Pete Escovedo: Live! (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: May 6, 2003

Today, Pete Escovedo stands as one of the primary standard bearers of Latin jazz – along with Poncho Sanchez, Eddie Palmieri and Ray Barretto. At this live session recorded last summer in San Diego, the vibrant timbalero shows why – with nods to Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, and Azteca, the large Latin funk band that Escovedo co-led along with his brother Coke in the early 1970s. His children sit in with the band as emotions rise and fall with the powerful rhythms of fresh originals and familiar standards. Section work, ensemble counterpoint and individual improvisations intermingle. Percussion instruments take control.

The leader sets a festive mood with his bold timbale attitude; son Peter Michael sings in a welcome traditional style; daughter Sheila E. tears it up at the drum set; and son Juan Jose shapes the congas to fit each occasion. Wayne Wallace adds a lush trombone feature with “Pete Kelley’s Blues” and Robbie Kwock shines a bright trumpet on a majestic arrangement of “Viva Cepeda.” Pianists Joe Rotundi and Murray Low carry a major portion of the band’s kicking rhythmic drive. Toshi Yanagi offers a standout electric guitar solo on “Sunrise,” with a result that grooves deeply in a Santana mood. The session’s thrills are many: shimmering trumpets, celebratory voices, and poignant percussion. When four of the band’s members trade solos on “Whatcha Gonna Do,” then merge their spontaneous revolutions into one big fiesta, it’ll knock your socks off. Pete Escovedo’s highly recommended live session is just what the doctor ordered.

Track Listing: Esta Noche; La Cuna; Que Vivo Yo; Sunrise; La Piedra; The E Medley: Azteca Mozambique/Ah Ah/ Cueros; Pete Kelley

Personnel: Pete Escovedo- timbales, percussion, lead vocals, vocals; Sheila E.- drums, percussion, vocals; Peter Michael Escovedo- guiro, bell, vocals; Juan Escovedo- congas, vocals; Justo Almario- flute, saxophone; Melecio Magdaluyo- saxophone; Ramon Flores, Mario Gonzales, Louis Fasman, Robbie Kwock- trumpet; Arturo Velasco, Wayne Wallace, Dave Gregoric- trombone; Toshi Yanagi- guitar; Joe Rotundi, Murray Low- piano; Raymond McKinley, Mark Van Wageningen- bass; Paul Van Wageningen- drums; Errol Knowles- lead vocals, vocals.

Record Label: Concord Music Group
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream