Pianist Bill O'Connell is
no stranger to the Latin Jazz idiom. With a music career that
charts over twenty years, O'Connell has performed most notably
with conguero master Mongo Santamaria and flutist Dave Valentin,
among others. Other collaborations include gigs with saxophonist
Sonny Rollins and Chet Baker. Perhaps adding a unique perspective
to his style is that O'Connell swings both waysan able performer
on both Afro-Cuban music and Jazz as evident on his latest CD
as a leader in over a decade titled "Black Sand."
Most tunes are written by O'Connell. The first track titled
"Latin Jazz" is a slow moving descarga with a swing
solo section. Next, is the title track "Black Sand"
featuring the ensemble work of trumpeter Randy Brecker and Joe
Ford on alto saxophone. O'Connell is the joined by flutist Dave
Valentin on the slow bluesy almost bolero/cha cha titled "Blue
Brazil." Vocalist Carole Robinson is hear emanating some
spiritual Afro-Cuban canto on "Obakosa." Drummer Steve
Barrios drives the band on the fast grooving Latin Jazz
tune titled "Alhamba."
A short playful melody is heard on "Kidz" featuring
Randy Brecker soloing on double time. An interesting combination
of chekere mixed with Bill's improvising piano inflections on
"Fire Dance." Saxophonist Joe Ford plays a haunting
melody on "Gentle Rumba." Like its title "Son
of a Montuno", O'Connell plays a son tumbao with rhythmic
persuasion. Bassist Andy Gonzalez maintains a steady groove on
"Trepidation." More descarga piano solo is hear on
"Iguana" with Andy providing a swinging bass solo.
The last track, a Cole Porter composition titled "It's Alright
By Me" starts with lush harmonies, then turns fast as the
band
goes dancing.
The overall performance of Bill O'Connell and group is commendable.
However, the session seems elongated and offers little variety.
Even though his solos are mostly filled with predictable cliches,
O'Connell's best improvisation is heard on the swing parts. However,
his approach to Afro-Cuban Jazz is banal. O'Connell is a lyrical
piano player whose main strength is demonstrated in his ability
to accompany other players. The session is mostly carried by
excellent performances from bassist Andy Gonzalez, drummer Steve
Barrios, percussionist Milton Cardona, and Joe Ford. This CD
would probably be considered "Jazz with a Latin tinge"
rather than "Latin Jazz."
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine
Comment on this article: