3D came onto the scene in 1999, introducing to the Latin jazz world their unique take on the genre. Founding members Michael Tate and Chris Amelar soon expanded their vision to include keyboardist Lenny Underwood, a horn section, and the occasional Latin percussion and steel drum set. "When I can expand the band", says Tate, "I'm always looking to do it."


3D - Salsa Lite with a Twist
by Raquel Penzo - reporting from New York City

Hardcore Latin music fans take heed: 3D is not your mama's salsa band.

Approaching music with more of a world view, the members of 3D -with Tate on drums and Amelar on guitar- pride themselves as band mates that make music dynamic, diverse and danceable.

To their credit, 3D does in fact offer audiences danceable and diverse tracks, choosing to experiment with different styles and arrangements on original compositions and various cover tunes: they�ve been known to perform Elton John's "Daniel" as a gospel song and for adding a soca flair to Stevie Wonder's "For Once in My Life."

Besides tinkering with covers, Tate and Amelar concentrate on recording new music for the band. "To date, Chris and I have written 50 original songs."

Their 2005 studio effort, Ritmo de Vida focused more on tropical/Latin beats and rhythms, getting good radio play and garnering praise from Latin media outlets on both coasts. It offers listeners a variety of island-infused instrumentals and vocals. The CD also features legendary guest vocalist Hermá n Olivera, formerly of Conjunto Libre, belting out tunes penned by lyricist Lino Iglesias.

"I like to refer to [Ritmo de Vida] as our first brick in the wall," says Tate, referring to the reception the CD has gotten. "We've been very fortunate, because Chris and I are not Latinos, and the Latino community has been very kind and embracing."

At a recent Cinco de Mayo celebration in New Jersey, 3D performed to a crowd of amateur Latin ballroom dancers, with guest vocalist Olivera at the helm. According to Tate, "Our best crowd is an eclectic crowd."

Fans should expect a new 3D creation in the very near future; tracks for the upcoming CD were completed in the spring of 2007.

To check out the fusion of sounds that is 3D, log onto www.hear3Dmusic.com.