Customer Reviews

Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars 1

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

RIght from the opening track, this CD is guaranteed to bring a severe groove right to the center of your body, which is just where Cuban music belongs. The rhythm section (the foundation of this music) is STELLAR throughout. While all the musicians featured are excellent, the rhythm section stands out as particularly noteworthy, always tasteful, aggressive, intelligent, but most importantly, cohesive. Anyone with an appreciation for salsa that goes a little bit 'out' (think Chucho Valdez and Irakere) will love this ensembles' sound. From a compositional standpoint, these charts are very well done: they are highly complex, but maintain the feeling, that essential groove throughout. Additionally, this is a wonderful live recording, which is a MAJOR bonus, as the live energy is captured extremely well without sacrificing good quality sound. A great buy for anyone interested in jazz and salsa.

The previous review basically says it all. Just an additional note that the track "Mujer Chicana" is a personal favorite. I feel the deep groove that gets generated on this and Volume 2 is reminiscent of that found on some Astor Piazzolla new tango compositions - taking the dance form to an almost spooky, surreal and complex space.

This CD is a must for Jazz lovers. It incorporates lots of variation in styles, but still keeping with traditional jazz material. If you are a jazz lover, or a music lover, this is a good CD, and thats coming from a lover myself