Carlos Averhoff, Jr.: Together

Perhaps his best recording to date, Cuban-born tenor saxophonist Carlos Averhoff, Jr. presents the sparkling Together, a Latin jazz album capturing a range of Afro-Cuban rhythms from wild gyrating beats to emotional moments and including contemporary jazz elements emerging on such standards as Sam Rivers "Beatrice" and Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee." This is no ordinary album for Averhoff, Jr. and the title provides a clue. This is a special tribute project in which the saxophonist honors the memory of his late father, Latin jazz saxophonist and educator Carlos Averhoff, Sr. A recognized Latin jazz artist in his time, Averhoff, Sr. was considered an elite musician himself.

Averhoff, Jr. had planned for this album back in the summer of 2016 and wanted to ensure that some of the same players that performed with his father had the opportunity to perform. Aside from his core quartet, which includes pianist Jim Gasior, bassist Nestor Del Prado and drummer Reinier Guerra, the leader invited an all-star cast of musicians to take part and among the thirteen special guests are pianist Chucho Valdes, flautist Nestor Torres, violinist Federico Britos and drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez.

The ten and a half-minute original "Sequence" opens the eight-piece program with a light and beautiful foray from Valdes highlighted by the pianist's well-known quick-finger play before the percussive sounds of conga man Juan "Wickly" Nogueras and drummer Guerra drive the music, helping Averhoff, Jr, altoist German Velazco and trumpeter Juan Munguia turn this one into a keeper. Silvano Monasterios' "The Magician," and the title track provide additional impressive takes.

The saxophonist's last original, "Oriented Conga," features the percussive duo of Nogueras and "El Negro" Hernandez" leading the way on a turbulent piece where the leader's aggressive tenor voice defines the tune. The last two tracks are showcase tunes for Averhoff, Sr., offering his original "Not for Everybody," featuring his son on tenor, Cesar Lopez on the alto and the great Jim Gasior on piano.

The rendition of Parker's "Donna Lee" documents the senior Averhoff and son performing together on what would become the last studio appearance of the elder Averhoff in June of 2016. Averhoff, Sr. is heard in the opening briefly saying "let's go," in Spanish, a cue for bassist del Prado to weigh in on bass and start the music, as the elder saxophonist takes off on the soprano laying down a wonderful solo.

They say sometimes the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and that is certainly true in this case. Averhoff, Sr. was an outstanding musician and Jr. may be just as good or even better. A gifted composer and talented player, Averhoff, Jr. designs a masterful tribute from son to father. Though Together may be a homage to a loved one, it is also a dynamic Latin jazz experience.

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