Tradition and Style

Caribbean Jazz Project
Paraiso
Concord Records

Latin Jazz / Afro-Cuban / Caribbean Jazz are all titles that may be used for describing the melding of sophisticated Jazz melodies and improvisation with Latin rhythms. The hybrid of the best of Jazz and Latin that has become more commonly known as "Latin Jazz" has brought forth some highly noted collaboration over the years. Such pioneers as Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Eddie Cano, Poncho Sanchez and so many more have helped the growth and development of the sounds of Latin Jazz. Their contributions and the efforts of so many others have made Latin Jazz the popular and sophisticated genre it is today.

Another group that is adding and certainly providing their own unique contribution to the world of Latin Jazz is the Caribbean Jazz Project. The three main principles are Dave Valentin (flute), Steve Kahn (guitar), Dave Samuels (vibes & marimba) are all outstanding musicians of their respective instruments and leaders of their own groups. In this new recording you will hear the essence of their love for Latin music and its strong association with Jazz. The interaction and ability of these three talents to come together and play this style is truly amazing. The sound that they have created is out of hard work, dedication and respect for the music's rich tradition.

I personally fell in love with this recording from the first time I played it. It is by far thee best recording the Caribbean Jazz Project has turned out to date. Dave Samuels originally formed the band in 1995 with Paquito DíRivera (Sax) and Andy Narrell (Steel Pans), since then the group was reformed over a year ago and artistically has to be the strongest. This recording Paraiso marks the second with this trio. Their first effort on Concord was released early in 2000 and was titles New Horizons. The CD also featured such notable sidemen as Richie Flores (Percussion) and John Benitez (Bass). The CD was widely acclaimed and featured some signature originals as "Descarga Canelon" and "Charanga Si Si."

This new recording draws from the energy and artistic creativity these talented musicians posses and they have added some special touches by inviting the likes of Poncho Sanchez (Congas), Conrad Herwig (Trombone) and the top notch Ray Vega (flugel horn). Having these stellar standout musicians along for the ride adds the right punch to the effort and makes this one a must have!

Joining the CJP on this exciting new recording are newcomer Dafnis Prieto on timbales and drums, Ruben Rodriguez on bass, Luisito Quintero on timbales and percussion and the always steady and exciting Richie Flores on Congas.

The tunes that I especially dug were the renditions of "Naima" done as a nice Cha-Cha with soft Jazz touches, "El Tacano", "Jamboree" a Dave Samuels original, and the upbeat "Ca-ni-moî with its touches of "Hong Kong Mambo" ala Tito Puente.

All the tunes have much to offer and will satisfy both the Latin and Jazz music aficionado.

Stellar musicianship and style makes this recording Paraiso one tasty treat.

For more information at www.concordrecords.com

By Erik Chico Manqueros
Host & Producer of The Latin Style of Jazz and Contributing writer
Latin Style Magazine, LatinJazzClub.com

Courtesy of LatinJazzClub™