Latin Jazz with an attitude
Rick Davies & Jazzismo
From the Big Apple, New York City comes this exciting recording from Trombonist Rick Davies and his Latin Jazz Sextet Jazzismo. Leader, Rick Davies received his Ph.D from New York University with his dissertation on Cuban Brass Performance. He has been the Musical Director for the Wayne Gorbea Salsa Picante unit and this has helped in his approach to playing Latin Jazz. His line of attack is to play with a swing that is not only harmonic but also danceable. Rick has gained his knowledge of the Latin scene by performing with heavies like Tito Puente, Johnny Colon, Charlie Palmieri, Marc Anthony, Manny Oquendo's Libre, Rey Reyes, Johnny Ray and Wayne Gorbea. He has recorded on over one hundred albums and is slated to release a book on the Afro-Cuban and Salsa brass tradition, which will be available in 2002. If that isn't enough he has also performed with the likes of Michael Jackson, Blondie and Wyclef Jean.
Salsa Strut features a seasoned crew of musicians. Sam Furnace is heard on alto sax. His fiery sound can be found in many recordings of the great Mongo Santamaria and Chico O'Farrill. Vince Cherico is the group's drummer whose heavy-duty work has also been featred with the Ray Barretto's New World Spirit band and the Bronx Horns. Bassist Harvie Swartz has recorded with many different Latin Jazz and Jazz artists. His fabulous work with Ray Barretto, Ray Vega, Chris Washburne, Bronx Horns and his own group Eye Contact have given him much deserved recognition and critical acclaim. Juan Rodriguez is the group's conguero and has a clean crisp sound. He has worked with Bobby Sanabria and Wayne Gorbea. Featured on piano is Arturo O'Farrill. He not only was the musical director for the Big Band led by his father none other than the great Chico O'Farrill, but, has recorded on his own and with many top acts in the Latin Jazz world.
The music selected by Rick Davies and Jazzismo for Salsa Strut is all-original and has a particular swing that could perhaps be pleasing for both Jazz and Latin fans alike. Each tune possesses its own identity and structure. The opening number and title track "Salsa Strut" has danceable and Jazzy progressive phrases with a heavy salsa based groove with superb solos from Rick Davies, Arturo and Vince Cherico. "Tuno" is a slower paced mambo with horn phrases and changing bridge. O'Farrill's catchy vamp is heard as introduction to opening a battle exchange between Rick and Sam. The tune then closes with a solid conga solo from Juan Rodriguez. The only disappointment is the fade right when things get cooking.
"Palladium Mozambique" is a bebop style son-montuno that features a subtle bass solo from Swartz. Once again Sam Furnace takes a progressive style solo and the tune closes with Juan on congas. The next tune "Suave" is a danceable Cha-Cha that has an attractive melody highlighting the harmonically rich qualities of the band."Piedra" is a progressive and jazzy 6/8 number that is full of creativity and depth including some interesting use of the horn lines. Inspired by Rick's wife Karen, "Lady K" is like listening to Billy Strayhorn interpreting a bolero. "Minor Byrd" closes out the session.
Rick Davis and his Latin Jazz unit of musicians deliver a fine performance on Salsa Strut. Of noteworthy mention is the spirited piano work of Arturo O'Farrill. This is music that is not only danceable but also good for listening. If you enjoy pure, clean and emotional music then by all means pick it up and add it to your library.
For more information on Jazzismo check out their website at www.jazzismo.com