Here’s a sizzling disc lead by drummer Alex Garcia. All of the compositions are his own, and he leads a hard hitting team of Ole Mathisen/ss, Ariel De La Portilla/b and Mike Eckroth/key that mixes the best of Latin Jazz with a hint of Afro Cuban and fusion. Rich keyboard work by Eckroth is featured on the funky “Azul Infinito” while the percussion gets sizzling on “Coltranesque.” Mathisen’s soprano is clear and brilliant, floating over “Believe” and bounces over De La Portilla’s brilliant bouncing bass on “11:11 Spirit.” The cohesion of this team is almost telepathic, and Garcia uses every piece of the drum kit to make the music live. His cymbal work on “Los Andes” is a work of art, while he lays down the law on “Mistizaje.” You’re gonna love these guys!
AfroMantra Music