The Spanish Harlem Orchestra The Latin Jazz Project

The Spanish Harlem Orchestra
The Latin Jazz Project
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The Grammy® Award-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra's latest project is their first full Latin Jazz project by the ensemble is considered today's premier salsa ensemble. Oscar Hernández, the leader of the SHO, has himself released two acclaimed Latin jazz albums. The Latin Jazz Project presents a new side to the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Co-producer and trombonist Doug Beavers says: "…we really wanted to present SHO in a different light with this project- that of a world-class ensemble that can go toe-to-toe with any renowned jazz ensemble or jazz orchestra in the world."

The band on this recording includes Hernández on piano; Marco Bermúdez, Carlos Cascante, and Jeremy Bosch (who also plays flute) on vocals; Héctor Cólon, Manuel 'Maneco' Ruiz, and Jonathan Powell on trumpet and fluegelhorn; Doug Beavers and Noah Bless on trombone; Jorge Castro on baritone sax; Liusito Quintero on timbales, shekere, shakers, and chimes; George Delgado on congas; Jorge González on bongos; and Geraldo 'Jerry' Madera on bass. Mitchell Frohman plays baritone sax on one selection.

SHO has included jazz artists on its prior recordings, including Chick Corea, Joe Lovano, and Randy Brecker. There is an impressive group of jazz giants on this date, including Miguel Zenón, Kurt Elling, Bob Mintzer, Bob Franceschini, Tom Harrell, Jimmy Haslip, Dave Liebman, Jonathan Powell, Michael Rodrigeuz, and Joe Locke that contribute to the performances here.

Of the prior SHO recording "Anniversary," I wrote that "the Spanish Harlem Orchestra dazzles throughout with their vibrant music that will thrill dancers and listeners on a terrific recording." Indeed much can be said about the strong and varied performances here. Hernández contributed seven of the eleven tracks on this album that are melodically and rhythmically captivating. His "Ritmo Di Mi Gente" opens and showcases Bosch's flute and his piano along with the volcanic percussion section. Marty Sheller composed and arranged "Bobo," a tribute to the great Willie Bobo, which is a feature for Bob Mintzer's brawny tenor sax.

Doug Beavers arranged the jazz standard "Invitation." Doug Beavers' arrangement is taken at a tad too quick a tempo for Kurt Elling's vocal. It is not a bad vocal, but one suspects that it would have been more convincing if it had been played slightly slower. Miguel Zenón's alto sax ably negotiates this pace on alto sax. Hernández's "Las Palmas" sounds like a Latinized rendition of a TV theme with its memorable melody. This track is a feature for Tom Harrell's lyrical trumpet. One of Hernández's most beautiful compositions on this album is "Silent Prayers," with Jimmy Haslip's rhythmically intriguing electric bass solo, Jeremy Bosch's lovely flute, and David Liebman's serpentine soprano sax solo.

Gene Amato crafted the arrangement for Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight." The lively performance is taken at a quicker tempo than usual and showcasing Jonathan Powell's fiery trumpet solo. Bosch's flute and vibes master Joe Locke charm on "Latin Perspective." SHO showcases its explosive salsa roots on "Descarga De Jazz," the only selection with vocalists along with Mitchell Frohman's raucous baritone sax solo. It caps another outstanding recording from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra with memorable compositions, terrific arrangements, first-rate ensemble work, and excellent solos.

I am not sure if I purchased this or received it from a publicist. Here is "Ritmo Di Mi Gente" from this recording.