José Rizo's Mongorama Mariposas Cantan

José Rizo's Mongorama
Mariposas Cantan
Saungu Records

Popular Los Angeles DeeJay José Rizo founded Mongorama in 2011, a nonet inspired by the great conga master Mongo Santamaria's early 1960s band. This album is the group's third album under the musical direction of flutist Danilo Lozano. The personnel on this recording are Justo Almario (tenor sax, flute); Danilo Lozano (flute, musical director); Ramon Banda (timbales); Dayren Santamaria (violin); Joey De Leon (congas); James Zavaleta (lead vocals); Joe Rotondi (piano); Alfredo Ortiz (guiro, bongo, bell, chekere, vocals); George Ortiz (timbales); and Ross Schodek (bass). Darynn Dean, Yoshigei Rizo, and Alexis De La Rocha are guest vocalists. Francisco Torres plays trombone on one selection, wrote nine of the arrangements, and co-wrote five compositions with Rizo. This album includes the final recordings of Ramon Banda, who is considered one of the greatest of timbales players.

"Mariposas Cantan" is an exhilarating recording for Latin Jazz fans. I point to "Mongorama," a Santamaria composition that provided this group its name. Besides the spirited ensemble playing, there is a section where the percussionists are featured playing over a piano vamp. On his solo, Banda scorches the groove on timbales. There is so much to enjoy from all the players. I was especially impressed by Dayren Santamaria's violin playing, whether as part of the horn ensembles or taking his terrific, soaring solos such as on the opening track, Cal Tjader's "Mambo Minduro." Almario's tenor sax impresses throughout, including his solo on the Rizo/Torres original "Mariposas Cantan" with James Zavaleta's vocal.

Danilo Lozano is featured on flute on "Helen of Jazz." He is also one of the soloists on his ebullient original "Fiesta de Charangueros." Alfredo Ortiz takes the lead on this spicy number that also spotlights violinist Santamaria, pianist Joe Rotondi, and George Ortiz on timbales. Other notable selections include a relaxed "Watermelon Man," harking back to Mongo Santamaria's classic hit recording of the Herbie Hancock composition. Joe Rotondi on piano and Joey De Leon on congas take first-rate solos. It is Justin Almara's tenor sax solo that especially shines here.

There is plenty of tropical heat on "Descarga Ramon Banda," which is Ruiz and Torres' celebration of their 'musical brother," with Rotondi exquisite on his solo. At the same time, Francisco Torres plays some fiery trombone, and Zavaleta leads the impassioned vocals. "East L.A. Meets Napa" honors an annual event that features "the amazing wines made by the hard-working Mexican-American winemakers." The exhilarating ensemble supports the exuberant singing and Lozano's floating flute. It closes this superlative recording. One should check one's pulse if one isn't at least tapping one's feet, listening to this outstanding recording.

I received my review copy a publicist. Here is Mongorama performing with special guest Hubert Laws.