Debbie Spring: Tocamos

The violin has a long, distinguished history in jazz. From Joe Venuti, Stephane Grappelli, Ray Nance and Stuff Smith to Jean-Luc-Ponty et al, all have made the instrument at home in jazz. However, the violin's partner, the viola, is not. Miami-based violist, Debbie Spring has definitively secured her seat with Tocamos, which translates as "We Play." It is an outstanding mix of eight tracks of assorted, higher-energy, and textural grooves—straight- ahead, Latin, and Brazilian—all brilliantly presented by Spring, her unique 5-string viola, and a cadre of Miami's best players.

"Mockingbird" opens with an intro (and later an outro) of the real thing, before launching into a hauntingly beautiful theme, and keyboard and viola solos. "Fragile," from Sting's songbook (the only original on the album without Spring involvement) has Hal Roland's keys dancing Latin with Spring's lush melody and accompaniment. "Summer" is a lilting waltz with melodic statements which build over a fine rhythm groove before breaking into Roland's energized piano solo and a slick give-and-take with drummer Ettiene Fuentes, Jr. The title tune is presented twice, once in English and later in Spanish, both stated in sing-speak by Eddie "Oriente" Balzola. It is a rhythmic frenzy, fired up by an A-1 rhythm & percussion section and a killer Spring joyride. It is a highlight track.

Spring is an inventive, highly expressive musician whose obvious zest for the music she writes and plays here flows with joy, lyricism and, where applied, fire. With her viola's additional string, the sound of her axe is more a violin tessitura, but still all mellow and "vocal." Her solos, technically flawless and involving, soar. As a composer, she has a deft pen with a penchant for melodic lines which are vividly exciting to the senses.

"Bossa Minha" is just that, a lovely, laid-back Bossa from Spring and Heck with a flowing melody which is all Brazilian sway and Miami nice. Her strings vocalize gorgeously and guitarist Phill Fest brings a tasty ride to the track. The deeply romantic "Tango Y Mas" has all the heat of that genre before breaking into an up-tempo section featuring Howard Levy's harmonica, Spring's, and pianist Roland's fine solos. The rhythm section shines throughout and drives wholeheartedly. "Senegal," is an exotic 5/4 delight with deep Afro roots presented.

Tocamos is a superior album with great allure. It is superbly performed and stimulates the senses.