Mas Cabeza: E=Mas Cabeza2 (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: January 10, 2003

They’re a tight little band, but they purvey a loose groove within their Latin-jazz frameworks. Bassist Ezra Gale and keyboardist Patrick Morehead represent one-half of the high-octane, Northern California-based large ensemble Bitches Brew. However, with this quartet effort, the underlying Latin theme signifies a launching pad for spacey dreamscapes overlaid with pumping rhythms! Morehead implements a dirty Fender Rhodes sound, marked by oscillating lines. Drummer Pepe Jacobo handles the lead vocals (sung in Spanish) as this band’s hip approach cannot be understated. They incorporate odd-metered rhythms amid Ezra Gale’s psychedelic guitar voicings on the spunky “The Running.” The quartet even fuses a freaky dub vibe with hazy, fuzz induced guitars and ethereal effects on the finale, “Los Cabezones Dub.”

And while the group minces humorous anecdotes with serious craftsmanship, conga player Alan Rivera establishes the paradigm for many of these pieces. Moreover, the artists have a little fun as they playfully reconfigure the standard “All The Things You Are.” Creative minds at large here! Recommended....

Mas Cabeza

Track Listing: 1.Descarga Mas Cabeza 2.Son Las Tres 3.Afro Del Fuente 4.Songo Maestro 5.GMS ritmo 6.Sushi flower 7.the Running 8.All The Things You Are 9.Los Cabezones Dub

Personnel: Patrick Morehead: Rhodes keyboard, all synthesizers, acoustic guitars

Record Label: Independent Records
Style: Latin/World