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Alex Conde: Descarga for Bud
ByPianist Bud Powell may be even more revered as a pianist than Thelonious Monk; certainly his style was more widely emulated. But he is not as highly regarded as a composer, and Conde's program shines a welcome light on several lesser-known tunes, while also including more commonly played highlights such as "Parisian Thoroughfare," "Tempus Fugit" and "Celia." The arrangements re-imagine the songs underlaid with Latin dance rhythms, listed as subtitles in the track list.
For the core band, Conde is joined by percussionist John Santos, double bassist Jeff Chambers and drummer Colin Douglas (augmented by additional percussionist Sergio Martinez)a grouping similar to the Monk session. These arrangements benefit from an expanded ensemble on several tracks, beginning with trumpeter Mike Olmos on the opener "The Fruit," a sprightly tune not often played which benefits from the buleria rhythm. Guitarist Jose Luis de la Paz amplifies the flamenco feel on "Oblivion," and adds even more to "Parisian Thoroughfare" with two overdubbed guitars and a solo. Jeff Narell's steel pan contributes a unique color to "Wall," which is given an appropriate Calypso treatment.
Above all else, there is a powerful synthesis between Conde's flamenco-influenced arrangements and Powell's foundational bebop language. It is bebop and flamenco, and has an energy all of its own. Flamenco and bebop fans should both take note.
Track Listing
The Fruit (Bulería); Oblivion (Tangos); Bouncing with Bud (Alegría); Dusk in Saudi (Soleá); Wail (Calypso); Parisian Thoroughfare (Bulería al golpe); Hallucinations (Latin/Jazz); Tempus Fugit (Rumba); Celia (Bulería).
Personnel
Alex Conde
pianoJohn Santos
percussionJeff Chambers
bass, acousticSergio Martinez
percussionMike Olmos
trumpetJeff Narell
percussionJose Luis de la Paz
guitar, acousticAdditional Instrumentation
Alex Conde: piano/arrangements; John Santos: congas, bongos (2, 5, 7, 8); Jeff Chambers: double bass; Sergio Martínez: cajon, djembe (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 9); Mike Olmos: trumpet (1, 8); Jeff Narell: steel pan (5); Jose Luis de la Paz: guitar (2, 6).
Album information
Title: Descarga for Bud | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Sedajazz Records