Ese Momento

About Daniel Pardo

My bio can be found here

Project Description for Media Use

Originally from Bogota, Colombia, flutist Daniel Pardo has graced recordings and performances by artists from a striking range of styles and genres – jazz, western classical music, rock, and traditions from across the globe. He has toured or recorded with the likes of Jeff Coffin, Jake Shimabukuro, Bob Mintzer, and members of the iconic classic rock band Chicago, and has collaborated with Los Angeles-based producers K.C. Porter (Santana, Ricky Martin) and J.B. Eckl (Santana, En Vogue).

Despite his in-demand status in a variety of roles from studios to stages, Pardo has decided that now is the time to step into the spotlight. With the stunning Ese Momento (That Moment), an ideal title for seizing the day and embarking on a new chapter – the Houston-based Pardo fully reveals his gifts as a virtuoso flutist, a breathtaking conceptualist, and an expressive producer.

In order to fully display his range, melodicism and emotional imagination, Pardo decided on the bolero as the perfect vehicle. Due out November 8, 2024, Ese Momento features gorgeous renditions of 11 classic boleros, along with a blazing version of Cuba piano legend Chucho Valdés’ “Bebo” that allows Pardo and the band to show off their Latin jazz chops. The beloved songs are approached from a kaleidoscopic spectrum of perspectives, from the traditional to the orchestral to the unexpected.

“The bolero style brings together all of my musical worlds,” Pardo says. “It has the melodicism of classical music, the sophistication of jazz harmonies, and the spirit of Latin rhythms. Much of the inspiration for this project came from listening to traditional recordings where powerful melodies flow above intriguing harmonies, lush orchestrations, and all the bells and whistles a production could have.”

Ese Momento is the fruit of Pardo’s friendship and collaboration with the Spanish pianist and arranger Sergio Pamies, which dates back more than a decade. The two met while students at the University of North Texas and soon found themselves working together on projects for other artists – Pardo on the production side, Pamies as an arranger. While the two hailed from separate continents, they bonded over a number of shared experiences and influences – boleros among them.

“I was studying classical music and Sergio was there for jazz; he's from Spain and I'm from Colombia,” Pardo says. “But we both grew up with our parents listening to this kind of music. Latin America’s greats of the time were artists like Armando Manzanero, José José and Juan Gabriel.”

The musicians that the pair assembled for Ese Momento reunite them with a number of classmates from their UNT days who have gone on to similar successes and now range around the world. In addition to the core recordings at Dallas’ Luminous Sound, contributions to the music were captured in Miami, Granada, Madrid, Gran Canaria and Prague.

 The album begins with an example of bolero at its most lush and elegant, a beautifully orchestrated version of “Como Fué,” written by Ernesto Duarte and made famous by the iconic Cuban singer and bandleader Benny Moré. The track is one of four on the album that melds Pardo’s ensemble with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. The result is entrancing but deceptively simple – while it sounds airy and sweet, the arrangement is intricate and layered. It begins with a flute quartet built up by Pardo playing all the parts: concert flute, two alto flutes and bass flute. 

The production gets even denser for the well-known “Bésame Mucho,” which has been recorded by everyone from João Gilberto to Frank Sinatra to The Beatles to Kenny G. For their radical reinterpretation, Pardo and Pamies craft a thick, sultry haze weaving together fourteen flute parts and mesmerizing percussion by Shangó Dely. For José Antonio Méndez’s “Novia Mia,” by contrast, they decided to keep things simple, paring the band down to an intimate Latin jazz quintet with Pardo, Pamies, bassist Young Heo, drummer Lupe Barrera and percussionist Luis Ávila.

Inspired by Spanish singer Estrella Morente’s Flamenco twist on Carlos Gardel’s classic tango “Volver" took an offbeat approach, giving the piece a Brazilian flavor but in 5/4 time rather than the more traditional 4/4. The title tune, “Ese Momento,” one of two contributions by the Mexican romantic composer Armando Manzanero, weaves a tapestry of guitar from Mauricio Silva, Michael Hodge, and Rubén Campos, with Flamenco percussion and palmas by Miguel Fernández “El Cheyenne.”

For Pardo, this breathtaking and diverse recording should make Ese Momento not only that moment, but his moment. “This album allowed me to showcase everything that I do, which goes beyond traditional classical flute playing,” he says. “The title song is about that moment when magic and love occur. For me, this is the moment to finally export my artistry to the world.”

Audio Tracks and Details

Ese Momento is one of the Boleros included in this collection, as well as the CD title. MP3 versions of each tune are located below. For high resolution audio, please click on this link.

Song 1

Title: Como Fué (3:11)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. Sergio Pamies and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra)

Composer: Ernesto Duarte

Song 2

Title: Novia Mia (3:31)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. Sergio Pamies)

Composer: Jose Antonio Mendez

Song 3

Title: Volver (4:39)

Artist: Daniel Pardo

Composer: Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera

Song 4

Title: Ese Momento (3:59)

Artist: Daniel Pardo

Composer: Armando Manzanero

Song 5

Title: Cuando Te Beso (3:27)

Artist: Daniel Pardo

Composer: Juan Luis Guerra

Song 6

Title: Sabor A Mi (4:02)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. Sergio Pamies and The Czech National Symphony Orchestra)

Composer: Alvaro Carrillo

Song 7

Title: Bebo (7:05)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. Sergio Pamies, Pete Clagett, Drew Zaremba, Luis Avila and Lupe Barrera)

Composer: Dionisio Jesus Valdes Rodriguez

Song 8

Title: La Gloria Eres Tu (4:02)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra)

Composer: Jose Antonio Mendez

Song 9

Title: Tres Palabras (4:15)

Artist: Daniel Pardo

Composer: Osvaldo Farres

Song 10

Title: Bésame Mucho (5:52)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. Shango Dely)

Composer: Consuelo Velazquez

Song 11

Title: No Se Tu (3:47)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (feat. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra)

Composer: Armando Manzanero

Song 12

Title: Vida Loca (4:23)

Artist: Daniel Pardo (Featuring Pete Clagett)

Composer: Francisco Cespedes

CD Credits:

Arranged by Sergio Pamies

Produced by Sergio Pamies and Daniel Pardo

Daniel Pardo, flutes

Sergio Pamies, piano and keyboards

Young Heo, acoustic and electric basses

Lupe Barrera, drumset

Luis Ávila, percussion (all except 10)

Shangó Dely, percussion (10)

Mauricio Silva, acoustic and electric guitars (3, 4, 10, 12)

Michael Hodge, acoustic and electric guitars (4, 8, 10, 11)

Rubén Campos, flamenco and acoustic guitar (4)

Pete Clagett, trumpet and flugel (6, 10)

Drew Zaremba, tenor and alto saxophones (6, 10)

Rosana Eckert, vocals (8)

Miguel Fernández “El Cheyenne”, flamenco percussion and palmas (4)

Czech National Symphony Orchestra, (via Musiversal) (1, 5, 7, 11)

Conductor: Vladimir Martinka

Exec. Producer: Rita Tulha

Music Producer: Alex Palmer

Mixed by Daniel Pardo and Sergio Pamies

Mastered by Luiz Tornaghi (via Musiversal)

Recorded at Luminous Sound by Tre Nagella in Dallas, TX, and private studios in Houston, Dallas, McAlleen, Miami, Granada, Madrid, Gran Canaria, and Prague. 

Photography by Trish Badger

Videography by Andy Laviolette

Promo Photos

Here’s a link to hi-res and web-size photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3a4032ibm5xk3q632lwt6/AGqNMnOnVdgKwYqcCHOLlSM?rlkey=dnimh2h9uxt71cpcmtxts160w&dl=0

Video Preview

Videos will be edited by the beginning of October.

This is a partial view of the recording session with the string orchestra in Prague.

The following short clips come from the rhythm section tracking session at Luminous Sound, Dallas.

These are photos from the studio session and a from performances of this material at the National Flute Convention Opening Gala concert and at a concert series in Texas.

Album Reviews

The Flute View https://thefluteview.com/2024/10/daniel-pardo-new-album-release-review/ Sept 29, 2024

Daniel Pardo’s Latest Album, Ese Momento – A Flutist’s Tribute to Latin American Boleros

Flutist Daniel Pardo’s newest release, Ese Momento, transports listeners into the rich, romantic world of Latin American boleros. This album is a collection of sultry, heart-stirring melodies, masterfully played by Pardo, whose expressive flute breathes new life into these beloved songs. His interpretations are infused with a warmth and intimacy that captivate from the first note, offering a soulful tribute to this popular genre.

Boleros have long been synonymous with passion, longing, and deep emotion, and Pardo’s playing beautifully captures the spirit of these timeless songs. Throughout Ese Momento, his flute sings with a voice that seems almost human in its expressiveness. Whether he’s navigating the gentle sway of a ballad or soaring through more vibrant passages, Pardo’s technical mastery and heartfelt phrasing make every track on this album a highlight. What stands out most in Ese Momento is Pardo’s ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth. Each bolero unfolds with grace and delicacy, his flute phrasing at times tender, at times bold, but always perfectly aligned with the emotional core of the music. These songs, while familiar to many, feel fresh and personal in Pardo’s hands. His control over dynamics and articulation enhances the sensual quality of the boleros, allowing him to evoke a range of feelings—nostalgia, passion, melancholy—within a single phrase. While the album stays true to the essence of the bolero tradition, Pardo also brings his own modern sensibility to the arrangements.  Pardo’s ability to communicate across genres speaks to his versatility as an artist and his deep understanding of Latin American music traditions.

Whether you are a lifelong fan of boleros or discovering the genre for the first time, Ese Momento is an album that invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and savor the beauty of these classic songs. Daniel Pardo’s interpretation is both refined and impassioned, offering a fresh take on boleros that will appeal to a wide audience. His artistry, combined with the timeless appeal of the music, makes Ese Momento a must-listen. With this release, Daniel Pardo not only celebrates the tradition of Latin American boleros but also elevates it, reminding us of the power of music to evoke emotion and connect us across cultures.

Spanish Version

Originalmente de Bogotá, Colombia, el flautista Daniel Pardo ha embellecido grabaciones y presentaciones de artistas de una asombrosa gama de estilos y géneros: jazz, música clásica occidental, rock y tradiciones de todo el mundo. Ha realizado giras o grabado con artistas como Jeff Coffin, Jake Shimabukuro, Bob Mintzer y miembros de la icónica banda de rock clásico Chicago, y ha colaborado con los productores de Los Ángeles K.C. Porter (Santana, Ricky Martin) y J.B. Eckl (Santana, En Vogue). Daniel es Profesor Asistente de Flauta en la Universidad Prairie View A&M, miembro del Texas Touring Roster, y Artista y Clinico de Yamaha. Para más información, visita danielpardo.com (http://www.danielpardo.com/).

¿Por qué grabaste este CD?

Este proyecto de CD es mi manera de mostrar un lado de mi voz artística. Los boleros tienen la melodiosidad que se encuentra en la música clásica, las armonías sofisticadas del jazz y el ritmo y la pasión de la música latinoamericana. Este repertorio es bien conocido por la gente en América Latina y me gustaría expresar mi visión de cómo la voz de la flauta puede encajar en el género.

¿De dónde sacaste tu inspiración?

De las muchas grabaciones que escuché mientras crecía de Armando Manzanero, Luis Miguel, José José, Juan Gabriel, Juan Luis Guerra, etc. Sergio Pamies, arreglista y pianista español, también creció con estas influencias y este género de música nos proporcionó un canal para expresar nuestras voces.

¿Datos sobre el proyecto?

Este es un proyecto basado en el tema del amor, realizado a través de hermosas amistades. Me hice amigo de la mayoría de los músicos de esta producción mientras estudiábamos en la Universidad del Norte de Texas. Todos vivimos en diferentes estados o países, pero nos encanta hacer música juntos cada vez que tenemos la oportunidad.

Reseña del Álbum

El Último Álbum de Daniel Pardo, Ese Momento – Un Tributo de un Flautista a los Boleros Latinoamericanos

El más reciente lanzamiento del flautista Daniel Pardo, Ese Momento, transporta a los oyentes al rico y romántico mundo de los boleros latinoamericanos. Este álbum es una colección de melodías sensuales y conmovedoras, magistralmente interpretadas por Pardo, cuya flauta expresiva da nueva vida a estas queridas canciones. Sus interpretaciones están impregnadas de una calidez e intimidad que cautivan desde la primera nota, ofreciendo un tributo conmovedor a este popular género. Los boleros han sido durante mucho tiempo sinónimo de pasión, anhelo y profunda emoción, y la interpretación de Pardo captura bellamente el espíritu de estas canciones atemporales. A lo largo de Ese Momento, su flauta canta con una voz que parece casi humana en su expresividad. Ya sea navegando por el suave vaivén de una balada o surcando pasajes más vibrantes, la maestría técnica y el fraseo emotivo de Pardo hacen de cada pista en este álbum un punto destacado.

Lo que más destaca en Ese Momento es la capacidad de Pardo para combinar precisión técnica con profundidad emocional. Cada bolero se despliega con gracia y delicadeza, su fraseo de flauta en ocasiones tierno, en otras audaz, pero siempre perfectamente alineado con el núcleo emocional de la música. Estas canciones, aunque familiares para muchos, se sienten frescas y personales en las manos de Pardo. Su control sobre la dinámica y la articulación realza la calidad sensual de los boleros, permitiéndole evocar una gama de sentimientos—nostalgia, pasión, melancolía—dentro de una sola frase. Si bien el álbum se mantiene fiel a la esencia de la tradición del bolero, Pardo también aporta su propia sensibilidad moderna a los arreglos. La capacidad de Pardo para comunicarse a través de géneros habla de su versatilidad como artista y de su profundo entendimiento de las tradiciones musicales latinoamericanas.

Ya seas un fan de toda la vida de los boleros o estés descubriendo el género por primera vez, Ese Momento es un álbum que invita a los oyentes a desacelerar, reflexionar y saborear la belleza de estas canciones clásicas. La interpretación de Daniel Pardo es tanto refinada como apasionada, ofreciendo una nueva visión de los boleros que atraerá a una amplia audiencia. Su arte, combinado con el atractivo intemporal de la música, convierte a Ese Momento en una escucha obligada. Con este lanzamiento, Daniel Pardo no solo celebra la tradición de los boleros latinoamericanos, sino que también la eleva, recordándonos el poder de la música para evocar emociones y conectarnos a través de las culturas.

Reviewed by Viviana Guzmán

Making a Scene Magazine https://www.makingascene.org/daniel-pardo-ese-momento/ Oct 1st, 2024

The title of Daniel Pardo’s album is “Ese Momento” that translates to “that moment” and makes perfect sense to me.  Because, as soon as I heard the first strains of this beautifully arranged album, I took a deep breath, exhaled, and felt totally relaxed with Pardo’s musical arms wrapped around me in ‘that moment.” The flautist opens with a tune called “Como Fue” that is an example of the twelve boleros this master musician presents to us during his production.

“The bolero style brings together all of my musical worlds.  It has the melodicism of classical music, the sophistication of jazz harmonies, and the spirit of Latin rhythms.  Much of the inspiration for this project came from listening to traditional recordings where powerful melodies flow above intriguing harmonies, lush orchestrations, and all the bells and whistles a production could have,” Pardo explains his bolero concept.

Daniel Pardo has roots in Bogota, Colombia. His partner on this album, pianist and arranger Sergio Pamies brings his Spanish background to the musical table. Together, the two master musicians cook up a delicious musical meal that is spiced with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and the percussion magic of Luis Avila, Shango Dely, and drummer Lupe Barrera. You hear the percussion brilliantly adding to the arrangement on “Ese Momento,” the title tune.

Daniel Pardo & Sergio Pamies met while they were students at the University of North Texas.  They bonded over a number of shared experiences. Love of boleros was one of them.

“This album allows me to showcase everything that I do, which goes beyond traditional classical flute playing.  The title song is about that moment when magic and love occur.  For me, this is the moment to finally export my artistry to the world,” Daniel Pardo shares.

Here is a lovely, relaxing, emotional projection of boleros and the culture that infuses them.  I love each tune that unfolds, but I’m particularly taken by “Sabor A Mi” with the sweeping strings of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and the percussion sounding like horse hooves against cobblestone. That adds to the flavor of this bolero favorite.  Pardo’s flute dances above the beautiful arrangement like a wild bird.  Another favorite is “Bebo” that allows Sergio Pamies to sparkle brightly during his piano solo. It’s tinged with the blues, while still displaying his deep Spanish roots.

During this production, Daniel Pardo plays concert Flute, alto Flute and bass flute.  He is classically trained but maintains the freedom and improvisation skills of any great jazz flautist, with a Latin twist. I will enjoy playing this album time and time again.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

Jazz Weekly https://www.jazzweekly.com/2024/10/daniel-pardo-ese-momento/

Colombian born flutist Daniel Pardo mixes home made boleros with jazz and classical on this luscious album that has him in surrounded in various orchestral settings. At times he brings in a plethora of flute sounds that create a cirrus sounding warmth, as on the elegant “Como Fue” and the tropical “Besame Mucho”. With guitarists Michael Hodge, Ruben Campos and Mauricio Silva, there are soft romances on “Cuando Te Beso” and the pulsating “Ese momento” while strings sway around the leader on a fervent “No Se Tu” and romantic “Volver”. Crooning woodwinds.

WEMU 89.1 Ann Harbor, Michigan

What a lush and lovely recording! Beautiful arrangements and muy simpatico ensemble support. I'm particularly fond of Daniel's take on Chucho's tribute to his father, "Bebo". Wonderful Afro-Cuban feel on this one… "Bésame Mucho" brings fresh inspiration and energy to a much-recorded classic.

Reviewed by Marc S. Taras

Exclusive Magazine

Houston based Pardo fully reveals his gifts as a virtuoso flutist, breathtaking conceptualist, and expressive producer.

Reviewed by Anne Carlini