Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Cal State Sacramento Latin Jazz Ensemble: Con Sentimiento

182

Cal State Sacramento Latin Jazz Ensemble: Con Sentimiento

By

Sign in to view read count
Cal State Sacramento Latin Jazz Ensemble: Con Sentimiento
I've always been fond of Latin music but have often been turned off because so much of it is vocal. No such problem here; everything is instrumental, and even though most of the guys in Cal State University Sacramento's Latin Jazz Ensemble are Anglo, their rhythmic awareness invests the music with an authenticity reminiscent of the most seasoned groups from south of the border.

In other words, they play Latin the way it is meant to be played, choosing the proper tempos and letting the melodies and harmonies flow naturally and speak for themselves. Much depends, of course, on the rhythm section, and the CSUS ensemble has a good one, with Andro Rios (bongos, percussion), Esteban Varelas (congas, percussion) and Tyler Blanton (vibes, timbales, percussion) reinforcing the core group—pianist Matt McFarland, bassist Matt Robinson and drummer Mike Johnston. Dominic Garcia (timbales) sits in on "Song for Chano."?

The front line isn't bad either, with director Steve Roach on trumpet alongside alto Jon Hoops, tenor Aaron Thurman, baritone Cory Cunningham and trombonist Chris Cook. Solos are relatively brief but nonetheless meaty. Album details are sparse, and no composer/arranger credits are given. The opening number, "Chucho,"? was presumably written as a tribute to pianist Chucho Valdes, "Song for Chano"? for the great percussionist Chano Pozo. I can't identify all of the various rhythms by name, but there is a cheerful "Midnight Mambo,"? and the session closes with a vigorous "Cha-Cha-Cha."?

The CSUS ensemble has a clear respect for the Latin tradition and plays the music, as the album's title suggests, Con Sentimiento. Best of all, there are no vocals. The recorded sound, it must be noted, is nothing to applaud, nor is the 42:24 playing time.

Track Listing

Chucho; Linda Chicana; Dance of Denial; Varadero Blues; Midnight Mambo; Song for Chano; Cha-Cha-Cha (42:24).

Personnel

Steve Roach, director, trumpet; Aaron Thurman, tenor sax; Jon Hoops, alto sax; Cory Cunningham, trombone; Chris Cook, baritone sax; Andro Rios, bongos, percussion; Esteban Varelas, congas, percussion; Tyler Blanton, vibes, timbales, percussion; Dominic Garcia (6), timbales; Matt McFarland, piano; Matt Robinson, bass; Mike Johnston, drums.

Album information

Title: Con Sentimiento | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Unknown label

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.