After performing in Austin, Texas in 2003, bassist Charlie Haden was approached by the daughter of Mexican composer Jose Saber Marroquin, who was deeply impressed with Haden's interpretation of Nocturnal, written by her father. As a thank you, Haden received a book with Marroquin's compositions. After studying he was immediately moved by its beauty and was soon on the phone with pianist Gonzalo
… Rubalcaba, who was immediately interested and took care of the arrangements. After that it was not difficult to get drummer Ignacio Berroa and tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano on board. Don't expect swinging compositions on Land Of The Sun. The music is much like the usual rhythm of life in Mexico: very slow. In addition to an occasional acceleration of the tempo by Joe Lovano, Land Of The Sun is in the lowest gear in terms of tempo. It's part of the music and the country, but a little more spice wouldn't have hurt. (AD)more