Are you ready for some hot, tasty Latin Jazz? Sure you are. Are you ready to move and groove to the hip swinging sounds of a new group called MamboRama? I am highly convinced that once you hear this talented new group you will definitely be hooked. This debut recording from Mamborama is just what you need.

Being a Host of a Latin Jazz radio program, I am very fortunate to come across great recordings weekly. I especially enjoy hearing self-produced projects. In my opinion these recordings are some of the best due to the artist being able to stretch out and have fun. These guys as you will see are having some fun and then some.

Latin Jazz has enjoyed resurgence in recent times and the music has become popular worldwide. The hip and sophisticated sounds of Jazz mixed with pulsing Latin rhythms and Latin percussion makes our music (Latin Jazz) irresistible. I mean what is better than hearing the groove of a sweet melodic Cha-Cha or a driving Mambo? Not much. Speaking of Mamboís, you will hear some very hip swinging stuff here. This is not the synthetic type but the real deal! From the opening number ìCuba Te Llamaî you will be convinced.

What makes this such a great recording, note the word great, is that this is all original material. Leader and Pianist Bill Wolfer, delivers some wonderful hard driving material here. Complimented with a group of seasoned and well-tuned musicians this recording is destined to become a Latin Jazz classic. Check out the gorgeous mambo ìNadie Sabeî and the grooving Cha Cha ì La Noche en Habanaî you will be toe-tapping in no time flat. Keep your dancing chanclas ready though the rest of the CD swings! The suave ì Ritmo Ricoî and ìChocolateî will inspire you. L.A. Latin Jazz legend, Susie Hansen lends hear musical touch on a few tracks and she cooks.

The CD also features a strong percussion section headed up by Humberto ìNengueî Hernandez on Congas and Various percussion. Alan Diaz on drums is solid thought and I was very impressed by the Timbalero, Jimmy Branly. Although, I have not heard of him previous to this recording I know that this guy can play! Bill Saitta on bass is also very impressive.

The solid horn section of Rod Kokolj on Tenor Sax and Flute along with John Gronberg Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Luis Eric heard on trumpet on a few tracks, who incidentally is heard on the new Cuba L.A. recording DOS, will have you asking for more. A personal favorite of mine and long time Latin Jazz legend, Artie Webb is also on the disc and is a wonderful compliment to this swinging group.

Well what else can be said? I am not much for clichÈs especially the ones you have seen on liner notes that say ì Check this out or Play it loudî. However, in the Case of MamboRama I would have to say yes ìPlay it loud and Check it outî. Take it from me after the first note I was hooked. Enjoy.

For more information about MambRama check out their web-site at http://www.mamborama.com

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