The Mellow & Romantic Side of Latin Jazz with Bobby Rodriguez

In today"s fast paced society it is easy to sometimes forget the finer things in life. This is especially true with music. Music nowadays for the most part, has become who can play faster and louder. Well in Latin music, particular Latin Jazz, there is so much passion. I mean, listen to a saxophonist or any instrumentalist as they pour out their feelings while taking a solo. You can also note this passion in the way musicians approach their music.

Some choose to play tunes that evoke certain feelings or thoughts. Some choose their material because it might have been a tune that at that certain moment made them feel something special inside. I have met many musicians who have told me they can remember the first time they heard a particular tune and how it made them feel. Whether it inspired them to learn the tune or it moved them, it sparked a deep feeling.

Well, with this new effort by trumpeter Bobby Rodriguez, emotions and feelings of inspiration will captivate your soul. Latin Jazz Romance is a recording that is soulful, creative and oh so romantic. To look up the word "romance" in the dictionary it is defined as "a story of love, adventure, etc." Bobby has without a doubt, compiled a collection of tunes here that will tell stories of love and adventure. These tunes are filled with stories and are told with emotion. Being a connoisseur of Boleros or Ballads, I love the material on this disc. I can remember at an early age hearing the sounds of Trio Los Panchos, Los Tres Ases, Tito Rodriguez, Joe Cuba and many others playing a slower style of music. I was captivated and later learned that these slower tunes were Boleros, songs of Love and passion. I was hooked and there is no comparison to the soul fullness of a gorgeous bolero whether dancing cheek to cheek with my sweetie of just sitting back and saying "asi es."

Latin Jazz Romance is just what this world needs. Classic, passion filled music performed by one of the class acts in Latin Jazz Mr. Bobby Rodriguez. I mean, from the first note to the last Bobby and his group will have you floating on a cloud, the cloud of romance. Traditionally, most good Latin Jazz albums have contained a mixture of standards and originals that are interpreted in the rhythms of Mambo, Bossa Nova, Guaguanco, Guarija, Cha-Cha or as a Bolero.

What Bobby has done with this recording is something truly amazing. He has reached deep into his heart and decided to share with all of us, tunes that speak the universal language of Love. Take for instance the titles and you will see what I mean. "Contigo Aprendi", "El Reloj", "La Puerta", "Historia de un Amor", "Amaneci en tu Brazos", "Solamente Una Vez", "Delirio", the classic and treasured "Voy a Pagar La Luz" and one of the greatest love songs ever composed "Sabor A Mi". Bobby also chose to record some other classic tunes like "Flamingo" with its touch of tenderness. "Manana De Carnaval" composed by the legendary Luis Bonfa is beautifully interpreted as a fine Bossa Nova. This tune is a work of art!

Bobby continues this session with 2 original tunes "Lady Yvonne" dedicated to his lovely wife and a tune that is really one of the most romantic Cha-Cha's I have ever heard "Luz De La Luna." I am crazy about this tune! Translated Moonlight, this one has to be one of Bobby's best compositions ever and it adds just the right touch of suaveness to this recording. Listen to Bobby's inspired playing on the Flugelhorn. This tune is just the right one for that romantic candlelight dinner with your special someone.

This recording has classic written all over it. Check out the beautiful accompaniment that Bobby has from talents like Peter Gordon (Flute), Serge Kasimoff (Keyboards), Rene Camacho (Bass), Andy Abad-Garcia (Guitar), Richie Gajate-Garcia (Congas), Steve Gutierrez (Drums) and Yvonne De Bourbon-Rodriguez Öyes his wife on hand percussion. These hand-picked musicos add to the magic of Bobby's music.

What a pleasure it is to listen to a collection of songs that are as classic as the performer. Bobby Rodriguez, I say gracias amigo. Gracias for sharing your talents and for giving us such a classy and sophisticated recording of some of the greatest Latino love songs ever composed. Only you could have given us Latin Jazz Romance. Who knows maybe another Grammy nomination is on the horizon for this effort. As with a glass of fine wine, enjoy this one slowly and with someone you love.

For more information on Bobby Rodriguez and Latin Jazz Romance check out his web-site at www.bobbyrodriguez.com

By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com