The John Santos Quintet: Papa Mambo

The Quintet demonstrates a creative spirit and high-level musicianship on several arrangements. The band takes the popular song "Guararé back to its Changüi roots, creating a perfect feature for Orestes Vilató's bongo skills. As the momentum builds, flautist John Calloway and trumpet player Ray Vega trade lively improvised lines. The band provides a powerful drive to Vega's "Second Wind, supporting the subtle melody with a firm rhythm section. Pianist Marco Diaz storms through a fiery improvisation, leading into Vilató's inspired timbale solo. The band brings a personal passion to each of these interpretations, displaying a wide musical knowledge.

Several quintet members also contribute original compositions. Bassist Saul Sierra's descarga, "Tercer Grado, contains a syncopated structure and lots of improvisatory space. The composer recalls Cuban bassist Cachao on his extended solo, while Santos brings a defined musical voice to his conga feature. Diaz pays tribute to a variety of influential Latin pianists with his "Raices al Cielo. An elegant melody leads into intensive solos from Calloway and Vilató. Santos' introspective "Duermete makes a highly personal statement over a Puerto Rican yubá cuartiao rhythm. Vocalist Maria Márquez carries a sincere spirituality in her voice, complemented by a large chorus. The group's strong songwriting skills form the foundation for a unique ensemble voice.

Many tracks utilize additional musicians, bringing a further depth to the album's overall sound. Santaria rhythms form the foundation for the group's tribute to Cachao on "Papa Mambo. Vocalist Jerry Medina provides strong clarity to the song, while Vega's muted trumpet explores the song's harmonic territory. Sierra's distinct bass groove opens the rumba, "Para Que Niegas, giving way to a delicate vocal from Orlando Torriente. After an extended trumpet statement from Vega, Torriente demonstrates his power as an improviser until Santos ends the song with a fiery conga solo. These musicians support the quintet, and allow them to apply their creative tools on a larger scale.

Santos' quintet maintains a high standard on Papa Mambo, exploring new possibilities while focusing on a sharply defined musical vision. The band's songwriters respect the music's history, while integrating their own creative voices. The core quintet approaches the combination of past and present with both reverence and daring, which evolves into a highly individual statement. The additional musicians never deviate from the tone set by the quintet, but instead solidify their concept. This album may represent the start of a new journey for Santos, but it promises a rich future with an exciting destination ahead.