Afro-Cuban . Latin-Jazz . Folklore
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Montuno West is a cross-regional Canadian ensemble that fuses Afro-Cuban folklore, Latin jazz, and global music traditions into an exciting and infectious sound. With members based in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, the group exemplifies Canadian artistic practice's collaborative, multicultural spirit. Their music blends deep respect for traditional forms such as Batá drumming, Santería songs, and Cuban folkloric rhythms with contemporary jazz harmonies and improvisation. The result is a vibrant, rooted, and forward-looking sound, combining technical mastery with emotional resonance.
The ensemble brings together internationally respected artists from diverse cultural backgrounds. Israel "Toto" Berriel (Cuba) is a master of Afro-Cuban folklore and a former Grammy-winning Los Muñequitos de Matanzas member. Chris Andrew (Canada) is one of Western Canada's most acclaimed jazz pianists, known for his fluency in Latin and modern jazz. Raul Tabera (Cuba) and Luis Tovar (Venezuela) are leading Latin percussionists in Canada whose work bridges folkloric traditions and contemporary performance. Rubim de Toledo (Brazil/Canada) is an award-winning bassist and composer whose work explores the intersection of jazz, Latin, and other global styles. This fusion of Canadian, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Brazilian perspectives defines the group's unique identity, enriching their music with a depth of cultural knowledge and lived experience.
Members of Montuno West have received national and international recognition for their individual and collective work, including Western Canadian Music Awards, CBC Rising Star Awards, and JUNO nominations. These accolades underscore their excellence as performers, composers, and cultural ambassadors in Canada's diverse music scene.
Montuno West's debut recording earned the 2019 Calgary Music Award for World Recording of the Year and a World Artist of the Year nomination at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Their innovative and authentic approach to Latin jazz has since garnered further attention, establishing them as one of Canada's most compelling global music projects.
In November 2024, Montuno West released its second album, Raíces, a project in which all five members explore ancestry, identity, and cultural memory through original compositions. The album showcases the ensemble's artistic evolution and the deepening of their musical connection. Raíces reflects the group's continued exploration of Latin traditions through a contemporary jazz lens while remaining deeply rooted in folkloric and traditional foundations. The album was also well-received on Canadian airwaves, reaching #3 on the !earshot National Jazz Chart, #2 on the !earshot International Chart, and #3 on CKUA's Top 30 Chart, where it received substantial airplay and support from program hosts and listeners.
Montuno West has performed at major festivals and venues across Western Canada, including:
• Edmonton Jazz Festival
• JazzYYC Canadian Jazz Festival (Calgary)
• Lethbridge Jazz Festival
• Yardbird Suite (Edmonton)
• Frankie’s Jazz Club (Vancouver)
• Starbelly Jam Music Festival (Crawford Bay)
• Vic Lewis Band Festival (Canmore)
• Jazz at the Lake (Sylvan Lake)
They have also appeared at institutions and venues such as MacEwan University, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, Ironwood Stage, Beat Niq, Alvin's Jazz Club, Owl Acoustic Lounge, Asylum for Art, Lolita's Lounge, cSpace, Cliff Bungalow Series, Edmonton Fringe Festival, and Summit Jazz Series.
Montuno West's commitment to artistic excellence, cultural dialogue, and regional collaboration has made them a vital force in Canada's jazz and world music communities. Their work celebrates diasporic traditions while advancing a modern, inclusive vision of Latin jazz that resonates across cultures and audiences.
April 21, 2025 - Featured on CKUA read here
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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