Famed conguero Poncho Sanchez released two Smokin albums in the early 1980's "Bien Sabroso" and "Sonando" on the Concord Picante Record label. These two albums created a stir within the Latin Jazz community and solidified Poncho's place among the best of the genre. Having recorded two previous albums on the Discovery Label under the direction of Clare Fischer and having recorded with the great Cal Tjader on seven albums on Fantasy and Concord, Poncho is heard here  creating and sculpting his band as he puts it In his style.

Both of these gems have now been repackaged and re-released in this two CD set "Keeper of the Flame" complete with the original liner notes and credits. These recordings introduced the world to Poncho's potent brand of West Coast Latin Jazz and after 18 years without a doubt should be considered classics.

On Sonando you will hear Poncho and the boys tear it up with their renditions of Latin and Jazz staples. Tunes like "A Night in Tunisia", "The Summer Knows", "Almendra", "Cal's Pals" and the Pete Terrace classic Cha-Cha "Sonando", the title track. The tune features some fiery horn work accented by a great bongo solo by Luis Conte. Two other tunes that have become very familiar to fans of Poncho's music are "Este Son" sung by Jose Perico Hernandez and the melodic Peruchin Charlie Otwell tears it up on piano and plays a strong and vibrant style reminiscent to the tune's namesake, the great Pedro Justiz a.k.a. Peruchin who was an innovative Cuban Pianist who has been admired and respected for his beautiful recordings from the 1950's. This whole session features some great solos and phrasings that, I would call very hip stuff!

The Album "Bien Sabroso" features Poncho and the band interpreting more original material than the first one. This CD was actually a Grammy nominee and the CD opens with two magnificent tunes "Ahora" a tasty up-tempo Mambo and the title track "Bien Sabroso." The session also includes one the gorgeous boleros ever recorded "Nancy" that highlights the virtuosity of Steven Huffsteter on flugel horn. An extremely wonderful tune! Poncho and the band also create some musical magic with the tunes "Sin Timbal", "Keeper of The Flame", "Una Mas", "Half and Half", "Brisa" and the memorable Eddie Cano composition, "Ican." Trading eights on the tune are Dick Mitchell on Tenor and Steven Huffsteter on Trumpet.

These two albums (CDs) now are swinging and should hold a place among the best in Latin Jazz. I remember when these first came out and how everyone was talking about "that Pancho Sanchez." Well, it is good to see that he is now correctly called "Poncho" not Pancho and that he has inspired so many with his great blend of music. As you will hear on any Poncho recording you will hear the highest of quality. The quality of the music and the sound is what sets Poncho's band apart from the rest. He grew up listening to the masters and he himself has become one. He has been blessed with the talent for creating cool and driving Latin Jazz. Check out and enjoy the early sounds of "El Conguero."

For more information visit www.ponchosanchez.com and 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™