The Magic of Los Angeles is Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars
Are you ready for some more? Well
if you are, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for Part 2 of
Jose Rizo's Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars. If you thought
Vol 1.was hot, you haven't heard anything yet. Just as in the
first edition, you will hear all these Latin Jazz legends jamming
at their very best.
To be honest with you, this recording has to be considered
as one of this year's best! I know it is still early in the year,
but this historic recording has to be given its due recognition.
On this very special night, these talents came together and played
their butts off! and BB Kings in Universal City was rocking with
the fever of Jazz Latino. With every note played you can hear
the intensity and command each musico had that night. Most certainly
when you hear the tunes on this disc you will agree that this
is some high energy Latin Jazz.
On this disc you will once again be exposed to the talents
of Jose Rizo who not only produced the session but also composed
4 of the tunes. As in Volume 1 these tunes were created for this
special night and were debuted for the first time. As with most
live Descarga or All Star sessions the tunes are almost always
a standard tune which everyone has played more than a few times
in their career. In this session, the tunes were arranged and
rehearsed before hand. Which is simply amazing and is one of
the reasons this recording is so exciting.
The first tune is "Descarga Borgers" which was composed
by Jose as a tribute to the Borgers team at KLON. Helen Borgers,
the popular and personable midday host at KLON and her knowledgeable
and respected brother Ken Borgers. Listen to the hard driving
guaracha piano intro by Joe Rotundi, it catches your attention
real quick. The horns fall in and help move the tune along. Francisco
Torres nicely arranged the tune with fine solos by Ramon Banda
(Timbales), Sal Cracchiolo (Trumpet) and Arturo Velasco (Trombone).
Next is funky and grooving Jazz on the Latin Side. Mmmm is
this tune nice. Listen to the voices of Asdru Sierra (Ozomatli),
Louie Perez (Los Lobos) and Freddy Crespo as they tell the story
of Jose's radio program "Dance to the beat of the Conga
Drum, Jazz on the Latin Side." As the tune progresses you
are treated to some great performances from Poncho Sanchez (Congas),
Juan Carlos Quintero (Guitar), Ramon Flores (Trumpet) and a new
young gun on the scene Francisco Torres on Trombone. The all-stars
then change direction and do their rendition of an Orquesta Broadway
classic "Presentimiento." This delightful Charanga
features some lovely flute work in the typical feel from Danilo
Lozano and Susie Hansen adds her special virtuosity on violin.
"What If" is a tune composed by Francisco Torres,
which is done in a 6/8 feel and captures some tight interplay
between all the participants. Francisco Aguabella is on Bata
Drum and listen to his solo....whew! This one is filled with
rhythm from beginning to end. Rene Camacho's bass is straight
ahead and leads the rest of the band to an explosive piece of
Latin Jazz. Listen to the power that Poncho exudes on Congas
and to the sweet tone of Justo Almario on Sax. "Mambo Niles"
is dedicated with mucho carino and respect to the one and only
Jazz radio legend, Chuck Niles a.k.a. Carlitos Niles as his is
known to Latin Jazz fans. This tune is a classy as its honoree.
A very melodic mambo with all the swing of Jazz! Together with
a great coro the tune is highlighted by the Conga solo of Poncho
Sanchez, Sal Cracchiolo (Trumpet), Alex Acuna (Drums). Having
listened to the great Chuck Niles for many years I am so glad
that this tune was dedicated to him. His voice, professionalism,
knowledge, stories, sense of humor and selection of material
is what makes this man a Legend. Hip and swinging just like Chuck!
To close off this night of music Jose's composition "McKibbon"
walks the talk. A 20-minute long excursion into Latin Jazzville
with the legendary figure of Latin Jazz Al Mckibbon leading the
way with his classic style on the bass. As Jose mentions in the
liner-notes, "His 365 year old bass is probably the one
common denominator in the history of Latin Jazz." Al has
been apart and involved with so many great contributions from
the 40's to the present. He was recently nominated for a Latin
Jazz Grammy with his CD for Blue Lady Records entitled "Para
Los Congueros de Mi Vida." He was part of the legendary
band that Cal Tjader had in the late fifties/early sixties and
recorded with Mongo Santamaria, George Shearing, The Jazz Crusaders
and so many more. This tune is a mixture of so many ideas and
rhythms. Led by the tasty piano work of Joe Rotundi and a hip
horn arrangement, this tune esta pero Sabroso! Everyone gets
a chance to solo here with an especially intriguing one from
Alex Acuna on Cajas (Peruvian Wooden box).
One thing is for sure this is not a lightweight recording
and if you have a heart condition you may want to consult your
doctor before listening. Otherwise, if you are feeling blue and
tired of the same old thing I recommend a heavy dosage of Jazz
on the Latin Side Vol.2. Don't call your doctor in the morning,
call all your Latin Jazz amigos and tell them of this amazing
recording.
Enjoy.
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
