Poncho Sanchez: Latin Spirits

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 clearly-defined language of modern jazz, while the other comes from a laid back New Orleans arrangement. All the while, they're accompanied gently with Latin jazz support by the Sanchez band. This band has been together long enough that their sound gels with easy cohesion. Each band member knows what the others are up to. Their sound has become deeper and more interesting. Scott Martin is using the baritone sax more these days, with a firm grasp of the instrument's power. It colors dance and party music with a liberal paintbrush, while providing a familiar mainstream jazz palette. Sanchez's themed album combines Latin spirits with jazz roots, and he's always done that better than just about anyone else. He's carrying on the tradition, while helping to bring unity to Latin jazz. Place this latest Sanchez gem at the top of this year's "ten best" list.