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Andy Narell: Fire In The Engine Room
Andy Narell is not a native of the Caribbean. Born in New York, he was introduced to the steel pan by his father at an early age. The CD includes two thorough biographical essays, 14 session photos featuring the album’s musicians, and, of course, the music. The session is arranged so that Narell remains at center stage, front, while brief solo sections are provided by piano, electric bass and guitar. The program contains bright spots, such as Louis Mhlanaga’s hot guitar solo on "Appreciation" and Dario Eskenazi’s delicious piano interlude on "Stutter Step." This final piece moves unpredictably, bringing in a significant sense of adventure. The remainder of the album, while providing enjoyable Caribbean dance music, features Narell’s steel pans in a lyrical rendering of smooth melodies and consonance.
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.
Track Listing
Chakalaka; Unusual Bird; Coffee Street; Blue Mazooka; The Long Way Back; Tabanca; Appreciation; Stutter Step.Collective
Personnel
Andy Narell
drums, steelAndy Narell- steel pans, piano, keyboards; Dario Eskenazi, Mario Canonge- piano; Louis Mhlanaga- electric guitar; Oscar Stagnaro, Keith Jones, Michel Alibo- electric bass; Mark Walker, Paul van Wageningen, Jean Philippe Fanfant- drums; Jesus Diaz, Luis Conte- congas, timbales, percussion.
Album information
Title: Fire In The Engine Room | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Heads Up International
About Andy Narell
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Andy Narell Concerts
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