Customer Reviews

Psychedelic Blues

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It was just luck I tuned into our local jazz station while they were playing the knockout tune and finding out it was Poncho's rendition of Herby Hancock's Cantaloupe Island. Lucky in the surprise in learning that conguero Poncho Sanchez just had a new release.

Hearing the rest of Psychedelic Blues, I've got to say it IS already one of my best. Amongst Poncho's many excellent albums, this one ranks up there with Latin Soul as a favorite.

You won't get as much of the vocals we're grown to love on his recent albums. Gotta love his guest vocalists doing R & B flavored tracks lately.

But in this album we do get treated to Poncho's own spunky and energetic vocals on Willie Bobo Medley and Con Sabor Latino. The rest is just Latin Jazz at its very very best. With arrangements by trombonist Fransisco Torres and pianist David Torres, every tune is a thing of beauty. There's great trumpet by Ron Blake and saxophonist Javier Vergara throughout, particularly on Grand Central. Piano is not so prominent but really nice in Silver's Serenade. I sure like the trombone soloing in Delifonse. Guest musician Arturo Sandoval treats us with his amazing trumpet in Freddy Hubbard's Crisis. All throughout you get that unforgettable interplay of percussion with Joey De Léon on bongos, George Ortiz on timbales and of course bandleader Poncho on congas.

Most notable to me however is the jazz guitar work of guest musician Andrew Synowiec and his bluesy-jazzy riffs in Cantaloupe Island and the "Fried Neckbones" segment of Willie Bobo Medley. You know, one doesn't hear jazz guitar often in Latin Jazz genre. But with these refreshing arrangements his sound fits quite well and perhaps we ought to hear it more often.

Bravo to Poncho for another great album!!

The album title immediately grabbed me, being such an explorer during that era, but I am also a fan of Latin music and have other recordings by Sanchez. I am pleased to now have this outstanding, Grammy-nominated recording in my collection. The infectious rhythms, the strong arrangements, the sonorous brass, and the selections of tunes, including some great jazz classics, make this a major opus. Sonny Henry's psychedelia here really isn't but the entire album is mind-blowing. A delightful sound that shakes my body, a feast of drums, this album should appeal to every Latin jazz fan and dancer. Dig it!

Poncho has consistently carried the banner of Cal Tjader, evolving into a nice compact sound, despite the change of personnel. His pianist/arranger, David Torres,is his secret weapon; much as was Charlie Otwell in his early years. Of course, we all know that Clare"Clavo"Fischer was instrumental in keeping Poncho on the Tjader track from the outset. This is fresh and terrific latin-jazz.

Ponche Sanchez is a really great musician, and this album is one of the best. The rythms and musicians sounds great for a romantic or friends moments. I really recommend this album. Latin jazz sounds great in the percussion of Poncho sanchez

I was listening to KJAZZ in Los Angeles and heard Cal Tjader's Soul Sauce. I logged onto Amazon and started listening to different versions. I heard Poncho Sanchez's version and purchased his version immediately. (I still purchased Cal Tjader)

I started listening to clips of Poncho Sanchez's other CD's. WOW!!!!

I purchased "Psychedelic Blues" and I have been listening to it every since. I can bearly sit still while listening to this CD. I have it in my car, iPod and computer. I am a Willie Bobo fan so "Willie Bobo Medley" made me feel a little melancholy.

I am now taking Salsa classes.

BAILAR, BAILAR, BAILAR!

This is a beautiful journey through some vintage classic Latin Jazz remakes by Poncho and his jazz ensemble, another outa sight cd, this group never disapoints, his omage to the Great Willie Bobo is tasty and refreshing,if you have never experienced Ponchos latin jazz and salsa cd's, it's time to get on your Boogaloo, no mater which cd you buy it will be a wonderful experience of true Latin Jazz and get up and dance music. Peace

for latin jazz music lovers this is a ear full treat. A good system will

reveal the the better recording qualities enjoyment at higher levels.

Excellent CD by Poncho. If you are having a stressful day put this on for instant relaxation.

Not a flashy Conga player but he produces great tone from his drums. Very relaxing!!!

Pancho Sanchez is still one of the best conga drummers that lives! First heard him play with Cal Tjader.