Michael Simon – New York Encounter (Fresh Sound – 2009)

It is not obvious that Michael Simon is a native of Venezuela, who owes as much to that tradition as he does to the jazz one that he weaves in and out of. But then nothing is obvious about Michael Simon: not his trumpet-playing antecedents, nor his compositional ones, or who he follows—figuratively-speaking, of course. However, it is safe to say that his musical voice burns with a quiet fire, just like that of his brother, the pianist, Edward [...]

Diego Urcola Quartet – Appreciation (CAM Jazz/Sunnyside – 2011)

Diego Urcola’s is a voice that remained somewhat hidden—certainly tucked away—for two decades in Paquito D’Rivera’s quintet. And then there was the subdued role he played in Los Guachos, the fabulous larger ensemble. However the graceful candour of his voice is irrepressible and it was only a matter of time when he would be heard for what he really is and plays. Urcola is distinct and a singular artist in the manner of his more famous countryman Leandro [...]

Glenda Del E – Q-Ban Mixology (Self-Produced – 2010)

If Glenda del E succeeds in doing what she has set out to do with Q-Ban Mixology, she will be one of the few Cuban artists, who include the majestic Gloria Estefan, to meld disparate musical idioms with traditional Cuban ones in a popular metaphor. There is no name for this kind of music. The word “popular” has become so tainted because there is a good deal of over-produced music is thrust upon the listener and aficionado that real talent often passes [...]

Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orch – 40 Acres and a Burro

There may be a tongue-in-cheek aspect to Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra’s album, 40 Acres and a Burro (Zoho Music – 2011). The title suggests, as O’Farrill explains, the so-called “settlement” which newly-emancipated African Americans received at the end of the Civil War as well as the stereotypical manner in which the Latino population is viewed by the rest of the American population. But perhaps the State of the Union may not [...]

Mark Weinstein – Jazz Brasil (Jazzheads – 2010)

Mark Weinstein has quietly established himself as one of the most wildly inventive flutists in modern memory. He is also one of the finest virtuoso players in the entire spectrum of 20th and 21st century music. His only rivals may well be the late Eric Dolphy, the Canadians, Jane Bunnett and Bill McBirnie, and of course the great James Galway. Weinstein is radically different from Dolphy, who imparted a speech-like quality to his flute [...]

Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet – To Hear From There

Trombonist, Wayne Wallace is very probably one of the most melodic players on his instrument. And although he might inhabit a somewhat narrow range—eschewing the very high register—he is also one of the most expressive trombone players today. His husky tone is one of a kind and gives his playing tremendous character. Moreover, he is one of the few players who comfortable in virtually every idiom and this is something unique as it enables him to extend his playing [...]

Favorite Sons of Cuba and New Orleans explore the common roots of Jazz / Cuba Nola – More than the Spanish Tinge

Fresh from a triumphant trip to Cuba, Arturo O’ Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra kicked off their fourth season at Symphony Space with Cuba Nola – More Than the Spanish Tinge, a celebration of the music of New Orleans and Cuba and an exploration of the common roots of jazz [...]

Dave Holland & Pepe Habichuela – Hands (Dare2 Records – 2010)

The music on this album, Hands, featuring stellar turns primarily by Spanish guitarist, Pepe Habichuela and British-born bassist, Dave Holland is, quite simply, one of the most captivating on record. It is completely an alternative to style, to mere virtuosity to angelic grace and charm, as dictated by a muse. This music is the epitome of the darkly beautiful magnetism of duende. The music comes not from the hands and the fingers of the musicians [...]

Jovino Santos Neto – Veja o Som/See the Sound (Adventure Music)

There comes a time in the life of a pianist, when the lure of a solo project is strong and he or she inevitably gives in. Having thus satisfied the yearning the musician is struck by an even more daunting task: the thought of a duo program, made even more alluring when there is an opportunity to duet with more than one musician and instrumentalist. Such an extravagance is rarely passed up so it is no surprise to find the wonderful world of pianist Jovino [...]

Paquito D’Rivera with the Pablo Aslan Ensemble – Tango Jazz: Live at the Lincoln Center (Sunnyside Records – 2010)

One of the greatest love affairs in music is the one between folk music and dance. This extremely covert relationship has spilled over into contemporary music as well—more so in musical excursions in Europe (where even Igor Stravinsky sang its praises with compositions of his own) and in Latin America. One of the most beloved of all these affairs is the storied one of the tango, a voluptuous one between characters born in countries as far removed as [...]