Negroni's Trio: On The Way

Live recordings, when properly produced, have a way of capturing the vitality and sense of urgency in the performance. The musicians are keenly aware that there will be one take only, so concentration and focus are at an optimum level. Negroni's Trio's On The Way was recorded live at Miami-Dade College, demonstrating the veracity upon which this group thrives when the pressure is on.

Pianist José Negroni and his son, drummer Nomar, are as much in sync musically as two people can be, as if they are each an extension of the other—which, in a sense, they are. With bassist Josh Allen anchoring the bottom, they are also augmented by sax master Ed Calle, possibly the most sought after and recorded horn man in Miami. The Negronis' approach emerges as one of constant tempo and mood changes within the same song, with elements of surprise and risks beyond what might be expected. José Negroni is adept at utilizing his knowledge of boleros, danzas, tangos, paso dobles, and montunos, and has an original swinging Latin style with compound chords setting up his melody and improvised soloing. Nomar Negroni intuitively defines the desired pace yet is very much a modern drummer who adds unique fills and embellishments. The songs featuring Calle are arranged with intensifying intros, leading to spaciousness for stretching out, but always with a smooth return to the melody.

Brimming with the South American overtones in which the Negronis and Calle are right at home, this music is a lesson in just how far Latin jazz has progressed, and where it is going. On The Way is aptly named, representing Negroni's Trio's sense of fresh directions and exploration, continually evolving its hybrid music—and all in one take.