Ernesto Simpson All-Star Band and Yosvany Terry by Martin Cohen

“On October 18, 2009 renowned drummer, Ernesto Simpson brought an all-star band to my home on to perform a composition of his and Manuel Valera’s. With him for this date were Samuel Torres, conga; Yosvany Terry, soprano sax; Osmany Paredes, keyboard and Yunior Terry, bass.” Martin Cohen

Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet – Bien! Bien! (Patois Records 2009)

The music with clave that began with Machito’s “Tanga,” and George Russell’s “Cubana-Be Cubana-Bop” has come a long way. With clave in his soul, trombonist Wayne Wallace proves yet again on his record Bien Bien! that the cheer of the music is truly infectious. Wallace is rare among musicians who can “swing” as well as he can “clave.” He has that and all kinds of shuffle [...]

Emir Ersoy – Cuban Portrait (SFW Records 2009)

It should not, but it takes a several fleeting moments to get used to the idea that Cuban Portrait is a record by an accomplished Turkish pianist and musician, Emir Ersoy, who is partnered by other Turkish musicians. It should not and happily, these feelings fade away completely after the last three songs are heard. For the record, though, here is a thought [...]

Tom Lellis & the Metropole Orch. – Skylark (Adventure Music 2009)

On Skylark, Tom Lellis celebrates the grand age of singers and song. This was probably not his intention at all, but fortunately, it also turned out that way. Lellis is a fine singer, fashioned from quite the classic mould of singers – like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Barry Manilow. He is a narrative singer and as some of the best storytellers go, he has a wonderful intonation [...]

Samuel Quinto Trio – Salsa’ N Jazz (Self Published 2009)

There is something about this new Brasilian-born pianist, Samuel Quinto that strikes a vibrant chord in the inner ear. Perhaps it has to do with his wonderful grasp of the joy that abounds in the Brasilian northeast… his sense of “alegria.” Perhaps it also has to do with his mature approach, wonderful use of dynamics, his expression and his innate ability to allow the tonal center of his music [...]

Poncho Sanchez – Psychedelic Blues (Concord Records 2009)

Few Latin ensembles have continued to play with such elegance, swagger and irresistible sensuality as those put together by Poncho Sanchez for decades. The leader’s ability to wrap his chops around the blues, and keep swing and clave together with attractive simplicity is now quite legendary. At times Sanchez can also blend his bubbling Latin repertoire with forays into a [...]

Daniel Santiago – Metropole (Adventure Music 2009)

Daniel Santiago comes from a long and continuing line of renowned Brasilian guitarists. He has a lively and probing mind and the language of his guitar resonates with sparkling phrases, unusual syntax and an almost full-formed musical ideology. On Metropole, a thoughtful, questioning record, Santiago employs the distinct nature of being “Brasileiro” to explore his environment [...]

Benjamin Taubkin – Trio + 1 (Adventure Music 2009)

In music – even in a zone of sublime comfort – a small, unexpected ripple can distrub the ebb and flow of the wave, or groove thereby upsetting the complete sense and flow of the ocean of sound. This happens all the time, and can even stop and start a song in the middle of the first bar. That magical pulse must be felt even before the song begins. If it does not snap in the air [...]

Latin Jazz Network Radio – Jukebox – October 2009 Playlist

Jukebox – October 2009 Playlist: Poncho Sanchez, Wayne Wallace, Afrodisian Orchestra, Chembo Wilson Corniel, Ithamara Koorax & Juarez Moreira, Daniel Santiago, Amanda Martinez, Emir Ersoy, Fito Garcia, Gabriel Espinosa, Antonio Valdetaro e Grupo, Kristina, Johnny Conga, Claudio Roditi, Guaschará, Putumayo Presents Brazilian Cafe, Corina Bartra & Azu Project, Samuel Quinto Trio, Mark Weinstein/Omar Sosa, Emilio Teubal and La Balteuband.

Mark Weinstein/Omar Sosa – Tales from the Earth (2009)

Tales from the Earth by flutist, Mark Weinstein and pianist and vibraphonist Omar Sosa is one of the most extraordinary musical expeditions in a long time. The need for a subscript is not necessary. The extraordinary depth and ethereal beauty of the music would suffice. Nevertheless, one that subscript becomes evident then the music touches parts of the body that much music might not [...]