Poncho Sanchez: Latin Soul

Keeping the tradition alive, Sanchez sings the lead vocal on half the session and has his band sing coro to back him up. "Ven Pa Baillar" and "El Conguero" represent particularly well-done vocal arrangements. Trumpeter Sal Cracchiolo’s high brassy interlude lights up the latter with impressive strength. "Ven Pa Baillar" and "Watermelon Man" feature exciting alto saxophone and trombone solos, however, Francisco Torres has his best opportunity on Willie Bobo’s "Lisa." The traditional "Guaripumpe" folds in a lively charanga-like flute solo way up in the piccolo range. The three horns light up simultaneously as they trade fours on Eddie Cano’s "Ican" and again on "Mama Guela" after Scott Martin switches from baritone sax to alto. Sanchez "speaks out" through his three congas effectively throughout the program, getting his strongest surge on "Lisa." Performed before live audiences in Los Angeles and Oakland, California, Latin Soul serves as an overview of this band’s 16 years with the Concord label, a reflection of earlier affiliations with Cal Tjader and Clare Fischer, and a crystal ball image of many more years to come.

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