Mark Levine & the Latin Tinge
Serengeti
Left Coast Clave records
I am not sure
how it could be possible for the great Mark Levine to top last
year's release of "Hey it's me" but el maestro has.
In this brand new and excellent recording, Mark and the Latin
Tinge have picked up right where they left off. Mark's style
and absolutely gorgeous sound has become his trademark.
On this new effort "Serengeti", Mark keeps the groove
going with some delicious material that will have you agreeing
with me that Mark has created one great swinging style. This
recording features a little from everywhere and is one great
mix. Mark has always been involved with great recordings and
the masters of Latin Jazz and he has now clearly defined his
own sound with these 2 solo releases. I have always been an admirer
of his work and can't fully express my enthusiasm over these
2 strong efforts. I mean, having recorded with Luis Gasca, Mongo
Santamaria, Cal Tjader and Poncho Sanchez, that is history in
itself.
I strongly believe that Serengeti will go down as one of the
great Latin Jazz recordings of the year and will be talked about
for many years to come. Listen to how smooth the session starts
off with Mark's rendition of "Cha Cha Cha para mi Alma"
written by Saxophonist, Tony Martinez. This tune really highlights
Mark's smooth style and what an arrangement. Michael Spiro's
congas keep the tune in a nice Latin groove and both Peter Barshay
(bass) and Paul van Wageningen (Drums) keep the tune tight. Listen
to Paul's solo and hear what he has to say. The McCoy Tyner classic
"Effendi" is next and what a delight. The playing on
this great tune is solid and shows why Mark is among the best
in the business. Next, the band visits a Wayne Shorter tune "Angola"
that features the talents of Jose Luis Gomez on vocals. This
is a tasty number that has such a colorful and rich harmony.
Mark next features one of his original tunes originally recorded
with the great Cal Tjader, "Serengeti."
Listen to the catchy opening and hear the percussion section
open up. Mark then comes in with the tunes familiar phrase and
kicks things in gear. A very nice updated version of this already
classic tune. A tune that has quickly become a favorite of mine
is the pretty and delicate "Danzon Rio Sumida" that
was written by Jose Luis Cortes of NG La Banda. Listen to the
pretty melody and changes throughout. This is such a lovely tune
and fits right in with the tight sound of this fine ensemble
of players. This is what I like to call Latin Jazz to think by.
For this new disc Mark wanted to include a few tunes from the
book of the late great Joe Henderson. "A Shade of Jade"
and "Inner Urge" are two gorgeous tunes heard here
and get the full Latin Tinge treatment.
Mark and the Latin Tinge go a little brazillian with their
version of "Assum Branco" and this one is a nice one.
Listen to the tasty piano vamp and to the group as they sway
along with a cool groove. Another tune that will give you a great
example of the Latin tinge sound is "Mr. Natural" written
by Erik von Buchau. As it's title suggests, it is a "natural"
and features a great melodic feel. There are tunes that will
go down in history as good ones and there are those that are
a step above the rest. A perfect example of this is the Osvaldo
Farres, "Tres Palabras." Done hear as a gorgeous Jazz/Bolero,
Mark's soft playing is another perfect example of his virtuosity.
Only Mr. Levine could play this emotional and sophisticated tune
with such an attention to the character of the tune.
Closing out Serengeti is the flavorful "You're my everything."
The band moves along and helps this swinging tune swing even
more. It sounds like the band is having fun with this one and
I agree, what a piece to Latinize and give new life too. Stanley
Turrentine's "Sugar" is a Jazz classic that is given
a new Latin treatment here. Listen to the creative percussive
intro and you will here this band get down to it. I like the
way the band goes from straight ahead to Afro- Cuban. It gives
this great tune a whole new identity. Listen as the percussion
section close out the tune with a display of power and authenticity.
Well what more can I say except go out and check this real-deal
recording out. Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge boys have once
again created a rhythmic and dynamically correct recording. This
is some sweet sounding Latin Jazz.
For more information on Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge go
to www.marklevine.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
Also see "Hey'
It's Me!" review and interview
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