Jazz Articles about Poncho Sanchez

Poncho Sanchez: Out Of Sight

by Jim Santella
September 25, 2003

Latin jazz has its champion. Poncho Sanchez is one of those unique leaders who has never let the jazz go out of Latin jazz. From the lessons he learned from the remarkable examples set forth by Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria and other pioneers, Papa Gato, as he is affectionately called by those close to him, has carried the torch since he formed his own band in 1982. No one does it better.

This new release includes several other major influences ...

Poncho Sanchez: Latin Spirits

by Jim Santella
October 1, 2001

Like most of us, Poncho Sanchez appreciates all kinds of music. Passionate Latin dance mixes with crisp, modern mainstream jazz and earthy New Orleans blues on his latest album. Guests Chick Corea and Dale Spalding make a big impression. At opposite ends of the jazz spectrum, the two leaders express differently. While Corea charges straight ahead crisply and percussively, Spalding settles back with a loose southern hospitality. Both are quite effective at characterizing their own genres readily. One speaks the ...

Poncho Sanchez: Soul Of The Conga

by Jim Santella
October 1, 2000

Viva La Familia!

Poncho Sanchez’ Latin jazz band is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. And what a way to celebrate. With organist Joey DeFrancesco adding soulful sounds to the band’s vibrant program, this session smokes with deeply rooted traditions. There are the Hammond B-3 organ grooves with powerful horn solos alongside. Then, there’s the lovely two-part vocal harmony Sanchez and Tony Banda express from a simpler, rustic, cultural standpoint. And then there’s Terence Blanchard’s contribution on a timeless ballad. ...

Poncho Sanchez: Latin Soul

by Ed Kopp
December 1, 1999

It probably helps to understand Spanish when listening to Poncho Sanchez's jazzy brand of salsa, but it isn't imperative. Practically the only Spanish words I understand are “taco" and “tequila," but I've been grooving to this one for two weeks now.With its contrapunctual rhythms, driving piano and buoyant horns, Sanchez's Latin jazz holds universal appeal. Latin Soul is a kind of live retrospective album that traces Sanchez's 16-year relationship with Concord Picante. There's a palpable synergy between band ...

Poncho Sanchez: Latin Soul

by Jim Santella
December 1, 1999

When my wife and I go out dancing, it’s usually to the beat of this different drummer. You get into a groove with his saucy rhythms and relax while moving your body to the beat; but each time a hot soloist steps forward, it’s time to put your feet on autopilot and turn your attention to the improvised thrills. Poncho Sanchez has always featured hot soloists of the highest caliber in his band. Tony and Ramon Banda have been with ...

Poncho Sanchez: Afro-Cuban Fantasy

by Jack Bowers
December 1, 1998

If I’d been programming the latest rhythm–saturated release by master conguero Poncho Sanchez and his band, I would have led with the Jazzy mambo/samba “Sambroso” and followed with Dianne Reeves’ marvelous vocal on the ballad “Darn That Dream.” So much for criticism. Everything else here is beyond reproach, from the standards (“Willow Weep for Me,” “Close Your Eyes,” both refashioned as cha–chas) to gleaming originals by Clare Fischer, pianist David Torres and Sanchez/Torres, a traditional pachanga (“Guapacha,” with male chorus) ...

Poncho Sanchez: Freedom Sound

by Douglas Payne
November 1, 1997

Pleasant, competent and earnest Latin jazz, notable as a return to serious playing for Jazz Crusaders Wilton Felder (tenor) and Wayne Henderson (trombone)--but little else. In Freedom Sound, conga man Pancho Sanchez has structured a sort of seq uel to the Jazz Crusaders' excellent 1965 Latin jam, Chili Con Soul (Pacific Jazz). But this March 1997 session is missing the soulful groove the earlier album delivered in spicy spades. Sanchez utilizes the tenor-bone frontline, even on tracks th at don't ...