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Grupo Los Santos: Lo Que Somos Lo Que Sea
ByAt their CD release concert at New York's The Jazz Standard in January, 2008, they opened with "Boogie Down Broder," a tune by saxophonist Paul Carlon dedicated to the late salsa legend Juan Pablo Torres, who passed away in 2005. "Boogie is arguably the "hardest" track (both live and on disc) from a jazz point of view; both Carlon and guitarist Pete Smith improvising at the same time with the rhythm section keeping a firm beat behind them. Smith, on a 9-string acoustic instrument that serves as both guitar and bass, is clearly inspired both by Baden Powell and Charlie Byrd, while Carlon seems to channel Joe Henderson.
One of the highlights of the show was the album's opening track, "Rumba in the Bronx," a composition by drummer William "Beaver Bausch that features the tap talents of Max Pollak. On disc, Pollak's presence is only noticed during part of the tune, but his footwork on the track is nevertheless brilliant. Live, he stole the show by walking on stage singing an Afro-inspired chant and then performing solo. The group joined him four minutes later, playing a low-key but groovy rendition of the tune, keeping the dynamics low so as to hear Pollak better.
One of the most intriguing tracks on the disc is "Absurdities & Atrocities," an instrumental Bausch composition that stands out because of its Middle Eastern feel; live the composer added a vocal narration he called "The Red State Remix."
Though Grupo Los Santos' concept is not exactly original (many Americans have adapted Latin jazz to their own needs), they are energetic and committedwhen they play a choro like "A Dança dos Santos," it doesn't sound like they are trying to copy the genre; instead the various styles the group brings together makes for a refreshing listening experience.
Track Listing
Rumba in the Bronx; A Danca Dos Santos; Happified; Clave 66; Absurdities and Atrocities; Manna; Guajira Santa; Boogie Down Broder; Toreja Kulo; Pedrito La Vaca
Personnel
Grupo Los Santos
band / ensemble / orchestraPete Smith
guitarWilliam Bausch
drumsDavid Ambrosio
bassPaul Carlon
saxophone, tenorMax Pollak
percussionAlbum information
Title: Lo Que Somos Lo Que Sea | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Deep Tone Records
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About Grupo Los Santos
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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