The subtext of guitarist Steve Khan’s latest release is stated to be in “Azul,” or blue, but by the sounds of the music here, real subtitle is “salsa.” The team of Khan with Ruben Rodriguez/b, Dennis Chambers/dr, Mrc Quinones/timb-perc and Bobby Allende/cong-bongo put simmering caliente flavors on bop pieces like Monk’s “Hackensack”, Fredeie hubbards’ Baraka Sasa” and Wayne Shorter’s “Infant Eyes” that mix Khan’s flawless yet emotional picking with sizzling rhythms and even a dash of orchestrations on a number of the tunes. Who’d think that Ornette Coleman could get you on the dance floor with a partner? Well, with guest Randy Brecker’s trumpet, “Bird Food” is turned into a Latin lover. The pop ballad “Never Let Me Go” has a gentle steam coming off the plate, and Khan’s own “Bait and Switch” closes the session with a sensuous saunter. Lots to linger with here.
Tone Center Records