This CD is definitely on my short list for a
Latin Jazz grammy nomination. The whole package is first class; from the cover
design and liner notes to the great digital stereo quality and especially the
music.
Percussionist/vocalist Willie Martinez has made a great follow-up to
the group's debut CD, released a while back. I love the combination of trombone
and baritone for a horn section, backed up by a great latin jazz rhythm
section.
There's not a bad track on the CD.
Here at WDNA in Miami,
the Latin Jazz programmers seem to favor "Para Los Rumberos" for airplay. My
personal favorite is "Cayey"which Willie explained to me during an on-air
interview is dedicated to his abuelo,who was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico. It's a
swinging track that mixes latin jazz and plena.
There's a nice remake of
the classic tune "Sunny" with Willie singing in english that's getting airplay
on WDNA's straight ahead Jazz shows.
"Cosas Del Alma" is a jazz bolero
with Willie vocalizing in Spanish. I don't play many boleros on my shows, but I
play this one.
The sidemen (and woman) are all outstanding, yet mostly
unknown New York players who came together to record some great latin
jazz.
