Customer Reviews

Black Sand

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A strong set of Latin grooves, extended jazz solos and intricate, varied compositions. Black Sand is a well-programmed and wide-ranging showcase for the many talents of pianist Bill O'Connell. Bill is equally comfortable in the Latin and jazz worlds. This record intertwines Latin and jazz elements with disarming ease. Throughout Bill makes thoughtful use of an exemplary cast of guest star musicians to add flavor to his well-constructed tunes. There is the sensuous blues tinge of "Blue Brazil," featuring lovely flute by Dave Valentin, the cookin' hardbop with Latin accents of the title tune featuring Randy Brecker, the statement-of-purpose Coltrane-inflected "Latin Jazz" that includes stretched out improvisations by saxophonist Joe Ford and Bill. Perhaps most impressive, "Fire Dance" is an extensive and original meditation featuring only Bill's piano and Steve Berrios on chakeres. Bill really digs deep on this track. Another original variation on Latin themes is contained in the humorously titled "Son of a Montuno." On most of these tunes, Bill is accompanied by several members of the estimable Fort Apache Band, with whom he frequently plays. Fort Apache is one of the seminal Latin jazz aggregations and fans of that group will undoubtedly enjoy this set. Bill has a distinguished set of credentials. He's worked with everyone from Sonny Rollins to Chet Baker to Mongo Santamaria to Gato Barbieri, Dave Valentin and the Fort Apache Band. All that experience is abundantly evident on Black Sand.

If you want to own a piece of great talent, you better get it while you can. Another great CD from Bill O'Connell of "The Latin Jazz Project," His kind of talent is rare these days especially in the music industry where pop artists seem to fake everything. That's why they won't last,the no talent bums! The previous reviewer gave a nice technical review, however.I am not that sophisticated in the jazz genre to technically write about this CD. I am but a mere human that likes O'Connell's style. His music is very passionate and it makes me feel good.Another lovely CD. Need I say more?