Guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero’s “The Story of Love” Grows
Latin jazz guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero adds five more songs to create a deluxe version of his new album.
When Latin jazz guitarist Juan Carlos Quintero released his 13th album The Story of Love in May, he found himself revisiting the memories, emotions, and unfinished ideas that shaped the project — especially the passing of his mother late last year. That reflection sparked five additional tracks, expanding the album into The Story of Love Deluxe, arriving October 30 on Moondo Music (BDF/Orchard).
The Story of Love features Quintero and his quartet interpreting romantic Latin classics from the 1950s and 60s — songs he calls his “parents’ music.” While revisiting his catalog, he uncovered four early originals that shared the same emotional DNA but were never fully realized.
“These songs unveil templates of how the compositions would thrive years later and in the capable hands of my band,” Quintero said. “I realized I had unfinished business with these particular songs. It’s exciting to bring them out in a reimagined form — especially as I’ve evolved as a player, arranger, and collaborator.”
Last week in Los Angeles, Quintero tracked the new material: the bossa nova “A Night in Rio,” the rumba “Café Rumba,” the cha‑cha‑cha “The Moon in Her Eyes,” and the hybrid merengue “Charas.” The fifth new track, “These Days, Ahead,” is a deeply personal Latin‑Americana piece inspired by his mother’s journey from Colombia to the United States that was recorded during the sessions for the original version of The Story of Love.
“I wrote ‘These Days, Ahead’ late one night with an acoustic guitar, thinking about her life,” Quintero said. “It’s about her journey to America and her love for this country. She exemplified positivity, hope, ambition, and grace — it was her DNA. That foundation shaped everything for my sisters and me.” The song will be released as a single on September 25.
Although The Story of Love was conceived as a Latin‑jazz project, the additional recordings broaden its scope. “Sometimes I pull elements from ‘American music’ that feel familiar and natural,” Quintero added. “Growing up with the American experience in a Colombian family meant absorbing music beyond our heritage. The guitar connects with so many cultures.”
