Michael Eckroth Group: Human Geography

Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Micael Eckroth follows up his highly acclaimed Plena (Truth Revolution Records, 2021) with the vibrant and robust Human Geography, melding the sounds of contemporary jazz with elements of Afro-Caribbean music while exploring his affinity for the Latin sound and "paying homage to the culture of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the vast amalgam that comprise jazz." An Assistant Professor of music, jazz piano at Florida International University, Eckroth's geographical location in the diverse Anglo and mixed Hispanic community of Greater Miami-Dade County, has made him a perfect proponent of the Latin jazz genre.

Except for the cover tune "Little B's Poem," from Bobby Hutcherson, the repertoire is comprised of all original music recorded with a cast of nine players performing on different tracks and not as an ensemble. Among the musicians here are Mauricio Herrera on percussion, Joel Mateo on drums, Alex Norris on trumpet, Edward Perez on bass and Peter Brainin on tenor saxophone. featured on separate tracks are two other bassists, another percussionist and trumpeter all helping to produce a variety of Latin rhythms.

The title track opens the music featuring trumpeter Matt Hilgenburg, bassist Alex "Apolo" Ayala and Brainin soloing on the tenor with heavy percussions including Carlos Maldonado on a swinging perky Afro-Latin burner. The leader is pronounced with delicious key work and spritely solos accompanied by Brainin's voice on the following "Little B's Poem," as the percussive sounds take over on the exciting "Freedom in Precision" with Eckroth delivering more sensational finger play on the piano.

The group enters into mellow territory on the slightly dark "Kachina" featuring Raul Reyes on a delicate bass solo with Eckroth on keyboards followed by the riveting Latin beats of "New Bomba" showcasing bright moments from Hilgenburg and Brainin on the horns in another burning number. "In 15" and "Funk Gets It" are two contrasting sounds ranging from a slower ballad to an upbeat Latin flair highlighting the varied elements of the genre.

Perhaps a tip of the hat to the late great jazz pianist in the Afro-Cuban jazz mode "Hilton" is a brief but sparkling tribute to Hilton Ruiz and without question one of the finest pieces of the session. "Ballad in Three" is a beautiful slow light ballad performed by the trio of Eckroth, Mateo, bassist Perez. It is another highlight.. The percussive Latin rhythms come to a close on the spicy finale "New Year's Day" featuring the leader on the keyboards once again as the music rumbles through and ends powerfully.

The Michael Eckroth Group presents an inviting Latin jazz sound on Human Geography delivering a splendid package of Afro-Caribbean music that, as aptly stated in the promotional one sheet, "itself is not a distilled version of any single tradition but is instead defined by the location, people, and musical histories."