Descarga in New York

John Benítez | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 28, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Khaeon
• ASIN: B00005N884
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,014 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Nuevo Montuno

2. Sun and Shadow

3. Long Time Waiting

4. Breakdown

5. J Ben Jazz

6. Cuan Grande Es El

7. B. Smooth

8. Convergence

9. Descarga Vieques

10. Positano

11. Procession

12. In the Dark

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An astonishing debut by John Benitez, September 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Descarga in New York (Audio CD)

This is a stunning debut by bass player John Benitez and his trio. The band explores the full spectrum of Pan-Latino rhythms with an incomparable sense of style and direction.

The title "Descarga in New" York refers to a Latin instrumental jam improvised over a mighty bass-riff; an ideal vehicle for Benitez to display his "chops" on the acoustic and electric bass.

Benitez and his multi-cultural trio consist of: Cuban drummer, Dafnis Prieto who is fast becoming one of New York' hottest drummers and Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo (who contributes 5 compositions to this recording). Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane (son of the legendary John Coltrane) and percussionist Richie Flores are the featured guests.

A native of Puerto Rico, Benitez attended San Juan's performing arts high school, "Escuela Libre de Musica," (saxophonist David Sanchez was a classmate) the University of Puerto Rico and the Conservatory of Music. He has played with the legendary Fania All-Stars, Roberto Roena and his Apollo Sound and Batacumbele, a hot, experimental Afro-Rican band that featured many of Puerto Rico's top musicians.

Since he moved to New York in 1993, Benitez has been featured with Willie Colon, Tito Puente Eddie Palmieri, Wynton Marsalis, Roberto Carcasses, Mongo Santamaria, Conrad Herwig, Arturo O' Farrill, Ray Vega, the Mingus Big Band, Roy Hargrove and David Sanchez.

From the outset the trio displays a focused musical vision beyond their years. The recording opens with "Nuevo Montuno," a sizzling tune that sets the tone for this project. Benitez (who arranged all the music) and crew are not shy about interspersing their material with political commentary as well. For example, "Descarga Vieques" refers to the U.S. bombing off the coast of Puerto Rico and "Procession" speaks about the arrival of African slaves in New York. On the lighter side there is "B. Smooth" and the (Charles) Mingus inspired "Positano."

Benitez is an adventurous, gifted leader who demonstrates that bigger is not always better. He has the distinction of being the first artist to debut a recording on the KHAEON label. Kudos to KHAEON records for having the farsightedness to allow Benitez and his trio to do it their way.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Energy and Greater Leadership, August 13, 2004

By 

Jeffrey Shore (RI, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Descarga in New York (Audio CD)

This is a truly remarkable CD. I cannot say much more than what has already been said but I would immediately consider this a must have album for all fans of jazz (certainly latin-jazz). One thing that wasn't really talked about was John's ability to really lead a band- these guys are not only tight and grooving but they are really listening. When playing these kinds of difficult tunes it is easy to get caught focusing on only one thing, when your mind needs to be in many places at once. John brings them all together not only musically (he's quite an exceptional bass player) but as a strong leader as well. A spectacular debut to say the least!

5.0 out of 5 stars Buenisimo!, September 3, 2007

By 

Indira Ortiz "IndyRox" (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Descarga in New York (Audio CD)

I have been a fan of Mr Benitez for many years and have had the opportunity to see him play live with Michel Camilo, Chick Corea, Mos Def, Mike Stern, Wayne Krantz, John Scofield, Charlie Palmieri among others. This album captures the essence of his musicianship. I highly recommend it!