Jazz Articles

Johnny Blas: Indestructible Spirit

by Chris M. Slawecki
February 15, 2008

"This album differs in style, it has more of a funky jazz beat with a twist of Latin, suggests Johnny Blas. “Kind of a throwback to the '70s sound. Indestructible Spirit also represents rebirth for Latin percussionist Blas, who leads a brand new band and even performs on saxophone.

“Oaklands Mambo opens the set up bright and tight, a nicely loping Latin instrumental groove with trombones and other horns blowing like a blast furnace, while percussion drives the ...

Francisco Aguabella: Ochimini

by Russ Musto
March 18, 2004

Master percussionist Francisco Aguabella has still not achieved the fame his extensive resume would seem to merit. The great conguero has played jazz with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson and Bobby Hutcherson; Latin with Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and Mongo Santamaria; rock with Santana, Malo and The Doors; and pop with Paul Simon—but he is still unjustly unknown to most fans of any of these genres. Ochimini finds Aguabella in his perhaps best-fitting role, fronting a hot Latin jazz ensemble comprised ...

Francisco Aguabella: Ochimini

by Chris M. Slawecki
February 19, 2004

Aguabella has worn the mantle of Afro-Cuban percussion royalty for about half a century since he arrived in New York City from Matanzas, Cuba, in the late 1950s. Among the first generation of Afro-Cuban percussionists who emigrated to the States, his legend stands from his work inside and outside Latin jazz spheres: He has worked with Tjader and Machito and Eddie Palmieri, and with Carlos Santana; he’s worked with Gillespie and Nancy Wilson, with Weather Report, and Frank Sinatra, too. ...

Papo Vasquez: Carnival in San Juan

by Terrell Kent Holmes
February 17, 2004

Trombonist/composer/arranger Papo Vazquez, along with his group Pirates Troubadours, has just unleashed Carnival in San Juan, a multifaceted celebration which captures the spirit of its title. And the title cut is quite an opening statement. Vazquez’ solo bursts with rapid-fire phrases, and tenor man Willie Williams follows with a rollicking upper register attack. Pianist Arturo O’Farrill plays his solo at the same tempo but with the feelings of an observer, not a participant. The percussion of Horacio “El ...

Francisco Aguabella: Ochimini

by Jerry D'Souza
January 20, 2004

If age does not wither nor custom stale, then Francisco Aguabella drives the point home very well. Ochimini proves that he still has plenty of zest and fire which he pours into his music. Even in the quieter climes there is a slow simmer that brings in a cozy comfort. Aguabella leads the charge, and he has an exciting band that keeps the rhythm throbbing and places the solos at a level that deepens the lure.

Aguabella flies ...

Papo Vazquez Pirates Troubadours: Carnival In San Juan

by Jim Santella
December 3, 2003

This hot Latin treat is a steaminng portion of Afro-Caribbean jazz that reflects the specific cultural elements found in Puerto Rico. Trombonist Papo Vazquez wrote most of the selections and interprets them with a little help from some wildly enthusiastic friends.

Vazquez, Willie Williams, Arturo O’Farrill, John Benitez and Victor Jones form the core ensemble for much of the session. Together, they’re a unit with a cohesive mindset. One supports the other, as lyrical instrumental voices intertwine ...

Various Artists: Viva Cubop 3: The Essential Latin & Afro-Cuban Jazz Collection

by Chris M. Slawecki
October 11, 2003

This set layers thirteen tracks from the Cubop roster of Afro-Cuban masters past and present into a thick forest of steamy, sweltering percussion funk.

Timbalero Bobby Matos was the first artist the label signed and is represented by “Kimbisa” from his album Footprints. Matos also produced “Back to the Roots,” a reminder that the marimba is a percussion instrument too, from Peligroso, the second Cubop album by marimba player Dave Pike. A longtime veteran of the Latin groove, ...

Papo Vazquez / Pirates Troubadors: Carnival In San Juan

by Jerry D'Souza
October 8, 2003

From the melting pot of Latin jazz in all its vibrant, exhilarating colors comes the music of Angel “Papo” Vazquez. He weaves a vast mosaic, bringing into play an array of styles that dwell in bomba rhythms as well as in the waltz and the gentle ministrations of a delectable ballad.

Vazquez's control of phrasing and dynamics characterizes the structure of his songs. Adding to the impact is a band of top notch musicians and singers. In tandem ...

Various: Viva Cubop 3

by Jerry D'Souza
May 6, 2003

A rich lore of Latin jazz remains to be mined, and this collection offers a great lead-in. Cuban music takes off on different tangents, giving it a wide body encompassing a richness of sound, a munificence of rhythm and an abundance of emotion.

The collection here evokes these images. It gets off to a propulsive start with “Just Another Guajira,” embellished in the nicest way by the driving harmonic pulse of pianist Omar Sosa and a bass ...

Various Artists: Viva CuBop 3

by Jim Santella
April 2, 2003

As with most “best of” compilations, CuBop’s third features many exciting artists, each of whom can command entire sessions of their own. Michael Turre performs a fiery “Kimbisa” on flute with the band of Bobby Matos. Charles Owens soars eloquently over “My Favorite Things” with Francisco Aguabella’s ensemble. Marvin Horne’s laid-back guitar sings from the heart on a track taken from Caliente Con Soul by Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers.

The album provides a chance to ...