Peruvian trumpeter/composer Gabrielo Alegria got his tutelage from the likes of bobby Shew and Bill Watrous, and has used his learning well. This disc has him with an impressive sextet that has as its mission to produce “Afro-Peruvian Music For The World.” This team of Alegria with Laura Andrea Leguia/sax/voc, Yura/g, Freddy Lobaton/perc, John Benitez/b, and Hugo Alcazar-Shirazette Tinnin/dr puts together a baker’s dozen of originals as well as a lovely and lilting take of “Moon River.” The originals meld percolating percussion which serve as a caressing foundation for Alegria’s warm horn and Leguia’s breath alto and tenor. A couple tunes like “Capicua” and “Junio Y Garua” feature some soaring soprano sax work as well, and also displays the rhythm section’s ability to drive in 5th or playful shift into a lower gear to maneuver the corners. Alegria’s horn can bop with the best on “El Primer Final,” while some heated percussion and bass work charges forward on “A Lima Llego El Tondero.” Accessible and exciting, and never loses focus.
Saponegro Records