Carlos Jimenez & Mambo Dulcet: Red Tailed Hawk (2012)

Edward Blanco

CD/DVD Reviewer since 2005

Ed has been a jazz fan for 35 years and hosts a jazz radio program at WDNA 88.9 FM.

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Published: February 20, 2012

Carlos Jimenez & Mambo Dulcet: Red Tailed Hawk

Lively danceable Latin music comes alive on flautist Carlos Jimenez and his Mambo Dulcet band's Red Tailed Hawk, presenting six originals and four covers on a landscape of hot Afro-Cuban rhythms. Jimenez and his group navigate through the high flying winds of the genre, incorporating elements of salsa and jazz in a decidedly shoulder-moving session of Latin beats. Like fellow jazz man Mark Weinstein Mark Weinstein

flute , Jimenez has become a flautist of note and a new exponent of the genre. With this swinging affair, Jimenez takes another leap forward in cementing his well-deserved reputation as a talented composer and skilled player.

Red Tailed Hawk's spicy Afro-Cuban sound is evident right from the opening "Tanto Rogarte." Drenched in Latin rhythms, Jimenez tees off with one burst after another, joined by pianist/vocalist Edy Martinez, timbalist George Cintron and cuongero Roberto Juan Rodriguez Roberto Juan Rodriguez
in a sample of what's to come. Jimenez is quite a vocalist in his own right and displays this side of his talent on "Goza Nena," the lengthy "Alma Con Alma," "La Playa," and a Latin-tinged treatment of the jazz standard "My One & Only Love."

The jazz influence shines through on the title track, with beautiful instrumentals provided by Jimenez , guitarist John Guth and violinist Lewis Kahn Lewis Kahn
. There are some terrific mambo rhythms on Rolando Lozano's "Mambo Terrifico" and the light texture of "Cachita" before the set winds down on the very infectious "Tomando Café," a sensational finale that features trumpeter Richie Viruet, Kahn on trombone and the leader on piano and flute, capping off an exciting and gyrating Latin-style musical treat.

Track Listing: Tanto Rogarte; Goza Nena; Tu Boquita Dulce Y Maravillosa; Alma Con Alma; Guaraguao (Red Tailed Hawk); My One & Only Love; La Playa; Mambo Terrifico; Cachita; Tomando Cafe.

Personnel: Carlos Jimenez: flute, vocals, piano (10); Edy Martinez: piano, vocals; Willie Cintron: bass; George Cintron: timbales; Juan Rodriguez: congas; Lewis Kahn: trombone, violin; Guillermo Jimenez: chekere, bongo; Peter Nater: trumpet (3, 4, 6); Richie Viruet: trumpet (10); John Guth: guitar (5, 8); Orlando Marlin: timbales (6); Guillermo Perez: Fender Rhodes (7), guitar (7), vocals (7); David Cruz: piano (8); Sonny Bravo: piano (7); Alfred Valdes, Jr.: Piano (2).

Record Label: Self Produced
Style: Contemporary/Smooth