Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez continues his path of combining together Cuban sounds and rhythms within the jazz idiom. This time around he takes a couple steps forward by going deep into the traditional folk sounds, and thereby including vocals by Esperanza Spalding and Pedrito Martinez on about half the tracks. The basic trio of Rodriguez, Henry Cole/dr-perc and Peter Slavov/b deliver some sauntering and sensuous evocations on classics, the enticing “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” and “Veinte Anos,” while the usually passionate and upbeat “Guantanamera” is filled with angular hues and dark dissonances. A folk festival with simmering soprano sax provided by Roman Filiu creates a street scene on “The Invasion Parade” while his alto fits into the jazz and folk fusion of the multi-directional “A Santa Barbara.” Spaldings bass and vocals on the playful “El Guije” is also filled with folk percussion, but Rodriguez doesn’t rest on the past, as he also mixes electronic on pieces such as the Hiromi-esque “Timberotbot.” Rodriguez has a clever way of making each song seem like you’re one a donkey ride through the mountains, with bumpy roads bringing you to inspirational panoramas just when you think you’re lost in the jungle. Another impressive outing.
Mack Avenue Jazz