Customer Reviews

Ritmo Caliente

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This disc starts off with a bang, with swift salsa tunes like "La Voz Del Caribe" and "Grandpa Semi-Tone Blues" showing that Palmieri's still got the fire in the belly, and a band that can match his passion. He moves steadily into a jazzier, smoother mode, but it's all top-flight material. Even after all these decades into his career, Palmieri still seems like a force of nature: nothing can slow him down or make a dent in his soulfulness and love of the music. If you're a fan of modern Latin Jazz or salsa, then this is an album you'll appreciate.

I recently attended the Monterey Jazz festival and was priviledged to hear Eddie Palmieri (who wasn't even scheduled). This album is a treat for both jazz and salsa fans. Eddie shows his versatility, particularly in the amazing Gigue (which marries Bach to Latin jazz!). Also notable are Ms. Joseph's flute solos in several numbers. No, these aren't all dance numbers, but they're all great jazz!

Again Mr. Palmieri "El Maestro" bring to us the best piece of his artwork, a delightful cocktail of Afro-cuban and Latin jazz.

"La Voz del Caribe", the first track, sets the bar for this CD pretty high. A tightly arranged, energetic number with Hermann Olivera on vocals, it should get everyone out on the dancefloor. "Sujetate La Lengua" is also a great track with the same kind of drive. Both of these tracks are great examples that salsa dura is alive and well!

Unfortunately the rest of the tracks can't seem to keep up. The more "jazzy" numbers effectively kill the momentum of the CD. Several of the instrumental tracks are decent, but in order to keep pace with "La Voz..." and "Sujetate..." they definitely could have used some slammin vocals from the likes of Mr. Olivera.

I realize that Mr. Palmieri is following the old school formula of mixing in mellower jazz tunes w/hot dance tracks. The balance of this CD is, however, pretty slanted towards the jazz side. I think maybe Mr. Palmieri should have considered keepin this album strictly a red-hot salsa album, and saved the jazz material for a separate album, or at least slanted the album in the other direction!

A nice CD, but hard to imagine it's one of his best. Some of the creative tracks work, others don't. The mainstream salsa is solid overall. Sometimes the tunes veer into Stan Kenton (which is ok) or Henri Mancini (which isn't so ok). A nice Sunday afternoon CD but nothing that's going to open your mind.

As a fan of Latin Jazz ~ the name Eddie Palmieri comes to mind. His latest from Concord Records "Ritmo Caliente", is just flawless and a priceless gem among todays music. His energy level is incredible, whether it is salsa classics or his arrangements that can lift the listeners spirits into the stratosphere. Palmieri is the best of the best in the Latin Jazz piano, he will not take a back seat to no one, you can bet on it ~ Eddie seems to be getting better with age. The power on the opening track "LA VEZ DEL CARIBE", brings back memories of the past four decades ~ as Latin Jazz is once again on top...and Eddie Palmieri is right up there in the limelight...gotta love it!

Total Time: 67:29 on 11 Tracks ~ Concord Jazz 2180-2 ~ (6/10/2003)

The guy who fills me of energy every day right before heading to work, has made an even better cd, more of my taste. I feel he has added a little new style (that i love): tracks 4, 5 and 11 bring an extra scent of a Herman Olivera, lead vocalist, when we listen to him right after the choir, at the end or the middle of the sentence. I love it, it's my inspiration. Eddie is simply the best, now that Tito Puente has gone, leaving him with no big competience.

El Maestro proves once more why he is is the best. He remains innovative. His sound is full, lush, "pegajoso" and irristible. Above all he gives us rich,complex and delicious music. May he continue to be the latin music fountain for a long time.

Got the CD in great condition... Haven't stopped listening to it since I got the item. No problems with the seller or the product...