Latin Jazz with an attitude
Rick Davies & Jazzismo
From the Big Apple, New York City
comes this exciting recording from Trombonist Rick Davies and
his Latin Jazz Sextet Jazzismo. Leader, Rick Davies received
his Ph.D from New York University with his dissertation on Cuban
Brass Performance. He has been the Musical Director for the Wayne
Gorbea Salsa Picante unit and this has helped in his approach
to playing Latin Jazz. His line of attack is to play with a swing
that is not only harmonic but also danceable. Rick has gained
his knowledge of the Latin scene by performing with heavies like
Tito Puente, Johnny Colon, Charlie Palmieri, Marc Anthony, Manny
Oquendo's Libre, Rey Reyes, Johnny Ray and Wayne Gorbea. He has
recorded on over one hundred albums and is slated to release
a book on the Afro-Cuban and Salsa brass tradition, which will
be available in 2002. If that isn't enough he has also performed
with the likes of Michael Jackson, Blondie and Wyclef Jean.
Salsa Strut features a seasoned crew of musicians. Sam
Furnace is heard on alto sax. His fiery sound can be found
in many recordings of the great Mongo Santamaria and Chico O'Farrill.
Vince Cherico is the group's drummer whose heavy-duty
work has also been featred with the Ray Barretto's New World
Spirit band and the Bronx Horns. Bassist Harvie Swartz
has recorded with many different Latin Jazz and Jazz artists.
His fabulous work with Ray Barretto, Ray Vega, Chris Washburne,
Bronx Horns and his own group Eye Contact have given him much
deserved recognition and critical acclaim. Juan Rodriguez
is the group's conguero and has a clean crisp sound. He has worked
with Bobby Sanabria and Wayne Gorbea. Featured on piano is Arturo
O'Farrill. He not only was the musical director for the Big
Band led by his father none other than the great Chico O'Farrill,
but, has recorded on his own and with many top acts in the Latin
Jazz world.
The music selected by Rick Davies and Jazzismo for Salsa Strut
is all-original and has a particular swing that could perhaps
be pleasing for both Jazz and Latin fans alike. Each tune possesses
its own identity and structure. The opening number and title
track "Salsa Strut" has danceable and Jazzy progressive
phrases with a heavy salsa based groove with superb solos from
Rick Davies, Arturo and Vince Cherico. "Tuno" is a
slower paced mambo with horn phrases and changing bridge. O'Farrill's
catchy vamp is heard as introduction to opening a battle exchange
between Rick and Sam. The tune then closes with a solid conga
solo from Juan Rodriguez. The only disappointment is the fade
right when things get cooking.
"Palladium Mozambique" is a bebop style son-montuno
that features a subtle bass solo from Swartz. Once again Sam
Furnace takes a progressive style solo and the tune closes with
Juan on congas. The next tune "Suave" is a danceable
Cha-Cha that has an attractive melody highlighting the harmonically
rich qualities of the band."Piedra" is a progressive
and jazzy 6/8 number that is full of creativity and depth including
some interesting use of the horn lines. Inspired by Rick's wife
Karen, "Lady K" is like listening to Billy Strayhorn
interpreting a bolero. "Minor Byrd" closes out the
session.
Rick Davis and his Latin Jazz unit of musicians deliver a
fine performance on Salsa Strut. Of noteworthy mention is the
spirited piano work of Arturo O'Farrill. This is music that is
not only danceable but also good for listening. If you enjoy
pure, clean and emotional music then by all means pick it up
and add it to your library.
For more information on Jazzismo check out their website at
www.jazzismo.com
By Erik "Chico" Manqueros
Contributing writer LatinJazzClub.com Magazine
Email: EManqueros@LatinJazzClub.com
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz
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