Customer Reviews

New Congo Square, Vol. 3

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

 

 

People have probably been trying to decide where jazz ought to go from the beginning. A major turning point came when bop pretty much took dance, and a vast part of its audience from jazz. Ken Burn's series showed a musician returning from the war, hearing bop and thinking it was the greatest thing he'd ever heard; and a dancer who thought it was the worst. Diz could never get more than a few of the boppers to dance to it. Of course you could get a few people to dance to the Dead, but it didn't prove much.

A recent article in the NY Times described a new European jazz dance scene - rather techo, and reportedly dismissive of the "retro" American jazz scene. I haven't heard these CDs, and so, can't comment. I will say, though, that the blend of New Orleans, the Caribbean and modern jazz that these guys have devised is one of the best answers I can imagine to the "whither jazz?" question. The idea of combining Caribbean music and jazz is hardly novel, and the return to New Orleans-based players and styles may be retro, but this music sounds very new.

Volume Two showed clearly where they were heading, and inspired great hope. Volume Three: Congo Square really fulfills their promise. This is great music, with excellent original compositions by Mayfield and Summers. It's in no way "light" jazz - treacle for the masses. "Serious" jazz fans will find lots to enjoy, but I really think this could be enjoyed by people who've never bought a CD featuring a trumpet.

I hope this will get some serious critical attention. These guys deserve to be huge, and this is the CD to do it.

This album does not disappoint. I'm not big on Grammy nominations but they definitely got this one right. Los Hombres Vol. 3 is a treat from track 1 to 23. Irvin Mayfield's playing is fantastic and Bill Summers brings the straight thunder. The gumbo of sounds and rhythms that they bring to the table is what Latin jazz is all about. I saw this group live at Blues Alley and they were amazing.

I must add that Irvin Mayfield is a true gentleman of jazz. I am a beginning trumpet player and I contacted him with some questions. He not only answered my questions - he gave me a quick lesson when he was in town. We need more jazz musicians like him who remember (and act accordingly) the history of this great music.

listen to it loud, this is good stuff. irvin mayfield burns on the trumpet (just saw them live, where I bought this CD... I'm now buying it for friends), and the rhythm on the album is fantastic. a very worthy investment.

This CD is a buffet of mutilple talent! What you hear is what you get, a combination of flavorful sounds from different parts of the world. From the beautiful sound of Mr. Mayfield's trumpet to outcry of the incredible smooth sounds of the percussion, together with other multiple talents in this album they stimulate the heart and soul. This cd makes one dance, think, cry,laugh, and most of all it makes one feel great! Check this CD out for yourself! Enjoy! Ofa atu!

Having never considered myself a real fan of jazz music, I wasn't in any real hurry to listen to this cd when I received it. Yesterday, I finally put it on the cd player and WOW! Irvin Mayfield is one terrific trumpet player! My favorite song on the cd is Fantizias De Samba, even though it did not feature Mayfield's talent with the trumpet, it was outstanding with John Boutte and Philip Manuel on vocals. The music is catchy and Los Hombres Calientes' talent is undeniable. Their music is an original blend of Jazz, Carribean, and other music styles, and they're cd's are definately worth giving a listen to.

Esta colección de jazz está fundida con el Caribe y americano influencian, incluyendo Curtis Mayfield, el primo de los artistas. De la primera canción a la ultima, este CD lo que bailar a fuera de su silla. Si tienes alma.