CELaudio Systems

The world’s top Latin jazz ensemble comes roaring back with this exciting new release, which finds them going back to their roots with excellent new treatments of jazz and Latin jazz classics, such as Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island,” Freddie Hubbard’s “Crisis” and a medley of classics from Willie Bobo. Also features a pair of brand new originals written especially for this album.

Ever since he led his first record date in 1982, Poncho Sanchez has headed one of the most popular and influential Latin jazz bands around. The youngest of 11 children, Sanchez taught himself to play guitar, flute, drums, and timbales before settling on the congas. After a period playing with local bands, he joined Cal Tjader’s band in 1975 and was an important part of Tjader’s pacesetting group until his idol’s death in 1982. Shortly after he formed his own band and has since recorded on a regular basis for Concord Picante. Sanchez’s group is very active, playing in clubs, concerts, and festivals. - Scott Yanow, AMG

Poncho Sánchez, a giant on the Latin jazz scene, has developed into something of an elder statesman on that scene, and this is his 24th album for the Concord label. Melding Latin music, jazz, salsa and a host of other influences, Sanchez plays congas with Andrew Synowiec on guitar, David Torres on keyboards; Javíer Vergara on saxophones, Ron Blake on trumpet and flugelhorn, Francisco Torres on trombone, Tony Banda on bass and vocals, George Ortiz on timbale; and Joey De León on percussion and vocals. The album starts strong, with a wonderful cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island” which keeps the beautiful melody intact while adding an extra layer of percussion and groove. “Psychedelic Blues” would seem to elude to some type of retro sixties style, but despite the name it is a fast paced and soulful performance that doesn’t sound at all dated. Francisco Torres makes the most of a very nice solo spot on “Silver’s Serenade” as do the rest of the horn section and David Torres who works a Latin feel into Horace Silver’s great funky composition. Most of this album works quite well and should appeal to fans of Latin jazz as well as mainstream jazz. Some of the vocals seemed a little cheesy to me at times, but that is a small quibble on what is otherwise a pretty successful album. Released yesterday, 29th September 2009, under Concord Picante Records.

Exclusive First Listen to Poncho Sanchez, hear the latin jazz hero’s new album, “Psychedelic Blues” in its entirety Here.

Format : Audio CD (September 29, 2009)
Original Release Date: September 15, 2009
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Concord Picante Records
Genre : Latin Jazz

Track List:
1. Cantaloupe Island
2. Crisis
3. Psychedelic Blues
4. Willie Bobo Medley
5. Grand Central
6. Slowly But Surely
7. Silver's Serenade
8. The One Ways
9. Delifonse
10.Con Sabor Latino

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