Rating:
Genre:
Jazz
Release Date: 09/29/1998
Run Time: 66:06
Our resident Latin jazz classicist comes up with a good concept -- evoking the memories of non-Latino Afro-Cuban music pioneers
Stan Kenton,
Shorty Rogers and
Cal Tjader -- and better still, delivers great music unfettered by any hint of routine. The
Sanchez octet does so by simply being itself, without trying to imitate its subjects (if anything, the sound leans closest to
Poncho's mentor
Tjader, but not too close), getting off on material that they clearly relish. The program is a mix of tunes associated with these artists and some often first-rate originals by
Poncho and his pianist
David Torres.
Torres' romping guajira
"Subway Harry" (complete with very realistic sound effects) is especially good; even better is his beautifully harmonized
"Afro-Cuban Fantasy." Guest vocalist
Dianne Reeves does affecting work on
"Morning," "Darn That Dream," and
"I Remember Spring," and trumpeter/flugelhornist
Sal Chacchiolo, trombonist
Francisco Torres, and reedman
Scott Martin have several nice solo moments -- as does, of course,
Poncho the conguero.
~Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
;)
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