Ignacio Berroa Trio Straight Ahead From Havana

Ignacio Berroa Trio
Straight Ahead From Havana
Codes Drum Music

The organizing principle of drummer Ignacio Berroa is taking standards from the Cuban repertoire and reimagining them in a straight ahead jazz context. On this recording he is joined by pianist Martin Bejerano and bassist Josh Allen (Lowell Ringel substitutes on two of the ten songs) with Conrado "Coky' Garcia adding percussion on two tracks and Ruben Blades takes the lead vocal on one.

The approach can be heard on the opening "Alma Con Alma" that some may be familiar with from Ray Barreto's recording which comes off like a solid hard bop number that allows one to approach Bejerano's considerable technique as well as strong post-Bud Powell playing on this with Allen and the leader terrific supporting his fiery playing here, followed by Allen's own brisk, cleanly articulated solo and Berroa's hot solo. One not knowing the nature of this session would simply find this to be superb bop piano. A similar musical imagination invests the treatment of "Le Tarde," into a medium tempo swinging number with Bejerano engaging the listener with his fluidity, touch and nuance. The rendition of the Afro-Cuban Children's lullaby, "Drume Negrita" (some will know from Celia Cruz), has a latin tinge with the leader's drumming accenting the relatively spare piano lead. Ruben Blades is heard on "Negro De Sociedad" which is performed in a more relaxed manner than the hot salsa fashion that is incorporated at the beginning and end here.

Other delights include the bouncy "Los Tres Golpes," with Garcia's percussion adding to the driving groove, the reflective "Si Me Pudieras Querer," and the dazzling, spirited "Me Recordaras," that closes this fabulous recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the July-August 2017 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 373). Here is the Ignacio Berroa Trio in performance.

Steve Turre's Bright Musical Rainbow

Trombonist Steve Turre’s latest album, Rainbow People, is his third under the HighNote imprint and brings the veteran together with pianist Mulgrew Miller and saxophonist Kenny Garrett with whom he performed together with in Woody Shaw’s Band, along with longtime Dizzy Gillespie drummer, Ignacio Berroa (who played with Turre in the United Nation Orchestra); bassist Peter Washington and youngblood trumpeter, Sean Jones, who has toured with Turre. Percussionist Pedro Martinez, a guest here, has played in Turre’s Latin jazz Ensembles and in the Shell Choir.

Six of the nine performances are Turre originals, starting with the title track, a number that recalls some of the late Shaw’s marvelous compositions and opens with some warm trombone by the leader along with marvelous group playing throughout and a nice solo by Garrett. Turre’s tone is sublime, ranging from buttery smooth to a gruff blues bluster, and Turre’s rhythm section is wonderful throughout this date.

Turre is the sole horn on a tribute to Ray Charles, Brother Ray, with a bluesy flavor, followed the funky Groove Blues, with Garrett taking the first solo followed by Miller’s down-in-the alley piano. Midnight in Madrid, which also features trumpeter Jones, is a tone poem which conjures up thoughts of bullfighting and flamenco dancers. McCoy Tyner’s ballad, Search For Peace, may be a special highpoint in terms of not simply displaying Turre’s tone but his fertile musical mind.

Charlie Parker’s Segment, is crisply delivered bebop with crisp playing by him and Garrett. The closing Para el Comandante, is dedicated to Mario Rivera and is the only selection with all of the participants. This Latin jazz number sparkles with Garrett, Jones and Miller providing strong solos before Turre is heard on the shells.

Another excellent addition to Steve Turre’s body of recordings.

The review copy was likely provided by Jazz & Blues Report.