Bobby Matos & John Santos
Mambo Jazz
Cubop Records
Two of the top bandleaders and
Afro Cuban practitioners have combined forces on an amazing display
of ideas and rhythms. Bobby Matos & John Santos are two names
that have long been known and recognized as the top in Latin
Jazz music. In this new project "Mambo Jazz" both are
able to exchange musical ideas and musicians to create one of
this years top recordings. They also included legendary percussionist
Orestes Vilato, Mr. Double W and Wayne Wallace on trombone.
It had been an idea that timbalero Bobby Matos had for awhile.
He had always thought of how much fun it would be to have a session
such as this and how he could get his long time amigo and fellow
Latin Jazz artist to make this idea a reality. Bobby Matos has
long been a well-respected veteran of the Los Angeles music scene
and has enjoyed success outside of the area through his recording
projects on Cubop Records. John Santos likewise has been a well-respected
musical pioneer in the Bay area and has had the pleasure of working
with the top names in the genre on the scene and in the recording
studio as well as leading his own explosive unit for many years
now.
In "Mambo Jazz" you will be treated to some fine
musicianship and a unique approach to the recording of the music
on the disc. Most of the tunes come from within both of the ensembles
and were recorded in one take or so. Not much overdubbing here,
just some enthusiastic and energetic Descarga type workouts.
The session also features a great poetry-mambo music number entitled
"I Don't Speak Spanish (But I understand when I'm dancing)."
It features some nice spoken word lead vocals by Denise Cook
who explains to us her musical dilemma. Very creative and swinging..!
The session here is a cooker and is a constant moving and swinging
effort. I especially enjoy the solos throughout. A prime example
of what great music is all about
I also like the tunes "Caminando", "Mambo Mona
mix X", "Nueva Diana" and the very nicely arranged
"Ya Se Ve." In the spirit of Cachao and the Descarga
the Jose Castellar composition "Cachao" will impress
you with its rhythmic quality and spoken word by Ismael "East"
Carlo.
This recording delighted me and I am sure that you will agree
that Bobby and John have shown to all of us fans of Latin Jazz
how it should be done.
For more information visit www.ubiquityrecords.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
