“Carlos,
       Let me 1st thank you for sending me a copy of your CD. You have made tremendous strides since the last time I heard you play. Both your playing and your compositional skills are most impressive. Your CD is also very pleasant to listen to. Some often show much artistry but somehow leave enjoyment for the listener somewhere by the wayside. Thanks again."

-Hubert Laws,
WORLD-RENOWNED FLUTE VIRTUOSO

“Carlos,
       I received your CD today and have just finished listening to it straight through. Thank you so much for sending it. It is outstanding! There is a good variety of material, all of it well played! The trio is very good and seems to have a high level of communication. But you playing especially sparkles! You have matured into a really fine player with much to say musically. I foresee a great future for you. If you can be patient while waiting for the right opportunities, I know they will come your way. Just keep doing what you are doing but always remain open to new possibilities!”

-Dan Haerle,
JAZZ PIANIST AND EDUCATOR, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

     “Cuevas and the trio recently completed his first CD, Depiction, where his artistry at the piano, as well as that of Taba and Branly on their instruments, is beautifully on display. Ten tracks in all, Cuevas composed all of the tunes, bringing the flavor of his Venezuelan homeland into focus with such tunes as “Mi Aguinaldo”. The six-eight rhythm of this piece gets the CD off to a chipper start. The tune, “Depiction”, has a ballad-paced tempo and solos are shared by Cuevas and Taba with some interesting glissando moments by the bassist. “The Choice Is Yours” has a moderate tempo, affecting a romantic feeling, a tune fit for a movie score.  Write some lyrics, publish it, and let the singers spread the word. Overall, the CD has a classical flavor, it’s “mood” music sometimes touching on the somber, but that only contributes to its eclecticism. Give it a try. A wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with Cuevas, Taba, and Branly, and well worth listening to."

-Bob Agnew,
L.A. JAZZ SCENE

     “The Carlos Cuevas Trio celebrated its new CD release at Steamers on February 24th. Joining pianist Cuevas were bassist Dean Taba and drummer Jimmy Branly. Their recording, Depiction, is made up of ten original compositions for the trio and solo piano written by Cuevas himself.”
“In general, Cuevas’ approach to all tunes proved to have many characteristics of the newest movements in jazz.  Cuevas dedicated one tune, “Lennon/McCartney” to the Beatles, the classic rock band. Some influences obvious in the pianist’s performance were Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Bill Evans, and his mentor, Ruiz. “An Epic For The Present”, another Cuevas original, featured extensive techniques of bassist Taba and drummer Branly. Taba’s constant drive and endurance for complexities of Cuevas’ music consistently added brilliance to the evening. Branly’s drumming was always tasty. Ironically, the CD’s opener, “Mi Aguinaldo”, concluded the first set. The tune rally demonstrated how a tightly organized musical group is able to generate some heat.”

-Glenn A. Mitchell,
L.A. JAZZ SCENE

     “Some exceptional, outstanding artistry here that unwraps Latin jazz with an insistent fervor, tearing open the wrapping with dexterous, frisky fingers. The album is remarkably agile, ranging from rebellious, intentionally devious thumping piano lines that bump along in lower register mud puddles to gorgeous, smoky, wafting ballad-like drifters. In between are bebop-informed, virtuosic rides and even moody, bluesy, pop-like themes almost daring to nod to something like the best songs of Herbie Hancock or the accessible, hummable themes of Burt Bacharach. Truly, Carlos Cuevas’ trio will not be limited by genre, expectations, their instruments nor their chops. A brilliant album.”

CD Baby.com