Bob Desena
All That Latin Jazz
Discos Dos Coronas
Are you in the mood for some tight
well-balanced Latin Jazz? Well if your answer is affirmative
then the music of Bob Desena and his group will certainly fit
the bill. Bob, a classy, hip and stylish multi-instrumentalist
brings us his own creative Latin Jazz sounds in his release on
the Discos Dos Coronas label entitled, All That Latin Jazz.
Just by looking at the cover of the CD you can tell that he
has the pizzazz and style needed to be successful. I first met
Bob Desena when he was playing with my good friends the Nuestro
Band at the Chicano Music Awards. After hearing him play I was
convinced that not only was he good but what a sound! After a
couple of tunes, I saw him put down his mallets and pick up the
pocket trumpet. By then I was really amazed. I remembered telling
Ruben Palazuelos, leader of the Nuestro Band "where did
you find him?" And he just smiled and said, "well,
you know bro." As you check out this wonderful collection
of original material you will soon see what I mean.
Having had the strong desire to pursue his own thing since
his early age, Bob has put together a gorgeous recording that
should be remembered for a long time. Bob has had many musical
influences in a wide arena of musical styles everything from
the sounds of Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, Malo,
Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Poncho Sanchez, Freddie Hubbard, Maynard
Ferguson, Herb Albert and Roy Ayers. Actually, it was Roy Ayers
who became a strong influence in Bob's career as a mentor and
helped him discover the magic of the vibraphone. Bob studied
under the guidance of Tony Kol who was a percussionist with the
Tonight Show Band.
Bob learned and as you can see developed his own style on
the vibes and I like it. In this effort you will hear all the
tasty rhythms that Latin music has to offer and all with a style
and finesse that this talented musico. In my opinion this is
more than a strong debut, it is one tasty Latin Jazz CD! I have
some favorites but I really enjoy the soulful Guarija "Pasa
Tiempo." Listen to the way Bob creates magic on this one.
I really enjoy the playing of pianist Bob Luna who makes this
one sway with elegance. "Mambo Habanero" is a moving
tune that features the talents of Los Angeles's very own Bobby
Loya on Trumpet and a great solo from Lon Norman on trombone.
You will enjoy the melodic "Forever Gigi" dedicated
to his beautiful daughter. This is an amazing bolero that will
put you in a mellow reflective mood. "Anna my Love"
is an original from Bob Luna and is first rate. The catchy "Corazon
en Tiempo Clave" allows the band to stretch out and highlights
the tone of Bob's vibes and from the sound of things the audience
seems to approve of this one too. In the tradition of all great
toe-tapping tunes "Dangerous Curves" is one that will
have you moving. Listen to the piano vamp intro along with the
strong percussion work of Arnie Silva. "Si Como no"
is a perfect example of the "West Coast" sound--nice
and layed back with plenty of punch and swing. "El Camino
Real" reminds me of the Cal Tjader blend of Latin Jazz.
You will enjoy this up-beat groover.
Bob has definitely come on the Latin Jazz scene with a good
effort. This one needs to be in your collection. Check him out
and dig all that Latin Jazz.
Bob Desena Latin Jazz Band is
Bob De Sena- Vibes, Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Bob Luna- Piano
Paul Perez- Bass
Arnie Silva- Congas, Timbales & Percussion
Bobby Loya- Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Sonny Dovey- Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Lou Norman- Trombone
Billy Watson- Trombone
Dave Victorino- Baritone Sax & Flute
Dave Holland- Flute
A Gozar with Bob Desena! For more information on Bob Desena
visit him at his website at http://www.bobdesena.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
