Poncho Sanchez
Latin Spirits
Concord Picante
In this new
recording by Poncho Sanchez and his cream of the crop Latin Jazz
band, you will enjoy the power and creativity that Latin Jazz
music is all about. After all, the magic of Latin Jazz is in
the mix and rhythms. The music is full of swing, sabor (flavor)
and most of all character. Ever so demonstrated on this exciting
new release Latin Spirits. Poncho once again has given to us
his fans, a gorgeous recording full of surprises and he continues
to demonstrate why he has become a great ambassador for Latin
Jazz.
In this new project Poncho takes on a musical journey from
here to there and places in between. I especially enjoyed the
mix on this disc and I strongly recommend you pick a copy up
to see exactly what I mean. From the book of the great Machito,
Poncho starts us off on our journey with the Rene Hernandez composition
"Sambia." This one delivers a powerful mix of horns,
percussion and the all-important dash of elegance. What a great
driving mambo with solos from young gun Francisco Torres on trombone
and an absolute hard blowin trumpet take from Sal Cracchiolo,
who does it again. The tune closes out with an unmistakable solo
from Poncho who tears it up. Listen to the tasty arrangement
and colorful coros.
The next tune "Next Exit" is an original from Saxophonist,
Scott Martin. Scott takes on a trip down funk Ville and what
a delightful sound! David Torres on the Hammond B-3 organ gives
this one just the right touch of groove. The whole band is having
fun and so will you. Special guest the great Chick Corea offers
an outstanding original written especially for this session "Latin
Spirits", the title track. Poncho has done it again by inviting
this talented and highly respected pianist to the session. What
a pleasure to hear Chick in this style. Some of you may remember
that Chick performed in the 1960's with the great Mongo Santamaria
and recorded with Cal Tjader on his highly acclaimed Soul Burst.
It was also the great Chick Corea who can be heard on the early
1960's Willie Bobo album "Do That Thing/Guarija." In
that album, a very young Chick Corea can be heard playing some
straight ahead Latin tunes and helped out with the compositions
of "Chickadee", "Differente" and the Latin
Jazz staple "Guarija."
On Latin Spirits, Chick can also be heard and the Wayne Shorter
"Ju Ju." What would a Latin Jazz album be without a
bolero or two in the mix? Poncho has always been fond of the
great singers and interpreters like Tito Rodriguez, Cheo Feliciano,
Jimmy Sabater and Celia Cruz. He gives us an elegant rendition
of "Quieres Volver", a tune originally done by the
Joe Cuba Sextet and later by the great Willie Bobo. Listen to
the wonderful horn arrangement and strings a first for a Poncho
recording. I really enjoyed the soulful solos from Scott Martin
(Sax) and David Torres (Piano). Vocalist Dale Spalding adds a
touch of New Orleans funk with his outstanding effort on "Going
back to New Orleans." Guests Lon Price on Soprano Sax and
Tiki Pasillas on Timbales gives this one some real swing. Bay
Area vocalist Ledisi also adds to the groove with some spot scats.
This one is some serious New Orleans Gumbo with extra Salsita!
If you haven't had enough of the sweet grooving down home
funk, then listen to the soulful "On Time." David Torres
on the Hammond b-3 leads the vamp and Poncho and his congas follow
along with Francisco Torres on trombone. Keeping the tradition
of classics, Poncho and band deliver on the Tito Rodriguez "Batiri
Cha Cha." If you feel like getting up and throwing some
serious chanclas, by all means be my guest. Any connoisseur of
Tito Rodriguez's music will undoubtedly remember this one and
give their nod of approval. It always amazes me what affect the
classics have on folks and this one is nicely done.
Mellowing the mood is the stunning "The Things"
we did last summer that highlights the rich tone from Sal Cracchiolo"s
flugelhorn. On this standard, Sal reaffirms my belief that he
is one of the best in the business. What a beautiful job. Just
listen to the passion. David Torres adds a soft and gentle solo
that will melt your heart.
"Tito in the City" is next and what a brilliant
tribute to the king, Tito Puente. Listen as David Torres's composition
captures the spirit and sound of Tito's brand of Latin Jazz.
Listen how he adds the touches of Tito's "Picadillo",
"Ran Kan Kan" and "Mambo Diablo."
This great new disc closes with a bluesy "Early in the
Morning", a Louis Jordan original. Listen to the fine harmonica
work from Dale Spalding along with Tom Gargano on Bass, Bruce
Malament on Piano and James Gadson on Drums. This one is full
of funk and plenty of groove. I would have to classify this as
one happening cut !
As always, Poncho delivers some tasty hard driving Latin Jazz
with special treats and special guests all with the magic of
the Poncho Sanchez band. Latin Spirits is guaranteed to lift
your Latin Jazz spirits!
For more information on Poncho Sanchez check out his website
at www.ponchosanchez.com.
By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin
Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com
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