Think you’ve heard the Ellington/Strayhorn Songbook done every possible way? THINK AGAIN!
Paul Carlon puts a latin arrangement on a Decalogue of Strayhorn tunes, and with saxes and flutes in tow, leads a cooking band that includes a popping brass section as well as a ritmo team that simply won’t quit. A timbale driven “Johnny Come Lately” has vocalists Christelle Durandy and Pedrito Martinez singing in Spanish about “Juanito” before letting the band start popping the clutch and hitting the road. A reading of “Chelsea Bridge” crosses back and forth between Carlon’s contemplative flute and sauntering grooves provided by John Stenger/p, Dave Ambrosio/b and William Bausch/dr. Wonderful harmonies are on display on “After All” while “’A’ Train” fills the tracks with rollicking percussion. Carlon’s tenor is as thick as a bean and cheese burrito on the surprisingly sizzling “Passion Flower” while “Day Dream” may raise a few eyebrows with it’s assertive Son motif. A risk taking disc that works wonderfully.
Zoho Records
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