The Excellent Latin soul jazz sounds of Grupo X
Grupo X is one swinging unit!
I first heard of this talented group of London Latin Jazzers
on the Cubop records release Viva Cubop Vol.2. The two tunes
that were selected for that compilation were out of this world.
I began to think to myself "Mmm, I better find out more
about these cats." The sound that they have created is a
tasty blend of Latin, Jazz, soul and just the right touch of
boogaloo. This is party music without a doubt. The tunes on this
their debut recording X-Posure will have you bailando all over
and have you asking for more.
If you remember and enjoyed as I do all the swinging groups
from the mid 1960's and early 70's, Grupo X will quickly become
one of your favorites. I can't help but be reminded of all the
creative and tasty material that was coming out of New York during
the Latin soul / boogaloo era. The music of Joe Bataan, Johnny
Colon, Joe Cuba, Eddie Palmieri, Pete Rodriguez, The Latinaires,
Willie Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, Ocho and many others introduced
Latin music to a wider audience with it's appealing mix of Latin,
soul and R&B. Many traditionalists seem not to want to remember
this period in Latin music and even the great Tito Puente was
quoted as saying, "the boogaloo stunk." However, the
sounds and groups of this time inspired and created a new sound
as well as a new dance known as the boogaloo. A mixing of Jazz,
R&B, soul and Latin rhythm.
Grupo X has backed such notable Latin Jazz talents like Bobby
Matos, Johnny Blas, Jack Costanzo, Alfredo Rodriguez, Jimmy Bosch
and legendary vibes master Dave Pike. Make no mistake, Grupo
X is here and on the scene with their own energetic sound. What
is especially hip is that all the tunes on this release come
from within the group. All original swinging and cool Latin Jazz
with a London flavor.
The members that come together to form Grupo X are all top-notch
and make this recording an instant classic. Jonny Enright (trombone
& background vocals), Finn Peters (alto sax & flute),
Jimmy Le Messurier (timbales, bell, cajon, background vocals),
Pete Eckford (congas, bongos), John Crawford (Fender Rhodes),
Simon Edwards (bass), Carlos Pena (vocals, maracas & guiro)
and invited guests Lisa Millet (vocals), Roger Beaujolais (vibes),
Sean Corby (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Listen to the vibrant vocals of Lisa Millet on the opening
Latin Soul number "Brand New Love." This is what the
Grupo X sound is all about, very nice and adds a touch of elegance
to this line-up of all ready grooving tunes. If you like straight
ahead mambo riffs check out the elegant "Why?" and
"The X-Factor" which feature the classy sound of Roger
Beaujolais's vibes. Roger has been apart of London music scene
for many years now with his own Latin Jazz group The Beaujolais
Band and his acid Jazz sounding Vibraphonic. I like his style
on the vibes.
No question, the tunes "Jonny's Bugalu" and "Mi
Tumbao" both cook and are heavily influenced by the Nuyorican
sound. I like the break in "Jonny's Bugalu" and you
will too. It almost takes on a new life and swings with some
hard edge Latin groove. I would definitely categorize this one
as a party tune. I also like the tune "X-Posure", the
title track. This one was co-written by timbalero Jimmy LeMessurier
and trombonist Johnny Enright. It is a funky-style mozambique
and lets the group get creative. If you like rumba mixed with
your Jazz you will dig "Guanguanco en Chicago Chico"
which is a pure drive of Afro-Cuban. I really dig "Eye 2
Eye" which is the kind of tune that mixes the soul of James
Brown, the groove of the band War and the right punch of Latin
ala Poncho Sanchez. Man is this a great tune. Listen to the great
solos on trombone by Johnny Enright and Alto Sax by Finn Peters--hip
stuff! I heard this tune and got up and shaked my booty all over
and you will too. If you don't move to the groove that Grupo
X has created on this one you might as well pack it in.
Grupo X has become a favorite in the UK and I can't wait to
check them out live myself. The Latin Jazz world has added into
its ranks a new group with all the makings of a winner. I introduce
to you Grupo X check them out--y a gozar!
For more information on Grupo X check out their website at
http://www.grupo-x.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
