My Roots & Beyond features Cepeda in the company of such celebrated fellow Puerto Ricans as percussionist Bobby Sanabria, bassist John Benitez, both noted for their Latin jazz abilities and cuatro player extraordinaire Yomo Toro, an early exponent of the island's jaunty jibaro (country) music and a legendary figure from the heyday of salsa in the seventies. Reaching beyond Boricua in enhancing the date's jazz sensibilities, Cepeda tapped Cuban woodwind artist D'Rivera, trombonists Slide Hampton and Costa Rica native Luis Bonilla, and Chicano jazz trumpeter Tony Lujan to add extra ensemble muscle.

"This is my contribution to Puerto Rican music...Nothing like this has been done before, because while there are plenty of great jazz albums inspired by Cuban rhythms and music, Cuban-jazz fusions and such, there's nothing quite of the same calibre out there for Puerto Rican music and jazz. And there should be. It's time. You know, don Rafael Cepeda said that when the Puerto Rican people understand the value of their music and folklore, they will fight with great force to defend their honor. This music is about my people and for my people."

"Traditional Puerto Rican music isn't heard that much outside of the island and it's a shame. We have a very strong music. By using a variety of instruments and the wealth of jazz resources, I have brought this rich tradition to another level, to a wider audience but also to a new level of feeling, more in line with the experience of today. I'm putting a little fire into it, with the result, I hope, of offering a dynamic and beautiful music for many, many people to enjoy."

- William Cepeda

Personnel

William Cepeda - Trombone, Cua, Conch Shell, Percussion, Vocals
Donny McCaslin - Saxophone
Omar Kabir - Trumpet, Conch Shell
Raul Romero - Guitar
Ulu Gussendorfer - Piano, Keyboards
Ruben Rodriguez - Bass
Mark Walker - Drums
Juan Gutierrez - Bomba Drums, Vocals
Guests: Slide Hampton, Paquito D'Rivera and Yomo Toro.