experience I was overcome with as I listened to Montuno West’s recent foray, Raíces. Having known these gentleman for several years and being present during their work environment, it comes as no surprise they’ve created a soundscape uniquely and fully dedicated to their sound.
The Afro-Caribbean-Venezuelan-Brazilian blend is on point from beginning to end. Montuno West exploits the gamut from traditional drumming, timeless, soulful chants and seamlessly traverse into modern, Jazz harmonies allowing ample space for spectacular improvisation all around.
What makes a recording joyful for me is its desire to evoke emotion and travel an unpredictable path. Raíces clearly has both! Enjoy."
Luis Bonilla, MM
Jazz Trombone Professor in the Jazz Institute
University of Music and Performing Arts Graz
Artistic Director: JMI World Jazz Orchestra
We look forward to hearing from you
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