Montuno West

Montuno West is a cross-regional Canadian ensemble blending Afro-Cuban folklore, Latin jazz, and global music traditions into a vibrant and contemporary sound. With members based in Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, the group reflects the collaborative, multicultural nature of Canadian artistry. Their music draws from Batá drumming and Cuban folkloric songs and rhythms, enriched by modern jazz harmony and improvisation.

The ensemble features internationally respected artists: Israel “Toto” Berriel (Cuba), a master of Afro-Cuban folklore and former member of the Grammy-winning Los Muñequitos de Matanzas; Chris Andrew (Canada), one of Western Canada’s leading jazz pianists; percussionists Raul Tabera (Cuba) and Luis Tovar (Venezuela); and Rubim de Toledo (Brazil/Canada), an award-winning bassist and composer. Together, they embody a unique fusion of Canadian, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Brazilian musical perspectives.

Montuno West’s members have received national and international recognition, including CBC Rising Star Awards, JUNO nominations, and Western Canadian Music Awards. Their debut album earned the 2019 Calgary Music Award for World Recording of the Year and a WCMA nomination for World Artist of the Year. In 2025, the ensemble received a Western Canadian Music Award nomination for Jazz Artist of the Year, reflecting their growing influence in Canada’s jazz and world-music communities.

Their second album, Raíces (2024), explores ancestry, identity, and cultural memory through original compositions. Celebrated on Canadian radio, it reached #3 on the !earshot National Jazz Chart, #2 on the !earshot International Chart, and #3 on CKUA’s Top 30. Following performances at major events such as the Calgary Folk Festival and the Ottawa Latin-Jazz Conference, Montuno West continues to share its dynamic and culturally rich sound with audiences across the country.

Raices (2024)

SIDE A

1. Montes (Berriel / de Toledo) 7:25

2. Luna Nueva (Andrew) 4:31

3. Interlude - Pellejo Duro 1:00

4. Quinta Luna (Berriel / Andrew) 5:51

5. Coquito (Berriel / de Toledo) 3:28

SIDE B

1. Viento - Tormenta (Berriel / Andrew) 5:27

2. Interlude - Toto’s Galaxy 1:00

3. Choro Pa' cà / No Pasa (Berriel / Andrew) 3:57

4. Interlude - Estatico 1:00

5. The Trap (Andrew) 6:30

6. Interlude - Conversación 1:00

7. To’ y To’ (Berriel) 1:20

Montuno West

Israel “Toto” Berriel – Vocals / Percussion
Chris Andrew – Piano / Keyboards
Rubim de Toledo – Bass
Raul Tabera – Percussion / Vocals
Luis “El Pana” Tovar – Drums / Percussion / Vocals

Produced by Rubim de Toledo & Montuno West

Recorded at MacEwan University, Studio A

Recorded by Paul Johnston (additional recording Fito Garcia)

Mixed by Rubim de Toledo

Mastered by Guy Hébert, Concrete Mastering

Executive Producer Craig Monk

Album Design by Basel Alabbas

Design Management by Natasia Martin, Assistant Professor

Bent River Records Team Rose Ginther, Paul Johnston, Padraig Buttner-Schnirer, Brandon Baker, Kristjan Buckingham, Connor Archibald, Megan Sell

BRR-202404LP © 2024 Bent River Records. All rights reserved. Manufactured in Canada and distributed by Bent River Records. Unauthorized reproduction, copying, and rental of this recording is prohibited by law.