The violin is a wondrous instrument that has circumvented the globe throughout the ages. Its heritage is unsurpassed; its legacy is unparalleled; and its sound is devine. Its multi-dimensional complexities only exceeded by the one who yields its power: in this instance, we are speaking of one of its greatest protagonists, master musician Federico Britos.

Although Federico’s prowess on the violin is readily vast in technique and passion, his real musical power stems from the simplicity of delivering easy melodic waves of music that inspire and entertain within the context of Jazz; on this occasion, manifested in full bloom on his latest CD entitled “Voyage.”

From the first to the last note, Britos takes his listener on a swinging voyage that touches on various Jazz idioms with an emphasis on classic Jazz.  The first track—an original Britos composition called Vivian--is an easy bolero feel that features an illustrious string section that is so reminiscent of those great old classic tunes written by the legendary master arranger and composer Henry Mancini.

The second composition called “After You’ve Gone” starts easy and soon becomes a swinging escapade with Britos showcasing his amazing improvisation skills as he spurs creative Jazzy melodies that invigorate the senses.

One of the unique features of this CD is that it presents a stellar lineup of musicians—including: Tomasito (guitar) from Spain; Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar); Kenny Barron (piano); Antonio Adolfo (piano); Israel “Cachao” Lopez (bass); Giovanni Hidalgo (congas & chekere); Ignacio Berroa (drums); Phil Flanigan (bass); Eddie “GuaGua” Rivera (bass); Eddie Gomez (bass); and others. It also includes some amazing local Miami based musicians: Jorge Garcia (guitar); Edwin Bonilla (percussion); Gaby Vivas (bass); Rafael Solano (percussion); and others.

For over half of Century, Federico’s career has expanded through continents embarking on many voyages. Born in Uruguay, Federico Britos began playing violin at the age of five. His talents grew as such that he came to serve as principal chair, soloist, and ultimately, Concertmaster with some of the finest symphony orchestras of Uruguay, Venezuela, Peru, Cuba and South Florida.

Federico has toured extensively throughout the Americas and Europe. As a composer, Federico has written and recorded many works for orchestras, chamber ensembles, ballet and dance, as well as composing works for TV and theater.

Winner of several Grammy awards for his work with Charlie Haden, Bebo Valdes and Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Federico Britos is regarded as a titan of the violin. He has also performed with jazz legends like Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Dexter Gordon, Charlie Byrd and many others. Also, with some of Latin America´s greatest musicians, such as Astor Piazzolla, Joao Gilberto, Vinicius de Moraes, Zitarrosa, Bola de Nieve, Jose Antonio Mendez, Luis Miguel, Luis Pasquet, Juan Luis Guerra among others.

Federico has performed at various Jazz Festivals, such as: Montreux Jazz Festival; San Francisco Jazz Festival; International Jazz Festival in Espoo, Finland; Bern and Basile Jazz Festival (Switzerland); North Carolina Jazz Festival; New Bern Jazz Festival; Miami Jazz Festival; Boca Raton Jazz Festival; Puerto Rico Jazz Fest; Regatta Bar Jazz Festival (Boston); Summit Jazz Festival (Denver, Colorado); A Celebration of American Fiddle Music (Troy, NY); Django Reinhardt Festival at Birdland Jazz Club in New York and Miami Beach World Music Festival.

He played as a special guest in The Grappelli Legacy on December 1998 at Carnegie Hall on the first anniversary of Stephane Grappelli's disappearance. Other performances include a Concert Hall of Kennedy Center in Washington in a program called "AMERICANOS", along with Cachao, Nestor Torres, Jose Feliciano, Juan Luis Guerra, Gloria Estefan and Paquito D'Rivera, produced by James Edward James Olmos.

As a composer, Federico has written and recorded many works for orchestra, chamber ensemble, ballet and dance. He has also composed for films, TV and theatre.

Although Federico’s body of work is intensive, “Voyage” captures the true essence of what he is: magnificent!!! No doubt, a classic must have CD.