Tito Puente and friends
Rio 5 a.m. The Gathering
Label: Mambo City Records
MC 3001
There
are few cities in the world that maintain an intense fascination
and love for Latin music as in New York City. After all, Afro-Cuban
Jazz and "Salsa" first spawned in the street corners
and dance halls of "El Barrio" East Harlem and the
Bronx. Looking back in time some 80 years, the same thing can
be said of Brazil in terms of musical cultural and important
contributions to music. Thus, there's no dought that these two
places have provide enduring influences of song and rhythm for
generations to come. Of course, when we talk about the roots
of Latin music, one cannot continue without mentioning the genre's
most notable proponents--and there are many. However, few off
these master musicians stand out with the same reverence and
veneration perhaps equal only to Mozart, Beethoven, Parker, Miles
and Coltrane--one of the architects of Latin Jazz--musician Tito
Puente.
On the surface, Puente's musical legacy is highlighted in
over 100 recordings as a bandleader. But, for those that were
close the Puente, I'm sure that they'll tell you that there was
much more to this multi-talented musician with an extraordinary
gift for making music. But, equally impressive were his musical
collaborations stretching 60 years which included virtually all
the important master jazzmen and countless musicians transcending
vaious musical eras. One such recording, "Rio 5 a.m. The
Gathering" effectively captures a more gentler musical side
of Puente through his interpretation of Brazilian Jazz.
Originally recorded in 1968 at a studio in Brazil proceeding
the MardiGras Festivities, Puente and friends attempt to make
some Latin Jazz history by exploring the rhythm intricacies of
the Bossa Nova. The cast include: Bill Potts, Buddy Rich's pianist
and arranger; Zoot Sims, formerly of the Benny Goodman Orchestra
on sax; Richard Davis, formerly of the Miles Davis orchestra
on acoustic bass; drummer Mel Lewis, Tony Gottuso and Barry Galbreath,
guitar; Markey Markowitz on trumpet, and bandleaders Louis Ramirez
and Charlie Palmieri, as well as Chino Pozo on percussion.
The session maintains a smooth tone throughout which is characteristic
of the Bosa Nova style with some Latin Jazz tinges and swing
to boot. The group performs some originals and classic tunes
like Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Meditation", How Insensitive"
and "Forgetting You." Puente is heard mostly on vibes.
This CD has all the makings of a classic recording. Mambo
City Records is to be commended for a wonderful job of bringing
this musical gem to fruition. The sound quality is good. However,
the liner notes leave very little to be desired and offer almost
no information about the time and place especially the mood of
these master musicians at work--an important component that needs
to be related to the listening audience in such recordings. Beyond
that, Tito Puente and friends turn in a memorable performance.
Additional information at: www.mambocity.com
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub.com Magazine
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