These days, it is often the case to experience an ever growing hybrid of multi-cultural music influences that are always threatening to add and/or change the face of Jazz. Nothing of this is new, though. It is simply the natural evolutionary process especially within the Jazz Latino genre. That extensive musical melting pot can probably be felt and heard through the talent of three contemporary Latin musicians based out of New York, leader/bassist John Benitez, drummer Dafnis Prieto and pianist Luis Perdomo on their recording titled "Descarga In New York."

Although these young Jazzmen hale from different parts of the world, Benitez from Puerto Rico, Prieto from Cuba and Perdomo from Venezuela, it is not difficult to hear their able application to Jazz--some particular musical influences that are characteristic of their respected countries. But, the prevailing factor is no doubt, Jazz. And so, three worlds collide in New York as the John Benitez Trio set the Latin Jazz beat on it's feet. Also joining the trio are special guests saxophonist Ravi Coltrane and percussionist Richie Flores.

The session moves to a medium tempo rhythm variation on the first track titled "Nuevo Montuno" featuring a bass solo by Benitez and also includes a drum/percussion descarga solo. That pretty much sets the tone for the upcoming tracks which include various group configurations. Rather than a trio, this session should probably be considered a quartet as percussionist Flores is hear on most if not all of the tracks. Making for a total of 12 tracks, this CD features compositions by all three of the main players, a short descarga tune by Flores titled "Convergence", and three of the tracks composed by Vinny Valentino that include the first track mentioned above, plus "J Ben Jazz" and "Positano."

There's no questions that all participants on this CD are noteworthy musicians. Standing out from the pack is pianist Luis Perdomo whose playing and composition skills are exceptional. As evident here and his work with other notable musicians like saxophonist Jane Bunette and percussionist Marlon Simon, Perdomo is in serious contention to become one of the more important Jazz Latino pianist/composers in the next ten years. Ravi Coltrane also does an admirable job at blending his Jazz chops with the Latino fusion. Too bad he only plays on two tracks.

Benitez plays his bass aggressively. Although his knowledge of this music is solid, Benitez seems to lack character and soulfulness (something that will grow with maturity). Perhaps no fault of his, often times Benitez gets entangled within the rapid fire rhythm. In other words, there's so much high energy exhorted by the tandem of percussionist Flores and drummer Prieto leaving little room for virtually anyone else to breath. Of the two, Flores demonstrates almost no musical sensitivity to this music adding chaos with his continuos interposing licks and hits on the conga. No doubt he has great chops, perhaps trying to "be like Mike" (Giovanni Hidalgo). As far as this record is concerned, unlike Hidalgo, Flores demonstrates very little musical discipline within the context of this music. Prieto's style is similar to that of Dave Welkle, the famed drummer from Chick Corea's Electrik Band, thereby demonstrates much precision but overblows with super-imposing pyrotechnics on the drums and continuos unnecessary overuse of accents with the symbals over parts of the melodies. Over all, the band manages to groove, but there's a thin conflict clash of styles between percussion/drums and bass/piano. Regardless, this CD is a display of some good players to keep an eye for the future in Latin Jazz.

review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub Magazine

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