@Critical Jazz Reviews Una Mas
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Saturday, December 17, 2011
AfroBop Alliance Una Mas OA2 Records 2011
Musical stereotypes and labels attached to various genres and sub genres are musical road blocks set up by the recording industry to better package, pigeon hole and peddle their product. Latin jazz has the image of being foot to floor jam sessions that are so drenched in the appropriate culture that accessibility for others may be limited. Not here!
Balance. Musical symmetry is the corner stone of an impeccable Latin jazz recording that while distinctly Latin, steers clear of an over the top percussive sound and instead focuses attention on the more improvisational driven artistry of the band members. Dave Samuels makes an appearance on this release much in the same vein of the 2008 Carribbean Jazz Project and the Afro-Bop Alliance featuring Dave Samuels. Joining Samuels is pianist/composer Luis Perdomo to add a deeper and richer flavor to an ensemble that has now been together for a little over a decade.
What is Afro-Bop? Essentially a Latin derivative of Cubop mixing Afro-Cuban rhythms and harmonies with the more standard timbre of traditional Bebop. This amazing septet from Annapolis Maryland takes the rhythmic grooves of Cubop and adds just a splash of unique harmonic development and allow the soloist to literally drive the musical train. Una Mas as well as the rest of this Grammy nominated ensemble's music is true Latin fusion done with incredibly style and flair.
Opening with "Golpe de Cumaco" which is a conceptual/historical piece written by Perdomo and exploring the impressions of Afro-Venezuelan music as influenced by African slaves, AfroBop Alliance begins sitting the table for a rhythmic feast for the senses. "Golpe de Cumaco" is a textured rhythmic adventure which is punctuated by some colorful improvisation and shifting harmonic development throughout. The Joey Calerazzo tune "El Nino" is done with a passionate swing, a poly rhythmic groove that attacks on a purely visceral level. Fluid solos from Luis Hernandez on tenor saxophone and Harry Appelman on piano create musical intensity with a sense of purpose. Jazz for the feet. "Viva Cepeda" is a Cal Tjader tune that is pulled off with finesse and precision. An infectious beat with great soloists including Dave Samuels, "Viva Cepeda" is over flowing with vibrant sonic color. Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Kenton are perhaps the two "founding fathers" in terms of the development of these Latin jazz elements into the more traditional western improvisational setting. The AfroBop Alliance much like the music is evolving and developing on a regular and consistently high quality level.
Whether performing original work or putting their own spin on tunes from Dave Samuels, Benny Golson or Cal Tjader there is little room for doubt this is an ensemble at the very top of their game. Do they cut any new musical ground here? Not really. Cutting new ground or reinventing the musical wheel is not a necessity when you are the very best at what you do. A good chef, may tweak the spice slightly but not the overall preparation of the dish! A musical feast to savor!
posted by Joe McCarthy at
1:44 PM
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