11 Jul
Blue Tres by Benjamin Lapidus
Sunday, 11 July 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Often confused for Puerto Rican, Guitarist and Tres Virtuoso Benjamin Lapidus is in fact from a second generation Jewish European family, but he grew up in what he says is …
09 Jul
Acoustic Vineyard by Bryan Lubeck
Friday, 09 July 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Bryan Lubeck is well known throughout the Chicago jazz scene as one of the sharpest flamenco guitarists around, and his schedule reflects the fact. On his latest full lengt…
09 Jul
Havana Blues Mambo by Pablo Menendez
Friday, 09 July 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Best known for his internationally recognized Afro-Cuban Septet Mezcala, Pablo Menendez is arguably one of the most recognized Cuban guitarists of this era. Born in Oakland…
02 Jul
Extreme Heat by Pat Longo & His Latin/Jazz Big Band
Friday, 02 July 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Ever since Harry James encouraged him to form his own band in 1978, Pat Longo has been entertaining much of the royalty of the Southern California entertainment kingdom, in…
02 Jul
Melancolía by Proyecto Manuel Valera
Friday, 02 July 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Just as hands are wrung about the future of jazz, particularly as pioneers of the art form pass, along comes another jazz artist, not to fill the void, but to augment with …
Havana born Latin music legends Candido Camero and Graciela are two of the last survivors of the Cubop movement of the late "40s which fused Cuban ...
25 Jun
Journey Into The Fourteenth Hour by Anna Maria Flechero
Friday, 25 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Every now and again, there comes an album that fulfills all the requirements of what can be considered as emotionally satisfying music, especially in the realm of vocal jaz…
24 Jun
Latin Fire by Rebeca Mauleon
Thursday, 24 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Hot Latin that is just so very cool with a touch of pure feminine energy that pulsates with every note. This is an extraordinary effort traveling in so many different direc…
21 Jun
Revelación by Michael Simon & Roots United
Monday, 21 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
"Music is your own experience, your own thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. Charlie Parker spoke these words decades ago, howeve…
19 Jun
A Little Bit Of Brasil by Brazilian Trombone Ensemble
Saturday, 19 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
I've never considered the trombone particularly characteristic of Brazilian music, nor can I remember encountering a assemblage of six trombones outside a marching band, bu…
12 Jun
Havana Blues Mambo by Pablo Menendez
Saturday, 12 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Latino jazz guitarist Pablo Menendez gives us an alchemist's mixture of all the solid elements that make up strong jazz.......Blues, Afro-Cuban, Latin, et al. His music is …
08 Jun
Instant Party by Poncho Sanchez
Tuesday, 08 June 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Concord Records continues to build its Instant Party series with one of the label’s musicians whose very presence on a bandstand creates an instant party, no matter …
28 May
Land of the Sun by Charlie Haden
Friday, 28 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Back in 2001 (has it really been that long already?), bassist Charlie Haden released Nocturne, his finest album since 1992’s Haunted Heart. With a mostly Cuba…
22 May
Focus Point by Luis Perdomo
Saturday, 22 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
With an amalgam of his totally consummate choice of jazz musicians, jazz pianist Luis Perdomo embarks on his take of the world of Latin & bebop. Luis & his group perform wi…
22 May
About The Monks by Dafnis Prieto
Saturday, 22 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Cuban born drummer Dafnis Prieto displays his wonderful Latin culture with his debut CD project, 'About The Monks.' Prieto & his sidemen, compel us to 'drink in' their musi…
14 May
Let It Go by Jeno Somlai
Friday, 14 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
I can think of no better preparation for a Jazz pianist than the study of Drums, after all piano is a percussion instrument. Drummer Jeno Somlai began seriously studying th…
10 May
Poncho At Montreux (DVD) by Poncho Sanchez
Monday, 10 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
If you are a Poncho Sanchez fan, you will want to get a copy of this DVD. This DVD was recorded live at Montreux. One hour and twenty minutes of great Latin jazz performanc…
10 May
Evolution by Jeff Niess
Monday, 10 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Coinciding with the unabated expansion of Latin music’s popularity within the United States, Mambo Maniacs Records, a small label based in New Jersey dedicated to the highe…
02 May
Rocksteady by Monty Alexander with Ernest Ranglin
Sunday, 02 May 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Monty Alexander is always a delight to listen to. His piano stylings and techniques place him at the front of contemporary jazz pianists. This very nice collection feat…
30 Apr
Sin Palabras (without words) by Nestor Torres
Friday, 30 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
A memorable encounter with the musical genius Nestor Torres and his enchanting jazz flute music make this an enjoyable listening experience. This is a CD collection you wil…
24 Apr
While The Music Lasts by Jesse Harris
Saturday, 24 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
As I listened to "While the Music Lasts" by Jesse Harris and the Ferdinandos, I was taken to another place where the world is black and white and on a hot humid day, someon…
22 Apr
Last Tango In Rio by Gabriela Anders
Thursday, 22 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Soft, smooth, dream-like Gabriela Anders delivers sweet renditions of Billie Holiday classics as well as Anders’ originals.Subtle Latino, Brazilian tempo provided by Por…
17 Apr
Origami by Paul Serrato
Saturday, 17 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Pianist and composer Paul Serrato is an impassioned and blithe spirit who is dancing with fervor into his sixth decade, rich with a backlog of unrecorded music and a lifeti…
16 Apr
Instant Party by Poncho Sanchez
Friday, 16 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Poncho Sanchez serves up a feast of fine sound in this collection. Joined by some of the best jazz musicians in the business, he excels with this unique collection of sound…
06 Apr
The Best of the Concord Years by Cal Tjader
Tuesday, 06 April 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Cal Tjader (1925-1982) was not exactly a cutting-edge innovator, but as a bandleader, composer, and vibist he did a great deal to bring jazz and Latin elements together lon…
30 Mar
The Colors of Latin Jazz: Musica Romantica by Various Artists
Tuesday, 30 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
For those who enjoy romantic Latin jazz, this collection is the perfect choice. There are ten selections on the CD. Among the listening gems are such songs as "Sophisticate…
21 Mar
Tribute by Tony Lujan
Sunday, 21 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Though born in New Mexico, where he first started playing trumpet in his father’s mariachi band, Tony Lujan has developed the versatility, combined with a feel for the nume…
18 Mar
My Music, My Friends, My Time by Oskar Cartaya
Thursday, 18 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Bassist Oskar Cartaya’s first release as a leader is an all-out throw-down that deserves to send the bassist into wider popular recognition with audiences in the jazz and L…
17 Mar
The Colors of Latin Jazz: Latin Jam! by Various Artists
Wednesday, 17 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
This is a winning collection of Latin jazz, and for those who like a fine Latin jam session, this is the one to take home from the CD store! Great and lively, this collecti…
14 Mar
My Music My Friends My Time by Oskar Cartaya
Sunday, 14 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Latino intensity was never so feverishly served up in musical form as from the composition and imagination of one Oskar Cartaya. With a mesmerizing mixture of jazz and funk…
11 Mar
Rides Again by Trio Mundo
Thursday, 11 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
I guess the best way to describe this stunning quartet, is tosuggest that maybe they delve into a new idiom we might call: Island Bebop!! There's something nouveau here, so…
09 Mar
Italuba by Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez
Tuesday, 09 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Horatio "El Negro" Hernandez has been busy drumming from the second day of his arrival in the United States in 1993. On that day, he joined Paquito D’Rivera in recording
08 Mar
The Colors Of Latin Jazz: Cha Cha Soul! by Various Artists
Monday, 08 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Concord Records has developed quite a series of CD’s devoted to Latin jazz under the Picante name, one of the offshoots of Concord’s recording activities after founder Carl…
06 Mar
Latin Jazz fantasy by Bill O'Connell
Saturday, 06 March 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Bam!! Kapow!!! Right in your face!!!! Jazz pianist Bill O'Connellcreates for us a fusion/bebop oriented project, & he bares it all. The strings adder is a agreeable counter…
24 Feb
Squeeze, Squeeze by Ray Vega
Tuesday, 24 February 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
A native of the South Bronx, Ray Vega is a veteran of salsa and Latin jazz bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Celia Cruz and Mongo Santamaria, among others. A multi-talent…
21 Feb
Rojo Vivo by Wilson Suarez
Saturday, 21 February 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Hot, Halapeno style, latino jazz...........Vocalist Wilson Suarez & The Planet Groove latin group sweeps you up into their musical web fast, instructing us in earnest as to…
21 Feb
Party At Puentes Place by Tito Puente
Saturday, 21 February 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
When Tito Puente passed away in May of 2000, the world of Latin music lost a true giant, indeed, he was billed variously as the "King of Latin Music," the "King of Mambo," …
07 Feb
Another Kind Of Blue: The Latin Side Of Miles Davis by Conrad Herwig
Saturday, 07 February 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
The release of Conrad Herwig’s tribute, and reinterpretation, of Miles Davis’ music encountered the fortunate coincidence of timing for the broad distribution of the Blue N…
07 Feb
Out of Sight by Poncho Sanchez
Saturday, 07 February 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
In the Pop world both Usher and Prince are calling for a return to R&B grooves in their latest CD’s. It happens in Reggae with a periodic call to return to roots. It happen…
30 Jan
Sin Palabras (without words) by Nestor Torres
Friday, 30 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Jazz flutist and Latin Grammy Award winner Nestor Torres has been captivating audiences with his eclectic mix of Latin, jazz and pop sounds for more than 15 years. Born in …
30 Jan
Sin Palabras (without words) by Nestor Torres
Friday, 30 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Re-launching his career, after a severe boating accident nearly killed him, Nestor Torres is back in full swing with Sin Palabras.This exciting CD begins with a p…
27 Jan
Ceremonial by Miguel Zenon
Tuesday, 27 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Seeing that this was a new release from Brandford Marsalis' label, I knew that Miguel Zenon's CD, "Ceremonial", was going to be different. I wasn't disappointed...and I was…
27 Jan
Sin Palabras (without words) by Nestor Torres
Tuesday, 27 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Jazz flautist Nestor Torres expands his trademark Latin sound with this new project, mixing more pop and R&B influences into the mix, with very satisfying results. Producer…
22 Jan
Tribute by Tony Lujan
Thursday, 22 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
There is a hexagram in the I Ching called " The Well" which refers to returning to the source for renewal. Tony Lujan's newest release "Tribute", which pays homage to the g…
13 Jan
Rocksteady by Monty Alexander with Ernest Ranglin
Tuesday, 13 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Having solidly established his reputation as an invigorating jazz pianist, whose primary objective in every performance is to engage the audience in his music, Monty Alexan…
03 Jan
Party At Puentes Place by Tito Puente
Saturday, 03 January 2004
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
If you are new to the lively sound of Tito Puente, or wishing to introduce a friend to his music, PARTY AT PUENTE'S PLACE is one of the most entertaining introductions avai…
31 Dec
Out of Sight by Poncho Sanchez
Wednesday, 31 December 2003
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Jazz music is all about change and tradition. Through 103 years of transition, the legacy of the genre has been passed on to a countless number of generations. This include…
31 Dec
Out of Sight by Poncho Sanchez
Wednesday, 31 December 2003
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
Poncho Sanchez always delights and entertains with each release, and his OUT OF SIGHT is sure to be a winner among jazz listeners. This is one of his finest releases. T…
02 Dec
Back With Sweet Passion by Andrea Brachfeld & Son Charanga
Tuesday, 02 December 2003
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
A great mixture of Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban Charanga sounds, this album transcends all previous attempts to fuse the two genres.Andrea Brachfeld, in this CD, shows why …
01 Dec
Isla by Mark Levine & The Latin Tinge
Monday, 01 December 2003
Published in
Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD Reviews
I love this CD even more than the band's first two which were just great. Anyone who says that non-Latin musicians can't play Latin jazz authentically are wrong, wrong, wro…