Tradition and Style
Caribbean Jazz Project
Paraiso
Concord Records
Latin Jazz / Afro-Cuban
/ Caribbean Jazz are all titles that may be used for describing
the melding of sophisticated Jazz melodies and improvisation
with Latin rhythms. The hybrid of the best of Jazz and Latin
that has become more commonly known as "Latin Jazz"
has brought forth some highly noted collaboration over the years.
Such pioneers as Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Mongo
Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Eddie Cano, Poncho Sanchez and so many
more have helped the growth and development of the sounds of
Latin Jazz. Their contributions and the efforts of so many others
have made Latin Jazz the popular and sophisticated genre it is
today.
Another group that is adding and certainly providing their
own unique contribution to the world of Latin Jazz is the Caribbean
Jazz Project. The three main principles are Dave Valentin (flute),
Steve Kahn (guitar), Dave Samuels (vibes & marimba) are all
outstanding musicians of their respective instruments and leaders
of their own groups. In this new recording you will hear the
essence of their love for Latin music and its strong association
with Jazz. The interaction and ability of these three talents
to come together and play this style is truly amazing. The sound
that they have created is out of hard work, dedication and respect
for the music's rich tradition.
I personally fell in love with this recording from the first
time I played it. It is by far thee best recording the Caribbean
Jazz Project has turned out to date. Dave Samuels originally
formed the band in 1995 with Paquito DíRivera (Sax) and
Andy Narrell (Steel Pans), since then the group was reformed
over a year ago and artistically has to be the strongest. This
recording Paraiso marks the second with this trio. Their first
effort on Concord was released early in 2000 and was titles New
Horizons. The CD also featured such notable sidemen as Richie
Flores (Percussion) and John Benitez (Bass). The CD was widely
acclaimed and featured some signature originals as "Descarga
Canelon" and "Charanga Si Si."
This new recording draws from the energy and artistic creativity
these talented musicians posses and they have added some special
touches by inviting the likes of Poncho Sanchez (Congas), Conrad
Herwig (Trombone) and the top notch Ray Vega (flugel horn). Having
these stellar standout musicians along for the ride adds the
right punch to the effort and makes this one a must have!
Joining the CJP on this exciting new recording are newcomer
Dafnis Prieto on timbales and drums, Ruben Rodriguez on bass,
Luisito Quintero on timbales and percussion and the always steady
and exciting Richie Flores on Congas.
The tunes that I especially dug were the renditions of "Naima"
done as a nice Cha-Cha with soft Jazz touches, "El Tacano",
"Jamboree" a Dave Samuels original, and the upbeat
"Ca-ni-moî with its touches of "Hong Kong Mambo"
ala Tito Puente.
All the tunes have much to offer and will satisfy both the
Latin and Jazz music aficionado.
Stellar musicianship and style makes this recording Paraiso
one tasty treat.
For more information at www.concordrecords.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
