Norman Hedman's Tropique
Taken by Surprise
Palmetto Records
Cool, Vibrant, Exotic and rhythmic
are the words I would use to describe the music of Norman Hedman
and his group Tropique. On this recording "Taken By Surprise"
Norman and the fellas will do just that and take you on a Latin
Jazz adventure that will expose you to their hip brand of music.
Norman has assembled a tight and swinging unit of musicians that
share the same drive of creating a new fresh sound. They keep
the music authentic and blend in rich harmonies that will have
your senses craving more.
Norman has been a top notch percussionist whose career has
spanned many years and taken him into different musical directions.
He has recorded and worked with some of the best in Jazz, Latin,
R&B and Pop the likes of Night Liters, The Main Ingredient,
Jean Carn, Monguito Santamaria and many others have given Norman
a wide range of experience and have allowed him to explore and
to now go in the direction he is in now, a Latin Jazz bag.
Having been influenced primarily by Mongo Santamaria and Armando
Peraza, the sound that Norman and his Tropique create is a mix
of sophisticated Jazz harmonies and grooving Latin beats that
give his group a fresh, new and exciting voice. I especially
enjoy the laid- back arrangements and instrumentation. The group
features some great improvisation and fine musicianship. Roger
Byam (Saxophone), AJ Mantis (Vibes), Craig Rivers (Flute), Ron
Monroe (Bass & Kalimba), Misha Tsyganov (Piano), Norman Hedman
(Congas) and Willie Martinez (Timbales) collectively create the
smooth sound on this great disc.
Each tune on this disc has it's own personality and is what
I love most about it. You can tell from the first tune that this
is one classy Latin Jazz CD. I mean, the balance, the arrangements,
the players all make this a very tasty effort.
The tunes that I especially enjoyed are "Rudy's Mambo"
, "That Unpredictable Eugene", "Pa Bailar",
"Just for Ruby" and the delicate "Rags to Riches."
The original tune from timbalero Willie Martinez that is sure
to be a standout is the tasty "Felicidad." This tune
also features guest players Sam Furnace (Alto Sax) and Chris
Hernandez on Maracas. Listen to the highly brilliant changes
and arrangement. I like it.
Another tune that in my opinion will be noted as a great one
is the highly energetic "The One I left Behind." It
once again features a bright arrangement and a great flute solo
from Craig Rivers, Sam Furnace on Alto Sax and the boss Norman
Hedman whose Conga solo is strong, yet so melodic. The percussion
section really brings out the beauty in this one.
I must say that this recording "Taken by Surprise"
will give you many hours of listening pleasure. Sophisticated
and hip, this is cool Latin Jazz so do yourself a favor and relax
with the sounds of Norman Hedman & Tropique. You will not
be disappointed.
For more information on Norman Hedman and his music. Check
out his website at www.normanhedman.com
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
